Solvella

Mini guide 4 steps · 2 min

Switching from Excel: where everything is

Same tools, same words, same reports. In Excel they sit on the Data tab; in Google Sheets they're under Extensions.

Excel button → Solvella

In ExcelIn Google Sheets with Solvella
Data › What-If Analysis › Goal SeekExtensions › Solvella › Goal Seek... (opens as a panel on the right)
Data › SolverExtensions › Solvella › Solver...
Data › Data AnalysisExtensions › Solvella › Data Analysis...
Data › What-If Analysis › Scenario ManagerGoal Seek panel › More tab › Scenarios PRO
Solver › Load/SaveSave model in the Solver dialog. It's stored with the sheet and filled in next time.
Solver › OptionsOptions, next to Solving method
Answer and Sensitivity reportsThe same reports, each on a new tab
The small collapse button on a range boxThe small button at the end of each range box
File › Options › Add-ins › Analysis ToolPakNothing to switch on. Install Solvella once and it's in every spreadsheet.

  1. The Data tab buttons are under Extensions

    Click ExtensionsSolvella and pick Goal Seek, Solver or Data Analysis.

    The Extensions menu open with Solvella highlighted, and Solvella's submenu showing Goal Seek, Solver, Data Analysis, Account & upgrade and Help
    1 Extensions, 2 Solvella, 3 pick a tool.Enlarge

  2. The dialogs use Excel's words

    Set Objective, By Changing Variable Cells, Subject to the Constraints, Simplex LP, GRG Nonlinear: it's all where you'd expect. The Data Analysis tools have the same names and options as the ToolPak.

    Solvella's Solver Parameters dialog, with Excel's wording: Cell reference, Relation, Constraint, Solving method Simplex LP, Options and Reports
    The Solver dialog uses the same words as Excel's.Enlarge

  3. Pick ranges with the mouse

    Select cells in the sheet, then press 1 the small button at the end of a box. The address is filled in for you. You can also type addresses like B4:C4 or 'Sales 2026'!D10.

    A Solvella range box with the small select-range button at its right end
    The button at the end of each range box.Enlarge

  4. Reports open on new tabs

    1 Answer, Sensitivity and Data Analysis results each get their own tab at the bottom, laid out like Excel's.

    The sheet tabs at the bottom of Google Sheets, with Answer Report and Sensitivity Report tabs next to the Production plan tab
    Each report opens as a new tab at the bottom.Enlarge

What's different

  • Results are values, not live formulas. If your data changes, run the tool again.
  • Excel files need converting first. Add-ons only run in Google Sheets files: open the .xlsx and use FileSave as Google Sheets, or bring it in with FileImport.
  • Solver models don't carry over from Excel. Enter the objective, cells and limits once, press Save model, and they're kept with the sheet.
  • Not there yet: the Evolutionary method and the dif constraint. GRG Nonlinear with Multistart covers most of those models.