ExcelSim

A name with possibilities.

Separate the available seats from the expected bookings

Imagine an organiser considering three workshop sessions with twelve seats each. This fictional example produces thirty-six available seat places across those sessions. It is an arithmetic planning example, not a forecast of attendance. The worksheet below keeps inputs, calculation and interpretation separate so another person can review the scenario.

ExcelSim.com
Write the inputs and units before the formula — ExcelSimAvailable places, notpredicted bookings3Sessions12Seats each36Seat places×=Assumption: equal capacityin every sessionLabel inputs and units

01

Write the inputs and units before the formula

Create fields for session count and seats per session, then record where each number came from. In this example, three sessions and twelve seats are chosen assumptions. State that the seat limit is the same for every session; if rooms differ, list each session separately instead. Keep a dated note about any other constraint that could change the usable capacity. Empty information should remain visibly unresolved rather than being silently treated as zero. Include a short purpose line explaining that the sheet estimates available seat places across the planned sessions.

Show one calculation and label its result — ExcelSimAvailable places, notpredicted bookings3Sessions12Seats each36Seat places×=Assumption: equal capacityin every sessionExplain what the resultrepresents

02

Show one calculation and label its result

Multiply session count by seats per session: 3 × 12 = 36 seat places. Keep the formula separate from the editable inputs and label its unit next to the result. Seat places are not necessarily distinct people, because one person could attend more than one session. They are also not bookings or attendance. Add a plain-language calculation note so someone can understand the relationship without inspecting a formula bar. If a session has a different limit, use a sum of individual capacities instead of applying the equal-capacity formula to incompatible inputs.

Compare alternatives while keeping the assumptions visible — ExcelSimAvailable places, notpredicted bookings3Sessions12Seats each36Seat places×=Alternative: 4 × 12 = 48placesCompare one changedassumption

03

Compare alternatives while keeping the assumptions visible

Add a second scenario with four sessions and the same twelve seats, giving forty-eight seat places. Record that only session count changed; do not suggest that the extra capacity will be filled. A reusable comparison row can contain scenario name, sessions, seats, calculated places and unresolved constraints. Before using the worksheet, review formulas and inputs in the intended application and retain the review date. Save later revisions separately when assumptions change. The resulting record explains what was calculated and gives the organiser a place to document further information about staffing, room availability or demand.

excelsim.com

Explore ExcelSim

Held for potential development. Acquisition inquiries may be considered.

Domain inquiry ↗