GEMPACK review
A desktop suite for building and solving nonlinear economic models.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
GEMPACK is a suite for formulating and solving computable general equilibrium models and other nonlinear equation systems. It is aimed at economic modellers, including researchers, government and private-sector analysts, and educators. Users express model behaviour in algebra-like notation, provide data for an initial solution, then calculate results under changed assumptions. Its focus is technical modelling rather than general-purpose simulation, so it suits people working with economic equations and policy scenarios more than teams seeking a broad visual simulation environment.
The modelling scope is a key reason to consider GEMPACK. It supports both recursive-dynamic and fully intertemporal models, and can solve large nonlinear systems. RunGEM supports running simulations and inspecting results; users can analyze those results alongside model equations and input data. Runge-Kutta solution methods are supported, while ViewHAR can view and modify HAR data files. This combination is relevant for workflows that connect model specification, simulation, and result analysis. It may be more specialized than needed for users whose work does not involve these modelling approaches.
GEMPACK is desktop software for Windows, Linux, and macOS, though the full feature set is available on Windows; source-code editions can run command-line programs on Linux or macOS. The commercial plans listed are Limited Executable-Image GEMPACK, offered as either an annual subscription or a permanent license, each at a commercial single-user price. A 180-day trial gives prospective buyers time to assess the software, and the Limited Executable-Image version is also stated to be available free to universities. There is no free plan, and integrations are not part of the listed offering. Choose GEMPACK for focused economic modelling; teams seeking integrations or a general-purpose simulation tool should look elsewhere.
GEMPACK pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Solves large nonlinear equation systems using algebra-like notation
- Supports recursive-dynamic and fully intertemporal models
- Runs simulations and lets users inspect results and HAR data
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan; access is paid after the trial
- No integrations are listed
- Linux and macOS support is limited to source-code editions and command-line programs
GEMPACK fact sheet, pricing and score →
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