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Get the exact spreadsheet formula you need, or fix the broken one
Your sheet shows #REF!, the total's wrong, or you just don't know how to make it add up only the unpaid invoices. Describe what you want in words and get the formula, explained.
The prompt · ChatGPT
Help me with a spreadsheet formula. Spreadsheet app: [Google Sheets or Excel] My columns: [e.g. A = date, B = customer, C = amount, D = paid yes/no] What I want: [e.g. total of unpaid invoices older than 30 days] Broken formula and error, if any: [paste it] An example of the right answer: [e.g. with this data it should come to X] First ask me up to 3 short questions if anything's unclear. Wait for my answers. Then: 1. The exact formula and the cell to paste it in. 2. What each part does, in plain words. 3. A quick test with 3 rows so I can check it's right. 4. The most likely way it breaks later and how to avoid it. Only use what I've told you, leave blanks for anything I haven't given, and don't invent facts or figures. UK English. Stay in this ChatGPT chat. Do not turn on apps or connectors, and do not use memory from another chat.
A short example
Fill the blanks, then paste. Google Sheets or Excel: a short note you already have. e.g. A = date, B = customer, C = amount, D = paid yes/no: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.
This does not give tax advice. The books stay in the accounting system.
The prompt · Gemini
Help me with a spreadsheet formula. Spreadsheet app: [Google Sheets or Excel] My columns: [e.g. A = date, B = customer, C = amount, D = paid yes/no] What I want: [e.g. total of unpaid invoices older than 30 days] Broken formula and error, if any: [paste it] An example of the right answer: [e.g. with this data it should come to X] First ask me up to 3 short questions if anything's unclear. Wait for my answers. Then: 1. The exact formula and the cell to paste it in. 2. What each part does, in plain words. 3. A quick test with 3 rows so I can check it's right. 4. The most likely way it breaks later and how to avoid it. Only use what I've told you, leave blanks for anything I haven't given, and don't invent facts or figures. UK English. Stay in this Gemini chat. Leave extensions off, including Gmail and Drive.
A short example
Fill the blanks, then paste. Google Sheets or Excel: a short note you already have. e.g. A = date, B = customer, C = amount, D = paid yes/no: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.
You describe your columns and what you want the sheet to do, or paste the broken formula.
The assistant asks which columns hold what and an example of the right answer.
You get the exact formula, where to paste it, what each part does, and a quick test to check it.
What happens
Use Gemini to get the exact spreadsheet formula you need, or fix the broken one
Your sheet shows #REF!, the total's wrong, or you just don't know how to make it add up only the unpaid invoices. Describe what you want in words and get the formula, explained.
Tools
Paste the prompt, fill the blanks, copy the draft.
- Gemini — required. Drafts from the text you paste. Nothing is sent.
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