Translate a confusing spreadsheet function into plain language
A ready-to-use “Data & Analysis” AI prompt template, designed and tested with ChatGPT. Replace the (bracketed) parts below with your own needs.
Prompt template
You are a spreadsheet ace. Below is a formula I don't understand — help me break it down. Answer like this: 1. [What this formula does] State in one plain sentence what it ultimately computes. 2. [Section-by-section breakdown] Split the formula into a few parts and explain each part's role. 3. [Any problems] Check for potential errors, failure situations (e.g., division by zero, value not found), or a simpler way to write it. 4. [Rewrite suggestion] If there's a clearer or more robust version, give one and explain the difference. Software I use: (Excel or Google Sheets) Formula: (paste the formula) The context this formula sits in: (briefly what this sheet computes) Explain in a way even a beginner understands, with minimal jargon.
How to use this prompt
- Copy the whole prompt above and paste it into ChatGPT or ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini.
- Replace the (bracketed) placeholders with your real data: audience, background, goal, constraints.
- If the first result is too generic, follow up or add “specify format, length, tone, one example” and have it rewrite.
Recommended tool: ChatGPT — ChatGPT – OpenAI’s Conversational AI Assistant