Google Sheets gets smarter with Gemini’s formula assistance

Google has enhanced Gemini’s capabilities within Google Sheets, adding formula explanation, error correction, and multi-formula generation features. These updates aim to reduce spreadsheet-related busywork for professionals while building user trust through improved transparency in AI-generated formulas.

What you should know: Gemini can now explain how formulas work, diagnose why they fail, and provide multiple formula options for complex tasks.

• When Gemini creates a formula, users can ask for explanations that break down each component with bulleted descriptions of what each part does.
• If a formula fails, users can request error analysis and corrections from the AI assistant.
• The system can now generate multiple formulas simultaneously, either for different purposes or as alternative approaches to achieve the same goal.

The big picture: AI service providers are competing to automate white-collar tasks, with Google expanding Gemini’s data analysis capabilities beyond chart generation to include comprehensive formula assistance.

Why this matters: Google says the explanation feature “improves user understanding and builds trust,” addressing a key concern about AI-generated content transparency.

• Professionals who work extensively with spreadsheets will have more bandwidth to focus on higher-level analysis rather than formula troubleshooting.
• The updates represent Google’s broader strategy to make AI assistance more educational rather than just transactional.

Availability: All new Gemini capabilities are available immediately in Google Sheets across Gemini Business and Enterprise plans, as well as Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions.