Monte Carlo

• Pro Edition Only
• Simple Monte-carlo calculation engine, written in VBA.
• You start by using distributions functions for the key variables in your spreadsheet (either Excels own or from the Simulation Modelling category of the Pro Edition). Whilst testing the model you may want to use BF's feature of using a 'predictable' (ie set) random number (RandOpt variable,eg. 0.5) so that your model doesn't have to always give random results.
• Then you choose a blank page in your workbook, give it an 'mcs_' name prefix (eg mcs_mysim), and on it fill in which variables you want reported on, and various simulation control parameters (the section marked 'INPUT' on the screenshot).
• You run the simulation from the BF menu, and the results are stored on the page where you specified the simulation.
• Averages, Variances and Percentiles are reported on that page as well (the section in the screenshot marked 'OUTPUT'). Its simple, there's no graphics (you do those yourself), just numbers.
• You can store any number of simulations ('mcs_' sheets in your workbooks) and run them all togther if you want.
• The system is quite adequate for most types of simulation and is quite transparent in use. It uses straightforward, unspecialised distribution functions in a very basic recalculation and data capture macro.