Ten optimisation test problems for Excel
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Vose Software, October 2026. https://www.vosesoftware.com/Articles/Optimizer-Test-Models.php

Each problem comes in three versions with the optimisation already set up:
  ModelRisk/    ModelRisk with the ModelRisk Optimizer
  AtRISK/       @RISK with RISKOptimizer
  CrystalBall/  Crystal Ball with OptQuest

Each workbook's Cover sheet describes the problem, its decisions, goal and limit.

The versions use the same formulas, inputs and limits. The saved settings use the same number of
Monte Carlo samples per trial, the same maximum number of trials and the same stopping rule.

How to compare optimisers
1. Install the tools on the same PC (ModelRisk trial: https://www.vosesoftware.com/Risk-In-Excel/Download-ModelRisk-trial.php).
2. Open each test model in a fresh Excel session with only one add-in loaded, and run its optimiser with the saved settings.
3. Note the time from starting the optimisation to getting the answer back, and the plan it returns.
4. Score the plan against the proven optimum in Scorecard.xlsx, where there is one. Check any probability limit with a
   larger simulation: a plan close to a limit can land on either side of it.

Scorecard.xlsx lists ModelRisk's result on our test PC for every problem, and the proven optimum for the
seven problems where we checked every possible plan. Your times will differ on another PC.

@RISK and RISKOptimizer are trademarks of Lumivero. Crystal Ball is a trademark of Oracle Corporation.
OptQuest is a trademark of OptTek Systems, Inc. Vose Software is not affiliated with any of them.
