StatPakOpenSolver not working in Google Sheets? Use this Solver instead
Recent reviews of the OpenSolver add-on report that its menu no longer appears in Google Sheets. If it still works for you, keep using it. If it doesn't, StatPak Solver reads the same kind of model straight from your sheet.
Set up the model once
A Solver model is three things in your sheet: an objective cell with a formula, the variable cells that formula depends on, and constraints on cells. StatPak Solver uses the same terms as Excel's Solver dialog:
- Set objective: the cell to maximize, minimize or set to a value.
- By changing variable cells: the cells Solver may change.
- Subject to the constraints: rows such as
B5 <= 40,B2:B3 intfor whole numbers orC2:C8 binfor yes/no decisions.
Choose the method
Simplex LP solves linear models exactly, including integer and binary variables: production mixes, staffing, transportation and assignment problems. Nonlinear handles smooth models such as portfolio variance or price and demand curves. If you pick Simplex LP and the formulas are not linear, StatPak tells you instead of returning a wrong answer.
The Solver guide walks through a complete example with numbers.