OptWorks: Excel is a suite of non-gradient-based optimization tools for use within Microsoft Excel. Each driver component has a particular benefit or utility to different classes of problems. The individual drivers in the current release are:

• Genetic Algorithm (GA)
• AutoGA - a simplified GA for non-experienced users
• Simulated Annealing (SA)
• AutoSA - a simplified SA for non-experienced users
• Coordinate Pattern Search (with or without a Compass Search option)
• Grid Search
• Random Walk
• Random Search

The optimization algorithms in the OptWorks suite complement the built-in gradient-based optimizer in Excel (Solver), and are useful for a wide variety of complex optimization problems in which the design space may be non-smooth or discontinuous or in which some or all of the independent variables may be integers instead of continuous variables.

Once installed, the OptWorks control panel is available from the Excel® menu bar or tools menu, allowing easy access to the individual optimization algorithms. Each algorithm has several customizable settings and can be tailored to optimum performance on a variety of complex simulation problems. Built-in help is available, and several example files are provided. The results of the optimization can be saved to a new worksheet in Excel® for post-analysis review.

Purchasing Information


OptWorks: Excel can be purchased from Pi Blue's online store here.

The full version is available for immediate download via on-line purchase or as a boxed product with an installation CD and manual.

A problem size-limited academic version is available for current students, teachers, faculty, and staff for educational purposes here.

A reduced functionality 30-day demo is available for free download.

More Information


For more information, see our OptWorks Excel PDF flyer.