...the formula you suggested must always start in row 1...
...and using the formula in any other row will result in incorrect
calcuation.

Just some thoughts...
To avoid such an issue as you described, that technique is usually written
like this.

=5000/SUMPRODUCT(1.1^(ROW(INDIRECT("1:5"))-1))


... 1.1+1.1^2+1.1^3+1.1^4+1.1^5

However, such series have a closed form. Sounds like this was the issue you
were facing.
Do a Google search for " Geometric Series"
What you were looking for was something like this:
total = start * (Geometric Series)

Than, solve for start value.

You will recognize the Geometric Series formula in Excel's help under the PV
function.

--
HTH :)
Dana DeLouis
Windows XP & Excel 2007


"Shailendra Harri" wrote in
message ...
Dear BJ,

I have figured out that the formula you suggested must always start in row
1, since row A1 = 1 and using the formula in any other row will result in
incorrect calcuation.

Thank You for your assistance in this


"bj" wrote:

other than I added one too many ")" at the end of the formula in the
response
when I typed it
I am not sure why you get 147.30
I get 818.98 with the equation as printed minus the ")"
I can get 147.30 with
=5000/SUMPRODUCT(1.1^(ROW(A19:A23)-1))

the function is the same as 5000/(1.1+1.1^2+1.1^3+1.1^4+1.1^5)
since row(A1)=1 row(A2) =2 etc
so 1.1^(row(A1)-1)=1.1^(1-1)=1.1^(0)=1.1
and sumproduct was a convenient function to use for summing)

"Shailendra Harri" wrote:

Dear BJ,

Thank you for the prompt response, however your suggestion returns
first
payment 147.30 when the result should be 818.99. I think we on the
right
track here, but somehow the function is not 100% correct. Also it
seems you
have used some Algebra type formuals here which are a lot more simpler
than
what i have used. Can you please explain your logic so that i can
understand
this.
--
Thank you in advance


"bj" wrote:

assuming you want a ten percent increase each year based on that
years payment
to get the first payment
=5000/sumproduct(1.1^(row(A1:A5)-1)))
to get the second payment
=1.1* this cell
and so forth

"Shailendra Harri" wrote:

Does anyone know of a function that can provide the the starting
payment and
the subsequent payments thereafter to reach a total as defined.

Example:
Total payments must be 5000 over 5 years. The increase rate is 10%
every
year, so what will the starting payment be.

I have been able to figure this out using Algebra type mathematical
formula's in excel, however i believe there must be a function that
can very
easily achieve this more quickly. The field Total payments, no of
payments
and increase rate is known, while the unknown is the starting
payment and the
payments subsequent to that.
--
Thank you in advance
Shailendra Harri