How to Solve an Equation for X When Y is Given in Excel (2 Methods)

Method 1 – Use of Solver Feature

Enable Solver Feature

• Go to the File tab.

• Select Options.

• Click on Add-ins and select Go.

• Check the Solver Add-in and click OK.

• You’ll find the Solver feature under the Data tab.

Solving the Equation

• Suppose we have the equation: (Y = 2X + 7), and the Y value is 5.

• In cell D5, enter the formula:

• Go to the Data tab and click on Solver.

• In the Solver Parameters dialog, set the objective to cell $D$5 with a value of 5 (since Y = 5).
• Specify that cell $B$5 contains the X value.
• Uncheck Make Unconstrained Variables Non-Negative.
• Click Solve.

• A Solver Results dialog box will open like the image below.
• Click OK to Keep Solver Solution.

• The solved X value will appear in cell B5.

• You can repeat this process for different Y values.

Read More: How to Solve Algebraic Equations with Multiple Variables

Method 2 – Manual Solution

Equation Setup

• In cell C6, enter the equation with the Y value inserted.

• Simplify the equation manually and enter the simplified version in cell C7.

Calculate X

• In cell C8, enter the formula:

• Press Enter to calculate the X value.

Read More: How to Solve 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns in Excel

Things to Remember

• The Solver feature is quicker but automatic.
• Manual solving gives more flexibility but is time-consuming

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:

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