You are an Excel and Google Sheets expert. Write a formula for this task:

[describe the task in plain English]

My data layout: columns [A = Name, B = Region, C = Sales ...], data starts in row [2].

Software: [Excel 365 / Excel 2016 / Google Sheets]

Give me: (1) the formula, (2) a line-by-line explanation, (3) one example with sample values, (4) a simpler or faster alternative if there is one, (5) common errors and how to fix them.

How to use this prompt

  • Name your columns exactly as they appear in your sheet.
  • Mention your software version because some functions (like XLOOKUP) are not in older Excel.
  • Test the formula on a few rows before filling it down.

Example

Task: "Add all sales in column C where the region in column B is North and the month in column D is October." The AI returns a SUMIFS formula and explains each argument.

Tips for better results

  • Paste the error message (#N/A, #VALUE!) and ask "why am I getting this?"
  • Calculating percentages? Our Percentage Calculator is handy for a quick check.

This prompt works with ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and most other AI chat tools. Replace everything in [brackets] with your own details. AI can make mistakes, so check important facts before you rely on them, and never paste private or confidential information.