# Trust your numbers again with a plain-English spreadsheet audit

> It explains every formula in plain English and spots the broken one you've trusted for years.

Have Claude audit a spreadsheet you rely on, like your budget or pricing calculator, without changing a thing. It explains every formula, flags errors and plans a cleaner version.

- Page: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/spreadsheet-audit/
- Category: Make smarter decisions
- Made for: Consultants, Small business owners, Coaches
- Works in: Claude
- Time: About 10 minutes
- Effort: A few steps

## The prompt

Fill in the parts in [square brackets], or leave them and the AI will ask you for them.

```text
Don't change anything in this spreadsheet. Audit it and give me: 1) what this spreadsheet is for and how it's laid out, in plain English, 2) every formula and what it does, explained so a non-accountant understands, 3) any errors, broken references, typed-in numbers that should be formulas, or logic that looks wrong, ranked by how much they could cost me, 4) anything confusing in the layout, and 5) how you'd rebuild it better from scratch. This is my [SPREADSHEET TYPE, e.g. pricing calculator] for a [TYPE OF BUSINESS, e.g. bookkeeping practice]. If something depends on an assumption you can't see, ask me instead of guessing.
```

## Step by step

1. Open a copy of a spreadsheet you actually use.
2. Use the Claude in Excel add-in, or upload the file to a Claude chat.
3. Run the audit prompt and pick the 3 or 4 fixes that matter.
4. Ask Claude to write a step-by-step plan for a rebuilt version.

## What you'll get

A plain-English audit of your spreadsheet: how it works, what each formula does, ranked errors, layout issues, and a rebuild plan.

## Good to know

**Which AI tools does this work in?** It works in Claude. On this page, Claude opens with your prompt already typed in. No paid plan is noted for this one.

**How long does it take?** About 10 minutes. It's rated "A few steps". There are 4 steps, listed above.

**What do I need before I start?** Just your details for 2 blanks: spreadsheet type and type of business. You can skip any, and your AI will ask for them.

**What will I get back?** A plain-English audit of your spreadsheet: how it works, what each formula does, ranked errors, layout issues, and a rebuild plan.

Idea spotted on X, shared by @DallasAptGP: https://x.com/DallasAptGP/status/2020140582690074781. The prompt is The Solo Creators' own version.

## Go further

Ready-made skills in the Solo Creators AI Studio (https://thesolocreators.com/studio/) that fit this: Board of Advisors (Convene seven AI advisors who debate your decision, vote, and hand back a stress-tested verdict); Fact Checker (Every quote, number, date, and link in your draft checked against its real source, with the fixes handed back as tracked changes you accept or reject).

From AI Use Cases and Prompts by The Solo Creators: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/. Free to use; please link back to the page when you share it.