# Looking at a spreadsheet and wondering where to start?

Ask AI to explain a formula, spot a pattern or help you work out what your numbers are saying.

Evidence: experimental | Updated: 2026-10-24 | Edition: codex

## Bring the question you have

Maybe your monthly total looks wrong. Maybe you want to add up spending by category, or work out which items you buy most often.

Tell the AI what the columns mean, then ask the question in your own words. If a formula is confusing you, paste it and ask what it does.

## Start with the relevant part

You can paste a small table or the columns you need. Keep the headings so the AI knows what each number represents.

If you’re using work data, stick to your team’s approved tools. A question about a total rarely needs everyone’s names and contact details.

## Ask for the next thing to do

“Show me an Excel formula for that.”

“Which cells should I put it in?”

“Explain why this is counting the blank rows.”

Ask it to use the columns in your sheet, so you can follow along.

## Keep a copy while you try it

Put a new formula in a copy of the sheet. Check a few rows you recognise: does the total include a refund, or count something twice?

Once it makes sense, you can use the same approach on the rest. The aim is to leave with a sheet you understand a little better.

## Here’s one way to try it

1. Show it the part you need help with: Paste the relevant columns or formula, with the column names.
2. Ask one question: Try “Why is this total different?” or “How do I add up spending by category?”
3. Ask it to explain the answer: Have it describe the formula using your column names, so you know what it’s adding or leaving out.
4. Try it in a copy: Compare a few familiar rows before applying it to the rest of your sheet.

## Something to type

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.

## Worth a quick look

- Keep payroll and customer details out of a personal chat. Try new formulas in a copy of your sheet.

## References

- [Microsoft: Analyze Data in Excel](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/analyze-data-in-excel)