Excel Formulas With AI: Turn Prompts into Solutions

Important note: This training may demonstrate AI tools that are not approved for use with Stanford data. Inclusion in this session does not imply institutional approval. Participants should refrain from entering Stanford data into unapproved tools. An up-to-date list of approved and reviewed tools is available on the GenAI Evaluation Matrix page.

Excel formulas don't have to feel like a guessing game. If you've ever stared at a blank formula bar or a confusing error, this workshop gives you a faster, clearer way forward: use AI to turn plain-English requirements into working Excel formulas you can trust.

You'll explore a practical workflow for collaborating with generative AI to create, explain, and troubleshoot formulas, step by step.

You won't just produce formulas that work; you'll discover how to ask AI better questions, validate results, and build cleaner spreadsheets that are easier to understand and maintain.

Who this workshop is for: Excel users who want to get faster and more confident with formulas and functions Beginners who want a clear, guided path into formulas with AI support Intermediate users who want to level up with AI-assisted formula building and troubleshooting

The course is designed for Microsoft 365 users. It includes modern features such as dynamic arrays and new functions.

Learning Outcomes:
- Create accurate Excel formulas from natural-language descriptions using AI assistance
- Diagnose and fix formula errors (#N/A, #VALUE!, spilled arrays) with AI troubleshooting
- Understand and improve inherited formulas through AI-powered explanations and refactoring
- Build dynamic spreadsheet solutions using modern Microsoft 365 functions and arrays
- Apply repeatable prompt frameworks to consistently generate reliable Excel results

Example workplace scenarios we'll practice:
- Calculate project completion percentages that update automatically when task statuses change
- Extract and categorize expense data from imported credit card statements
- Build a dynamic employee directory that filters and displays contact information based on department selection

What we'll cover: 
- Formula essentials: references, nesting, logic patterns, and best practices
- Prompt frameworks that consistently produce usable Excel results
- Getting AI to ask clarifying questions so the formula matches the real requirement
- Turning business requirements into formulas (with the right context for AI)
- Troubleshooting errors like #N/A, #VALUE!, and spilled arrays
- Validating AI-generated formulas using quick test cases and edge checks
- Tables and structured references for cleaner, more maintainable models
- Dynamic arrays and modern Microsoft 365 techniques (FILTER, UNIQUE, SORT)
- Refactoring formulas for readability using LET (and an intro to LAMBDA)

Examples of functions and tools we'll use: 
- We'll explore key function categories like Text, Date & Time, and Lookup & Reference, including: DATE, YEAR, MONTH, DAY, IF, TEXT, TEXTBEFORE, TEXTAFTER, TEXTSPLIT, VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, UNIQUE, FILTER, SORT, LET, LAMBDA (and more)

Bring your curiosity and, if you'd like, a real spreadsheet challenge. You'll leave with practical prompt templates, stronger Excel fundamentals, and an AI-powered workflow you can use immediately at work.

Because this workshop is live and instructor-led, you'll be able to ask questions in real time, build formulas from scratch, and follow along with guided practice.

Join us and transform the way you work in Excel with AI. Boost your confidence, efficiency, and career prospects with every prompt.