How to use Gemini’s AI formula in Google Sheets
- ervik6
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Google Sheets just got a new superpower: =AI().
An AI formula embedded in your Gsheet! Simply write the formula into your cell and get AI-responses directly into your sheet. The model sits next to your data so you can clean text, spot patterns or summarise rows without ever leaving the sheet.
In practice it feels like ChatGPT has moved into your spreadsheet.
Below is a short explanation of what the Gemini AI formula is and how to use it. At the end, we have included a free example to get you started.
What is the =AI() formula in Google Sheets?
=AI() is a new formula in Google Sheets powered by Gemini, Google’s generative AI model.
To use it, simply type a prompt in a cell and the model replies in seconds.
The feature is live for Gemini for Workspace users.
How to use Gemini’s AI formula (with examples)
The formula contains two parts:
=AI(instruction, [range])
Instruction: is your prompt (what you would usually type in ChatGPT)
Range: is the referenced cells that the AI should consider (this provides additional context for the AI to provide answers)
Think of it as if ChatGPT could see the data in your sheet. Clear prompts give clear answers.
Some examples of how to use the Gemini AI formula in Google Sheets
The output from the AI formula appears just like any other formula in Google Sheets. Below are two powerful examples based on real experience.
Example 1: Write a product ad with =AI()
Rolling out a new product? The AI formula can help write a social media ad for any product.
Create separate columns for the product’s objective and target audience. Then insert an AI formula, such as:
=AI("Write a formal ad copy for the product. Indirectly cater the copy to the objective and target audience.", A1: C1)
In the blink of an eye you have a custom-made and tailored ad for your new product, saving hours of work. What your marketing team once spent several hours creating can now be done in seconds, saving your business time and manual effort.
Since the result appears like a regular formula output, you can copy, drag or reference it just as you would with any other cell.
Example 2: Categorize expenses with =AI()
Tracking company spending can get messy fast. The AI formula can help streamline your accounting by automatically classifying expenses into categories like Travel, Lodging, Meals, Equipment or Entertainment.
Set up your spreadsheet with columns for vendor, item description, amount and payment type. Then add the AI formula to a final column for the expense category:
=AI("Categorize the expense as travel, lodging, meals, equipment, or entertainment based on the item description and the vendor.", A1: E1)
Gemini scans the row and writes the appropriate category instantly. Your ledger is sorted in seconds, ready for reports or reimbursements, no manual sorting needed.
Best practices of Gemini AI formula in Google Sheets based on our experience
To get reliable results, apply these simple practices:
Be clear and specific: Treat the prompt as a brief. Avoid vague wording
Refer to cells not text: =AI("Summarize", A2:A20) works better than pasting text
Review outputs before sending: Gemini is really smart, but not perfect
Why Gemini’s AI formula matters for business productivity
Most AI tools need new habits or new hires. =AI() is different. It lives inside Google Sheets. You don’t need an engineer or a new extra platform. Just your spreadsheet.
We call this quiet AI. Small tweaks that stack into big productivity wins. Start small, stay practical and grow from there.
Need a hand getting started with AI in Google Sheets? Reach out to us today.
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