TASK_FORMULA Function Knowledge Base

Function Overview

TASK_FORMULA is a powerful custom function in the Sheet Workflows addon that enables you to generate Google Sheets formulas using AI language models. It allows you to describe what you need in plain English, and the AI will create an appropriate formula for your spreadsheet, placing it directly in a specified cell.

Uses

1. Generate complex formulas without knowing the exact syntax.
2. Create lookup formulas based on data in your spreadsheet.
3. Build conditional formulas that respond to specific criteria.
4. Format data according to business rules.
5. Construct formulas that combine multiple functions.
6. Generate formulas that reference data across different sheets.
7. Create date manipulation formulas.
8. Build text manipulation and concatenation formulas.

Syntax and Parameters

TASK_FORMULA(range, cell_address, prompt, [model], [additional_sheets])

Advanced Options

Using Different AI Models

You can specify which AI model to use for formula generation by passing the model parameter:

=TASK_FORMULA("A1:D10", "E1", "Create a VLOOKUP formula to find matching data", "Gemini/gemini-1.5-pro")

Available models depend on which providers you've configured in the Sheet Workflows addon. Some examples include:

• "Gemini/gemini-1.5-pro"

• "OpenAI/gpt-4"

• "Anthropic/claude-3-opus"

Referencing Multiple Sheets

When your formula needs to reference data from multiple sheets, use the

additional_sheets

=TASK_FORMULA("Orders!A1:D20", "Summary!B5", "Create a formula that counts unique customers", , "Customers(A1:B50);Products")

This provides the formula generator with context from:

• The "Orders" sheet, range A1:D20
• The "Customers" sheet, range A1:B50
• The entire "Products" sheet

Dynamic Cell References

If you need your formula to work when copied to other rows:

• Include specific instructions about relative and absolute cell references in your prompt
• Example:

  "Create a formula that multiplies the price in column B by the quantity in column C, ensuring it works when copied down"

Column-Only References

When specifying the cell_address parameter, you can provide just a column letter, and the function will use the current row:

=TASK_FORMULA("A1:C10", "D", "Create a formula to total columns A through C")

This is useful when creating formulas that need to be copied down an entire column.

Examples

Basic Formula Creation

=TASK_FORMULA("A1:B10", "C1", "Create a formula that adds the values in column A and multiplies the result by the value in B1")

This will generate a formula like

=SUM(A1:A10)*B1

Date Calculations

=TASK_FORMULA("A1:B10", "C1", "Create a formula that calculates the number of days between dates in columns A and B")

The function might generate

=B1-A1

Conditional Formatting Logic

=TASK_FORMULA("A1:D10", "E1", "Create a formula that shows 'Complete' if column D has a date, otherwise 'Pending'")

This would generate a formula like

=IF(ISBLANK(D1),"Pending","Complete")

Cross-Sheet References

=TASK_FORMULA("Inventory!A1:C20", "Dashboard!B5", "Create a formula to count items with less than 10 units in stock", , "Orders(A1:E50)")

This could generate

=COUNTIFS(Inventory!C1:C20,"<10")

Complex String Manipulation

=TASK_FORMULA("A1:C10", "D1", "Create a formula that extracts the first name from the full name in column A")

Might generate

=LEFT(A1,FIND(" ",A1)-1)

Best Practices

• Be Specific: Provide clear, detailed instructions in your prompt. The more specific you are, the better the formula will be.

• Reference Key Columns: Mention which columns contain the data you need to process in your prompt.

• Include Business Logic: Explain any rules or conditions that the formula should follow.

• Provide Adequate Context: Make sure your range parameter includes all the data the formula needs to reference.

• Use Appropriate Cell References: Indicate whether absolute or relative references are needed if you plan to copy the formula.

• Check Results: Always verify that the generated formula produces the expected results.

• Start Simple: For complex problems, start with a simple formula and then build on it.

• Use Multiple Sheets Judiciously: Only include additional sheets if they're relevant to the formula.

Troubleshooting

Formula Not Generating

Problem: The function returns an error instead of generating a formula.

Solution:

• Check that you've provided all required parameters
• Verify that the cell and range addresses are valid and in quotes
• Ensure you've configured at least one AI provider in the addon settings

Formula Generates But Doesn't Work

Problem: The formula is created but doesn't produce the expected results.

Solution:

• Make your prompt more specific about what you need
• Check that your range includes all necessary data
• Try a different AI model that might better understand your requirements

NAME? Error

Problem: The function returns a #NAME? error.

Solution: Make sure the Sheet Workflows addon is properly installed and activated.

Permission Issues

Problem: The function can't write the formula to the specified cell.

Solution: Ensure you have edit permissions for the spreadsheet.

Invalid Range Error

Problem: You get an error about an invalid range.

Solution: Make sure all range references are in valid A1 notation format and within the sheet's dimensions.

FAQ

Can TASK_FORMULA create formulas that reference other sheets?

Yes, use the

additional_sheets

Will the generated formula automatically update if my data changes?

Yes, like any Google Sheets formula, the generated formula will recalculate whenever the referenced data changes.

Can I generate formulas for multiple cells at once?

No, each TASK_FORMULA call generates a formula for a single cell. To create formulas for multiple cells, you'll need to:

1. Generate the formula for one cell
2. Copy it to other cells manually, or
3. Use separate TASK_FORMULA calls for each cell

How do I make sure the formula works when copied down a column?

Be explicit in your prompt that you need the formula to work when copied down, and the AI will generally use relative references where appropriate.

Does this function cost money to use?

The function itself is part of the Sheet Workflows addon, but it uses AI models that may have associated costs depending on your configuration. Check the pricing for the specific AI provider you're using.

Can I edit the generated formula?

Yes, once the formula is placed in the cell, you can edit it like any other formula in Google Sheets.

What if I don't have any AI providers configured?

You'll need to configure at least one AI provider in the Sheet Workflows addon settings before using this function. The addon supports various providers including Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, Groq, and others.

Can I generate ArrayFormula or other advanced formula types?

Yes, you can request any type of Google Sheets formula. Just be specific in your prompt about needing an ArrayFormula or other advanced formula types.