AI Prompts

AI Excel & data prompts.

Write and fix formulas, build pivot tables, clean data and analyse a sheet — tap to copy, then describe your data.

Tap Copy on any prompt, paste it into your AI assistant, and replace the [bracketed] parts with your own details.

Write & fix formulas

Write a formula from a description

Write an Excel formula that [describe what you want, e.g. sums column B where column A equals Paid]. My data is in [describe columns/ranges]. Explain how it works in one line, and give the Google Sheets version if it differs.

Explain a formula

Explain what this spreadsheet formula does, step by step, in plain language: [paste formula].

Fix a broken formula

This formula is giving [the error or wrong result]: [paste formula]. My data looks like [describe it]. Tell me what's wrong and give a corrected version.

Convert to a different function

Rewrite this formula using [XLOOKUP / INDEX-MATCH / SUMIFS / etc.] instead, and explain the advantage: [paste formula].

Clean & transform data

Clean messy data

I have a column of [describe the messy data, e.g. inconsistent dates or names with extra spaces]. Suggest a formula or steps to standardise it into [target format].

Split or combine columns

I need to [split or combine] [describe, e.g. split 'Last, First' into two columns]. Give me the formula and explain it.

Find duplicates or issues

Suggest how to find and handle [duplicates / blanks / outliers] in a column of [describe data], using formulas or built-in Excel features.

Analyse & summarise

Plan a pivot table

I want to summarise [describe what, e.g. total sales by region and month] from data with these columns: [list columns]. Tell me exactly how to set up a pivot table — rows, columns, values and filters.

Suggest the right chart

I want to show [what you're trying to communicate] from data with [describe columns]. Recommend the best chart type, how to set it up, and what to avoid.

Find insights in a summary

Here's a summary of my data: [paste numbers or describe]. What patterns, outliers or questions should I look into? Be specific, and tell me what additional data would help.

Describe the data, then verify the formula

AI is genuinely good at spreadsheets — writing a SUMIFS or XLOOKUP from a plain description, explaining a formula someone else wrote, or laying out how to build a pivot table. The catch is that the assistant can't see your file, so the quality of what you get depends on how clearly you describe your columns, ranges and what counts as a match. And because a formula that looks right can still be subtly wrong, test it on a small sample before trusting it across thousands of rows. Mention whether you're in Excel or Google Sheets too — most formulas are shared, but a few (and some function names) differ.

FAQ

Can AI read my Excel file?
Not in a normal chat — it can't see your spreadsheet, so describe your columns, ranges and goal clearly. Some tools let you upload a file or use an add-in; even then, always check the result on a sample.
Do these prompts work for Google Sheets too?
Mostly yes — most formulas are identical, and you can ask for the Google Sheets version if it differs. Just tell the assistant which one you're using.

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