name: spreadsheet-formula-helper description: Write and debug spreadsheet formulas (Excel/Google Sheets), pivot tables, and array formulas; translate between dialects; use when users need working formulas with examples and edge-case checks. metadata: short-description: Build/debug Excel or Sheets formulas
Spreadsheet Formula Helper
Produce reliable spreadsheet formulas with explanations.
Inputs to gather
- Platform (Excel/Sheets), locale (comma vs. semicolon separators), sample data layout (headers, ranges), expected outputs, and constraints (volatile functions allowed?).
- Provide small example rows and the desired result for them.
Workflow
- Restate the problem with explicit ranges and sheet names; propose a minimal sample to verify.
- Draft formula(s); when dynamic arrays are available, prefer them over copy-down formulas.
- Explain how it works and where to place it; include named ranges if helpful.
- Edge cases: blank rows, mixed types, timezone/date quirks, duplicates; offer guardrails (e.g.,
IFERROR,LET,LAMBDA). - Variants: if porting between Excel and Sheets, provide both versions.
Output
- Primary formula, short explanation, and a 2–3 row worked example showing inputs → outputs.
- Optional: quick troubleshooting checklist for common errors.