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Statistics

Monte Carlo Risk Simulation

Model uncertainty, explore possible outcomes, and quantify decision risk.

Use probability distributions to represent uncertain inputs, simulate thousands of scenarios, and estimate the likelihood of achieving a target.

Risk analysis Probability modelling Expert estimates Outcome driver analysis Browser-based No data upload required
All calculations are performed locally in your browser.

Why use this tool?

Decision Supported

Use this tool when a decision depends on uncertain values such as demand, cost, duration, lead time, or expert estimates.

What It Tells You

It estimates the distribution of possible outcomes, probability of meeting a target, percentile ranges, and the variables most related to the result.

Example Input

The default profit-risk example uses triangular price and cost estimates, normal demand uncertainty, and a fixed-cost range.

Sample Output Interpretation

The result explains target probability, median outcome, plausible range, main uncertainty driver, and whether target risk appears lower, moderate, or higher.

1. Choose Model

Selecting a model loads a practical sample that you can adapt to your decision.

Simulation model template
Your model inputs and simulation results remain in your browser and are not uploaded to a server.

2. Define Inputs

Choose distributions for uncertain inputs. Triangular distributions can be useful when experts can provide minimum, most likely, and maximum estimates.

How to choose a distribution
FixedKnown value

Use for a confirmed contract price, committed quantity, or other certain input.

UniformMinimum and maximum

Use when values inside a credible range are considered equally plausible.

TriangularMinimum, most likely and maximum

Useful for structured expert estimates when limited observations are available.

NormalMean and standard deviation

Use for approximately symmetric variation around an average; add bounds when negative values are impossible.

LognormalUnderlying normal parameters

Use for positive, right-skewed values such as some costs, durations, and lead times.

DiscreteOutcomes and probabilities

Use when only specific events or scenarios can occur.

3. Set Decision Target

Define the result you need to achieve and how many scenarios to test.

Advanced settings

Use these controls when you need to change output formatting, reproducibility, percentile range, or calculation logic.

Insert variable

Supported content: registered variables, numbers, +, -, *, /, and parentheses. JavaScript execution is not allowed.

4. Run Analysis

Simulation runs locally in your browser and uses background processing where supported.

0%
Ready to run the selected sample model.

About Monte Carlo Simulation

Monte Carlo simulation represents uncertain inputs with probability distributions and repeatedly calculates the model to create a range of possible outcomes. It helps decision-makers examine target probability, downside exposure, planning percentiles, and the assumptions most closely related to the result.

The method is useful when one deterministic estimate would hide meaningful uncertainty in demand, cost, duration, inventory, price, or other decision inputs.

Guidance

Start With Evidence

Use historical observations, supplier information, published evidence, or validated business assumptions wherever they are available.

Use Expert Estimates Carefully

When data is limited, document who supplied the estimate and why the minimum, most likely, and maximum values are credible.

Review Planning Percentiles

For cost and duration, higher percentiles can support conservative planning. For profit or remaining inventory, lower percentiles may better represent downside exposure.

Test the Main Driver

Review the strongest input-output relationship, challenge that assumption, and compare scenarios before making the final decision.

Methodology, Assumptions, and Limitations

Calculation Logic

Each iteration samples one value from every input distribution, evaluates the defined formula, and records the resulting outcome.

Percentile Logic

P50 is the median. P80, P90, and P95 are values at or below which 80%, 90%, and 95% of simulated outcomes fall.

Assumptions

The selected distributions, parameters, formula, target, and independence between variables are assumed to represent the decision adequately.

Limitations

Results depend on input quality. Correlated variables, distribution fitting, Latin hypercube sampling, and nonlinear sensitivity measures are not currently supported.

FAQ

How many iterations should I use?

Start with 10,000 iterations for practical analysis. Increase the count when the output remains unstable or when tail percentiles are important, while recognising that more iterations do not correct weak input assumptions.

Which distribution should I choose?

Choose a distribution that matches the available evidence and the shape of the uncertainty. Use the distribution helper above the inputs and document the reason for each choice.

What does P90 mean?

P90 is the value at or below which 90% of simulated outcomes fall. For cost or duration it can be a conservative planning value; for profit, a lower percentile such as P10 may better describe downside exposure.

Is the driver analysis a sensitivity analysis?

The tool currently uses Pearson correlation to rank linear relationships between sampled inputs and the simulated outcome. It is a useful driver screen, but it is not a complete global sensitivity analysis.

Are my inputs uploaded?

No. The current simulation, scenario comparison, and exports are processed locally in your browser.