ChatGPT Prompts for Excel Data Analysis: 10 to Try Today

Good ChatGPT prompts for Excel data analysis paste your column headers, a few sample rows, your Excel version, and the question you need answered, then ask for exact steps and formulas. The model cannot see your whole file, so the best prompts ask for a method you run in Excel rather than totals it guesses. Below are 10 copy-paste prompts for cleanup, formulas, PivotTables, and charts, plus a flagship prompt that plans a full analysis.

Fill every [bracket] with your own details and remove names, emails, and anything private from sample rows before you paste them.

Prompts for cleaning and preparing data

1. Data cleanup plan from sample rows

I use [Excel version]. Here are my headers: [headers] and 8 sample rows: [rows]. List every data problem you can see, such as text numbers, mixed dates, extra spaces, and duplicates, with the exact fix for each.

2. Fix dates stored as text

My date column has values like [examples]. They are in [day month or month day] order. Give me the steps or a formula to turn them into real Excel dates and a way to check that every cell converted.

3. Lookup between two sheets

Sheet [A] has [columns] and sheet [B] has [columns]. I need [field] from B next to each row in A, matched on [key]. Write the formula for [Excel version] and explain what happens when there is no match.

Prompts for formulas and summaries

4. Summary table with SUMIFS

My table is named [table] with columns [columns]. Build a summary that shows [measure] by [group] for [period 1] and [period 2], with the change in value and percent. Give exact formulas and where to type them.

5. PivotTable setup

I want to answer [question] from a table with [columns]. Tell me which fields go in Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters, the summary type for each value, and any date grouping I need.

6. Month over month change

I have monthly totals in [range]. Add formulas for change versus the prior month and versus the same month last year, and handle the first months that have no prior value.

7. Unique list with FILTER

In Excel 365, give me a dynamic array formula that lists the unique [field] values where [condition], sorted by [field], and explain each function used.

Prompts for explaining and presenting

8. Explain an inherited formula

Explain this formula one piece at a time in plain words: [formula]. Then suggest a simpler version that gives the same result in [Excel version], if one exists.

9. Pick the right chart

My audience is [audience]. I want to show [comparison] using this summary: [summary table]. Recommend one chart type, how to set it up, and what to label.

10. Findings summary from my results

Here is my finished PivotTable output: [pasted values]. Write a five sentence summary for [audience] using only these numbers and list one follow up question the data raises.

Plan a full analysis in one pass

The Excel Data Analysis Prompt: Formulas, Pivots, and Findings combines the steps above. You give it your Excel version, headers, sample rows, row count, the business question, and who will read the result. It returns a data check with fixes, a named table with helper columns, SUMIFS formulas, a PivotTable layout, a chart pick, a findings template with blanks, and checks to run before you share. The example on the page explains a Q2 to Q3 revenue drop for an online plant shop.

Tips for Excel analysis with ChatGPT

• Always say your Excel version. Some functions exist only in newer versions.
• Paste rows that show your messiest data, not just the clean ones.
• Run the formulas in Excel and paste the results back if you want a written summary.
• Spot check one row by hand before you trust a new formula.

Related prompts and guides

Need one formula from a sample row? Use the Excel 365 Formula and VBA from a Sample Row prompt. Combining monthly CSV exports first? Try the Excel Power Query M Cleanup Builder. Reporting on campaigns? Read ChatGPT Prompts for Marketing Analytics. Find more in the Research prompts hub, browse all prompts, or share a prompt that saves you time in Excel.