topic Re: Mathcad - Excel Component in Mathcad

Mathcad - Excel Component

IA_12699372 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:57:30 GMT

Hi all,

Currently experiencing an issue with an Excel component on a colleagues computer.

The Mathcad file, attached, works on my computer fine but not my colleagues. States his "excel is busy".

Any ideas why it works on my computer but not my colleagues?

Many thanks,

Iain

FYI, I am using Mathcad Prime 10.0.0.0 (and is my colleague).

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

LucMeekes — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:24:56 GMT

This problem has beeen around for years: https://community.ptc.com/t5/Mathcad/Problem-with-Excel-component-being-quot-busy-quot/m-p/146047#M57273

This may help: https://community.ptc.com/t5/Mathcad/Mathcad-Prime-11-Excel-Component-Error/m-p/1014944

Success!
Luc

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

IA_12699372 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:34:47 GMT

Thanks Luc,

I am trying to do it via READEXCEL but struggling to use Vector & Matrix functions to look for corresponding section property data.

See attached, any ideas?

Kind regards,

Iain

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

LucMeekes — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:44:15 GMT

Hi Iain,

The hlookup function (from help):

• hlookup(z, A, r, [modifier | f])—Looks in the first row of matrix A for a given value z, subject to the conditions of the optionalmodifier, and returns the value(s) in the same column(s) in the row specified by r. When the value(s) are returned, they appear in a vector, starting from the left.

In your case for

the parameters to hlookup are:

z=SectionName = the string "W14X38"

A= The matrix SP read via ReadExcel (you didn't provide the Excel file, so I cannot run the sheet)

r= SP^<3>The full fourth column of SP, so a vector, where it requires a scalar, pointing to a specific column. Hence the error. Maybe just use '3' here?

[modifier|f] = in you provide a unit instead of a modifier string or function.

The string doesn't appear to be present in the first (top) row of matrrix SP, so a 'not found' error is issued once you correct the Area error...

Study the help to find out how to use the functions.

Success!
Luc

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

terryhendicott — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:11:21 GMT

Hi Iain,

This is from 2022 three and a bit long years ago so uses a superseded Excel file.

Uses two lookup combo boxes rather than lookup functions to get at the data.

Includes imperial and metric columns.

Relevant Units are defined in first worksheet in the Excel workbook.

Been looking to update to v16 of the database and add automatic units.

Cheers

Terry

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

terryhendicott — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:11:23 GMT

Hi Iain,

Have started updating to v16. Got the W sections done.

Is there any call for me to finish this?

Shows how to look up a value from data based on selection of section.

Note the first column of the Excel sheet with "W" "M" etc designations is not imported so first column in data is section name.

Cheers

Terry

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

terryhendicott — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:07:53 GMT

Hi Iain,

Here is answer to your question. Got sidetracked?

Cheers

Terry

Re: Mathcad - Excel Component

IA_12699372 — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:13:33 GMT

Thank you Terry