No need for numeric optimization or even XL. Just algebra.

Suppose the cost is C. Suppose your percent commission is P. Suppose
the $ income from the commission is I. Then,

I=C*P/100.

That yields C=I*100/P.

So, if you want I to be $20 and P is 60%, C must be 20*100/60 = $33.33

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions

In article ,
says...
I have the cost of the product, the percentage of the commission I am paid on
the product and the dollar amount that I want to make in commission. Is
there a way for Excel to figure the "x" amount that will have to be added to
the cost, the sum of which when multilplied by 60% will give me a set amount
of $20.00?u.

Thank you for any help,.