{
  "schemaVersion": "1.0",
  "id": "spreadsheet-second-opinion-en",
  "translationKey": "spreadsheet-second-opinion",
  "language": "en",
  "edition": "codex",
  "title": "Looking at a spreadsheet and wondering where to start?",
  "summary": "Ask AI to explain a formula, spot a pattern or help you work out what your numbers are saying.",
  "kind": "workflow",
  "category": "work",
  "url": "https://afaai.tw/codex/en/spreadsheet-second-opinion/",
  "updated": "2026-10-24",
  "reviewAfter": "2026-11-23",
  "revision": 2,
  "evidence": "experimental",
  "prerequisites": [
    "A table or formula you’re working with."
  ],
  "cost": "Use an app you already have.",
  "limitations": [
    "Keep payroll and customer details out of a personal chat. Try new formulas in a copy of your sheet."
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Show it the part you need help with",
      "detail": "Paste the relevant columns or formula, with the column names."
    },
    {
      "title": "Ask one question",
      "detail": "Try “Why is this total different?” or “How do I add up spending by category?”"
    },
    {
      "title": "Ask it to explain the answer",
      "detail": "Have it describe the formula using your column names, so you know what it’s adding or leaving out."
    },
    {
      "title": "Try it in a copy",
      "detail": "Compare a few familiar rows before applying it to the rest of your sheet."
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "Microsoft: Analyze Data in Excel",
      "url": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/analyze-data-in-excel",
      "checked": "2026-10-24"
    }
  ],
  "prompt": "Help me with this spreadsheet: [table or formula]. The columns mean [short explanation]. I want to know [question]. Show me how to do it in [Excel / Google Sheets], explain the formula in plain language, and ask if a column or unit is unclear.",
  "markdownUrl": "https://afaai.tw/markdown/spreadsheet-second-opinion-en.md"
}