Change how Solver finds solutions

Microsoft Office Excel 2003

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Change how Solver finds solutions

  1. On the Tools menu, click Solver.

    If the Solver command is not available on the Tools menu, you need to install the Solver add-in.

    Show How?

    1. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
    2. If the add-in you want to use is not listed in the Add-Ins available box, click Browse, and then locate the add-in.

    3. In the Add-Ins available box, select the check box next to the add-in you want to load, and then click OK.
    4. If necessary, follow the instructions in the setup program.
  2. In the Solver Parameters dialog box, click Options.
  3. In the Solver Options dialog box, set one or more of the following options:

    ShowSolution time and iterations

    1. In the Max Time box, type the number of seconds that you want to allow for the solution time.
    2. In the Iterations box, enter the maximum number of iterations that you want to allow.

    Note  If the solution process reaches the maximum time or number of iterations before Solver finds a solution, Solver displays the Show Trial Solution dialog box.

    ShowDegree of precision

    • In the Precision box, type the degree of precision that you want— the smaller the number, the higher the precision.

    ShowInteger tolerance

    • In the Tolerance box, type the percentage of error you want to allow in the solution.

    ShowDegree of convergence

    • In the Convergence box, type the amount of relative change you want to allow in the last five iterations before Solver stops with a solution— the smaller the number, the less relative change that is allowed.

    Note  You can use the Help button on the dialog box to get more information about other options.

  4. Click OK.
  5. In the Solver Parameters dialog box, click Solve or Close.