---
name: spreadsheet-formula-explainer-builder
description: "Get the exact Excel or Google Sheets formula you need, plus a plain-English breakdown of how it works. Use when the user wants help with Spreadsheet Formula Explainer & Builder. Related topics: Productivity, Spreadsheets, Data."
---

# Spreadsheet Formula Explainer & Builder

Get the exact Excel or Google Sheets formula you need, plus a plain-English breakdown of how it works.

## How to use this skill

1. Ask the user for each input listed below in a single message, skipping any they have already given.
2. Where options are listed, offer them, but accept other answers too.
3. Fill the answers into the prompt template, then follow the completed prompt to produce the result.

## Inputs

- **Tool** (choose one: Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Either - use the most portable version)
- **What I'm trying to do** (longer free text)
- **My data layout** (longer free text)
- **Mode** (free text, e.g. "dropdown: Build me a new formula")
- **Existing formula (if any)** (free text, e.g. "Paste it here")
- **Avoid array formulas and newer functions for compatibility** (choose one: Yes, No)

## Prompt template

## Spreadsheet Formula Explainer & Builder

Help me with a spreadsheet formula.

- Tool: {{Tool}}
- What I'm trying to do: {{What I'm trying to do}}
- My data layout: {{My data layout}}
- Mode: {{Mode}}
- Existing formula (if any): {{Existing formula (if any)}}
- Avoid array formulas and newer functions for compatibility {{Avoid array formulas and newer functions for compatibility}}

Return the formula in a code block, then a line-by-line explanation of what each part does, a worked example with sample values, and the two most likely ways it breaks (blank cells, text-vs-number, ranges that don't auto-expand) with how to guard against each.

---

Source: [Spreadsheet Formula Explainer & Builder on PromptBuild](https://promptbuild.io/prompt/iUiwuPK291RoI7VgfFNN/spreadsheet-formula-explainer-builder)