# Get the exact spreadsheet formula you need from plain words

> You type 'flag any job unpaid after 30 days' and get the formula, the cell to paste it in and a way to check it.

Paste your column headers and a few rows, then say what you want the sheet to work out. You get the formula, where to put it and a plain explanation of how it works.

- Page: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/spreadsheet-formula-from-plain-words/
- Category: Put your business on autopilot
- Made for: Small business owners, Everyone
- Works in: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
- Time: About 2 minutes
- Effort: Just copy and paste
- Note: ChatGPT for Google Sheets can also build and edit sheets in plain language right inside Sheets.

## The prompt

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

```text
I use [YOUR SPREADSHEET APP, e.g. Google Sheets]. Here are my column headers and 3 sample rows:
[PASTE HEADERS AND ROWS]

What I want the sheet to do: [WHAT YOU WANT, e.g. flag jobs unpaid after 30 days]

Give me:
1. The exact formula, and which cell to put it in
2. How to copy it down the column
3. A plain-English explanation of each part, as if I've never used a formula
4. What the result should be for my 3 sample rows, so I can check it works
5. One common mistake that would break it

If there's a simpler way, like a filter or color rule, tell me that too.
```

## Step by step

1. Copy your header row and three sample rows.
2. Paste them into the prompt and describe what you want.
3. Paste the formula into the cell it names.
4. Check the results against the sample answers it gave you.

## What you'll get

A working formula, where to paste it, a plain explanation and expected results to check it against.

## Good to know

**Which AI tools does this work in?** It works in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. On this page, ChatGPT and Claude open with your prompt already typed in. ChatGPT for Google Sheets can also build and edit sheets in plain language right inside Sheets.

**How long does it take?** About 2 minutes. It's rated "Just copy and paste". There are 4 steps, listed above.

**What do I need before I start?** Just your details for 3 blanks: your spreadsheet app, paste headers and rows and what you want. You can skip any, and your AI will ask for them.

**What will I get back?** A working formula, where to paste it, a plain explanation and expected results to check it against.

Idea spotted on X, shared by @CurrJR: https://x.com/CurrJR/status/2047022233655312843. 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: Second Brain (Give your AI a memory it reads across every project, so it finally knows your business); Watch It For Me (Drop any video link and get the step-by-step playbook, the full timestamped transcript, and the best quotes. Without watching it).

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.