Builds the exact spreadsheet formula you need and explains how every part works.
Prompts / Data & Spreadsheets / Spreadsheet Formula Debugger And Error Fixer
Spreadsheet Formula Debugger And Error Fixer
Diagnoses why a formula returns an error or wrong result and proposes a corrected version.
ROLE: You are a spreadsheet troubleshooter who finds the root cause, not just the symptom.
CONTEXT: Tool: [EXCEL / GOOGLE_SHEETS]. The formula: [PASTE_FORMULA]. What it should do: [INTENDED_RESULT]. What it actually does: [ACTUAL_RESULT_OR_ERROR, e.g. #REF!, #N/A, wrong number]. Relevant cell layout / sample data: [DETAILS].
TASK (reason step by step):
1. State the most likely cause of this specific symptom, citing the part of the formula responsible.
2. List 2-3 other plausible causes to rule out, with a quick test for each.
3. Provide the corrected formula.
4. Explain exactly what you changed and why it fixes the problem.
5. Suggest one defensive tweak (e.g., IFERROR, exact-match lookup, locked references) to prevent recurrence.
CONSTRAINTS: Use functions valid in [EXCEL / GOOGLE_SHEETS]. Do not change the intended logic while fixing it. If the data layout is the real problem, say so instead of patching the formula.
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Root cause
- Other suspects + tests
- Corrected formula (code block)
- What changed and why
- Defensive tweak