How To Easy Speadsheet Simulation---Simulation is really a proven Operations Research tool for modeling business strategies to achieve understanding, change, and improvement. Most robust simulation applications are pricey and require at minimum basic training offered by an expert. Companies that choose this investment also spend money on the time you will need to construct the models plus a learning curve for many levels of their organization. Hopefully, most businesses are reaping rewards through the investment in simulation, although not every simulation question wants a simulation model, particularly when none exists.


Most analysts should know about statistical distributions along with the “flaw of averages”. However, simulating data within a spreadsheet can take into account both of these without engaging in the underlying statistics.

Simple Spreadsheet Simulation Process:

Step 1: Enter the raw data right into a column within an Excel spreadsheet.

Step 2: Number the details from 1 towards the end of the details set in a very column on the left with the raw data.

Step 3: Make another column numbered 1 towards the # of “simulations” desired (1000 within the example).

Step 4: Use the Excel function =RANDBETWEEN(1,end of dataset) to create 1000 random numbers. Note that this function will recalculate for some other calculations. Copy-paste special-values on the random numbers generated to prevent this.

Step 5: Use the Excel function = VLOOKUP(random number, data columns, # of columns to dataset, false) to locate the information points inside the dataset that correspond to your random numbers generated.

Step 5 yields a column of 1000 “simulated” data points which can be more robust for analysis compared to original data – especially assuming that the information will be employed in any multi-step analysis. This new dataset is closer to representing a statistical distribution in the process the details came from.

The good thing about simulating actual data provides additional insight, information, and robustness. A simple two variable example is below, plus the uploaded picture is usually a graph on the example data. Finally, if you have interest inside the example Excel file, twenty-four hours a day submit a request via email (michellebickel@verizon.net).

Summary of Simple Spreadsheet Simulation Example Statistics:

VAR 1: Min = 2.0, Max = 7.0, Avg = 4.50

SIM VAR 1: Min = 2.0, Max = 7.0, Avg = 4.52

VAR 2: Min = 2.0, Max = 7.0, Avg = 3.76

SIM VAR 2: Min = 2.0, Max = 7.0, Avg = 3.75

VAR 1 + VAR 2: Min = 4.0, Max = 14.0, Avg = 8.26

SIM VAR 1 + SIM VAR 2: Min = 4.40, Max = 13.50, Avg = 8.27

VAR 2 * VAR 2: Min = 4.0, Max = 49.0, Avg = 16.92

SIM VAR 1 * SIM VAR 2: Min = 4.83, Max = 45.54, Avg = 16.93

The simulated data plus the actual data are statistically the identical, which is often a requirement for accuracy. What is done with the information; however, is when the difference is noted. For example, say someone planned using the maximums of your data sets. In the case of addition, they’re preparing for 0.5 more (minutes, dollars, etc.) units. In the case of multiplication, they’re over planning by 3.46 units. Keep in mind that it becomes an oversimplified example. Any realistic spreadsheet model may have many more variables and operations, making the robustness supplied by simulated data a whole lot more valuable.

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