Solver was added to Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 in Service Pack 1. You can download and install Office for Mac 2011’s Service Pack 1 by clicking on the link below:
Data Analysis Excel For Mac 2011 Version
Add Data Analysis Excel Mac
When you have installed Service Pack 1 (SP1), follow these steps to start Solver:
How to install Toolpak using Microsoft Excel 2015 on a Mac. Refer to the discussion at What happened to the Data Analysis Toolpak or Solver in Excel for Mac 2011? – answers.microsoft.com. Quote: The Data Analysis Toolpak was removed in Office for Mac 2008. emphasis mine However, the following is a free third-party tool. Goes on to mention the StatPlus software you already mentioned.
a. Start Excel.
b. Click Tools -> Select Add-Ins.
c. Click to select the check box for Solver.Xlam.
d. Click OK.
Data Analysis Excel For Mac 2011 Product
The Data Analysis Toolpak was removed in Mac:Office for Mac 2008. However, you can download a free third-party tool that offers similar functionality: