How to use the Excel Solver

1. Prepare your spreadsheet model.
1. Enter data in matrix format.
2. For convenience, mark the cells which represent the decision variables.
3. Create the formulae for the left-hand sides of the constraints.
2. From the Tools tab select Solver.
3. Set target cell to the cell containing the objective function value.
4. Under "Equal to:" select "Max" for maximization problems, "Min" for minimization.
5. Set "By changing cells:" to the cells containing your decision variables.
6. Add constraints: set the appropriate cell ranges for the left- and right-hand side, and select <=, >= or =.
7. (optional) Go to "Options", check the box "Assume linear".
8. If all your variables are supposed to be non-negative, check "Assume non-negative". Otherwise add non-negativity as a constraint for the nonnegative variables.
9. (optional) Set "Tolerance" to 0.01%.
10. Click OK to exit Options, press Solve.