TASK_FORMULA

Function Overview

The TASK_FORMULA function generaties Google Sheets formulas using AI language models. It allows you to describe the formula you need in natural language, and the AI will create an appropriate formula based on all of your spreadsheet data, placing the working formula directly in a specified cell.

Uses

1. Create complex calculations without knowing formula syntax
2. Generate formulas based on patterns in your data
3. Convert natural language descriptions into working formulas
4. Automate formula creation for data analysis tasks
5. Build conditional formulas based on multiple criteria
6. Create custom formulas that reference multiple sheets
7. Generate array formulas for processing ranges of data
8. Implement lookup functions without memorizing syntax
9. Create statistical analysis formulas from data descriptions

Syntax and Parameters

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

Advanced Options

Cell Targeting

You can specify where the generated formula should be placed using these approaches:

• Specific cell address: Enter a cell reference like "C1"
• Current cell: Use the value "current" to place the formula in the cell containing the TASK_FORMULA function
• Empty string: Leave blank to have the formula placed in the cell to the right of the function

Multi-Sheet Context

When your formula needs to reference data across multiple sheets:

• Use the additional_sheets parameter to include data from other sheets
• Format as "SheetName(Range)" to specify a range or just "SheetName" to include the entire sheet
• Separate multiple sheets with semicolons: "Sheet2(A1:B5);Sheet3(C1:D10)"
• The model will receive context from all specified sheets when generating the formula

Examples

Generate a SUM formula for a column

=TASK_FORMULA("Sum", "A1:A10", "B1", "Create a formula that sums all values in column A.")

Calculate weighted average

=TASK_FORMULA("Weighted Average", "A1:B10", "C1", "Create a formula that calculates the weighted average where column A has the values and column B has the weights.", "Gemini/gemini-1.5-pro")

Create a formula that references multiple sheets

=TASK_FORMULA("Multi-sheet", "A1:B5", "C1", "Create a formula that sums values from this sheet and Sheet2.", "Anthropic/claude-3-5-sonnet", "Sheet2(A1:A5)")

Generate an IF formula with multiple conditions

=TASK_FORMULA("Conditional", "A1:C10", "D1", "Create a formula that returns 'High' if A1 > 100 and B1 > 50, 'Medium' if A1 > 50, and 'Low' otherwise.")

Best Practices

• Click the Run button in the Sheet Workflows sidebar after entering the function
• Make your formula description in the prompt as specific and clear as possible
• Include all relevant columns that should be used in the formula in the range parameter
• When working with data across sheets, use the additional_sheets parameter
• Be explicit about the type of calculation you need (sum, average, count, etc.)
• Include any conditions or special cases in your prompt
• For complex formulas, describe the desired output and logic step by step
• Test the generated formula with sample data to ensure it works as expected
• If the formula isn't quite right, try adjusting your prompt to be more specific
• For formulas that need to be applied to multiple rows, create a template in row 1 and run on selection

Troubleshooting

Error: Invalid JSON

Cause: The function output was modified manually or corrupted.
Solution: Recreate the function with =TASK_FORMULA().

Error: Missing prompt

Cause: The prompt parameter is empty or not provided.
Solution: Ensure you include a clear prompt describing the formula you need.

Error: Invalid function name

Cause: The JSON has been modified and no longer contains "TASK_FORMULA" as the function name.
Solution: Recreate the function with =TASK_FORMULA().

Error: Invalid range

Cause: The specified range doesn't exist or is in incorrect format.
Solution: Check that your range uses valid A1 notation (e.g., "A1:B10").

Error: Sheet not found

Cause: An additional sheet referenced doesn't exist in the spreadsheet.
Solution: Verify that all sheet names in additional_sheets parameter exist and are spelled correctly.

Formula doesn't work as expected

Cause: The language model misunderstood the requirements or created a syntax error.
Solution: Try a more specific prompt or manually adjust the generated formula.

No formula appears in the target cell

Cause: The function wasn't executed with the Run button or there was a processing error.
Solution: Select the cell with TASK_FORMULA and click Run in the Sheet Workflows sidebar.

FAQ

How do I execute the TASK_FORMULA function?

After entering the TASK_FORMULA function in a cell, select that cell and click the "Run" button in the Sheet Workflows sidebar. The function itself only creates the task definition; you must click Run to generate and apply the formula.

Can TASK_FORMULA create array formulas?

Yes, TASK_FORMULA can generate array formulas if your prompt specifies this need. The AI will add the necessary ARRAYFORMULA() wrapper when appropriate.

Will the formula overwrite existing data in the target cell?

Yes, when executed, the formula will be placed in the target cell, replacing any existing content. Be careful when choosing the target cell.

Can I reference values from other sheets in my formulas?

Yes, use the additional_sheets parameter to include data from other sheets in the context provided to the AI. Format as "Sheet2(A1:B5);Sheet3" to include specific ranges.

Which models work best for formula generation?

Most language models (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, etc.) can generate formulas. More capable models like "Anthropic/claude-3-5-sonnet" or "OpenAI/gpt-4" tend to produce more complex and accurate formulas.

Can TASK_FORMULA create custom functions?

No, TASK_FORMULA generates standard Google Sheets formulas only. It cannot create custom JavaScript functions.

How do I modify a generated formula?

After the formula is generated, you can edit it directly in the target cell just like any other formula. The AI-generated formula is just a starting point.

Can I use TASK_FORMULA to generate formulas for an entire column?

The function generates one formula at a time. To apply similar formulas to multiple cells, either copy the generated formula or create multiple TASK_FORMULA calls targeting different cells.

Is there a limit to how complex the formulas can be?

The complexity depends on the AI model used and how well you describe your needs. More advanced models can create very complex nested formulas with multiple functions and conditions.

Why is my formula targeting the wrong cells?

Make sure your range and cell_address parameters are correct. If you want to use relative references in the generated formula, mention this in your prompt.