EXHIBIT 23.1 Report of Independent Accountants To the Board of Directors of ANSYS, Inc. and Subsidiaries Our report on the consolidated financial statements of ANSYS, Inc. and subsidiaries has been incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K from page 20 of the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders of ANSYS, Inc. and subsidiaries. In connection with our audits of such financial statements, we have also audited the related financial statement schedule listed in Item 14(a)(2) on page 8 of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be included therein. /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. - -------------------------------- Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania March 26, 1997