Add any combination of cells to get a specific sum

[Jane01]

I have 100s of cells containing various numeric amounts. There is a specified amount I need to find, which will be the sum of any number of values - could be 2 values, could be 12.

For example I have the following data:

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

Let's say my target value is 150. Obviously there are several ways I could add these numbers to get 150. I need a formula that will combine various values to get my target number.

For the life of me, I can't figure out how to do this.

Thoughts?

 

[Oaktree]

Welcome to the board.

Do you want ALL of the combinations? Or just ONE solution?

If you want one solution, and the number of values will not exceed 16, you could use solver (tools --> solver... requires the solver add-in).

Define your your target cell = SUMPRODUCT(A1:A16,B1:B16) = to 150 or whatever by changing cells B1:B16 subject to the constraing that B1:B16 are binary.

Assuming solver can find a solution, solver will place a 1 next to the included values.

(See solver's help after clicking on options for more descriptions)

 

[PaddyD]

I posted a step-by-step guide to Oaktree's suggestion here:

http://www.mrexcel.com/board2/viewtopic.php?t=23107

...& take a look at Tushar's template:

http://www.tushar-mehta.com/excel/tips/template-set-match.html