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Get the right spreadsheet formula by describing it
Describe what you want in everyday words and get a working Excel or Google Sheets formula, explained so you understand what it does.
When to use it
Whenever you're stuck on a formula
Step by step
Note where your data is
Write down which columns hold what, and which row your data starts on. For example: 'Names in A, amounts in C, from row 2'.
Describe what you want
Paste this prompt into your AI assistant.
Prompt to copyI'm using [Excel / Google Sheets]. My data: [column letters and what's in each], starting on row [2]. I want a formula in cell [cell] that [describe the result, e.g. adds up column C only where column B says 'Paid' and the date in column D is this month]. Give me: the formula, a plain-English explanation of each part, and what to change if my data grows. Also tell me one common mistake to avoid.Test it on a few rows
Paste the formula in and check the result against a few rows you can work out in your head. If it errors, copy the error message back to the assistant.
What you get
=SUMIFS(C:C, B:B, "Paid", D:D, ">="&EOMONTH(TODAY(),-1)+1, D:D, "<="&EOMONTH(TODAY(),0)) It adds column C where B is 'Paid' and the date in D falls in the current month. Mistake to avoid: dates stored as text won't be counted.
Tips
- It works the other way round too: paste a formula you inherited and ask what it does.