AI WORLD HQGenerate spreadsheet formulas for common calculations using DeepSeek
Learn to ask DeepSeek for the exact Excel or Google Sheets formula you need, saving time and reducing errors.
Hook: Tired of hunting for the right Excel or Google Sheets formula? DeepSeek can write it for you in seconds. Whether you need a SUMIF, VLOOKUP, or a custom calculation, this guide shows you how to ask in plain English and get working code you can copy straight into your sheet.
💡 Tip: tap a step’s number when you finish it — a green tick appears and your browser remembers how far you got.
- A free DeepSeek account (sign up at deepseek.com)
- A web browser or the DeepSeek mobile app
- A blank spreadsheet (Excel or Google Sheets) open on your device
- Rough time needed: 5 minutes
Open DeepSeek and prepare your question
Open your browser or the DeepSeek app and log in. You’ll see a chat box at the bottom of the screen with a blinking cursor. This is where you type your request. Think of it like asking a helpful colleague for help with a tricky formula.
You'll know it worked when you see the blinking cursor ready for you to type.
Describe what you want in plain English
Type a clear, simple sentence that explains what you need. Avoid jargon. DeepSeek understands everyday language, so you don’t need to know the formula name. For example, instead of saying “I need a VLOOKUP,” say “I want to find the price of Product X in a table.”
You'll know it worked when DeepSeek replies with a formula suggestion.
Ask for the formula in a specific spreadsheet
Tell DeepSeek which spreadsheet program you’re using. This helps it give you the correct syntax. If you’re unsure, just say “Google Sheets” or “Excel” — DeepSeek will adapt. If you’re using Excel for the web, it’s fine to say “Excel.”
You'll know it worked when DeepSeek replies with a ready-to-copy formula.
Copy the formula DeepSeek provides
DeepSeek will reply with a formula like =SUMIF(C:C, ">100"). Highlight the entire formula, then press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy it. Do not edit it yet — just copy it to your clipboard.
You'll know it worked when you have the formula copied and ready to paste.
Paste the formula into your sheet
Go to your spreadsheet and click the cell where you want the result. Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the formula. The cell will now show the sum of all values over 100 in column C. If you see a number, it worked!
You'll know it worked when the cell shows a number that matches your expectation.
Adjust the formula if needed
If the result isn’t what you expected, double-check the numbers in your sheet. Did you mean to sum column C or another column? Is the condition correct? If you need to change it, ask DeepSeek again: “Change the formula to sum values over 150 in column D instead.”
You'll know it worked when the new result appears and makes sense.
Save your work and ask for more
Once you have the result, save your spreadsheet. You can now ask DeepSeek for other formulas, like averages, lookups, or conditional formatting rules. Each time, just describe what you want in plain English.
You'll know it worked when your sheet is saved and you’re ready to ask for the next formula.
- Mistake: Typing a vague request like “I need a formula.” Fix: Be specific: “I need a formula to add up sales over $200 in column E.”
- Mistake: Pasting the formula into the wrong cell. Fix: Click the cell where you want the result before pasting.
- Mistake: Editing the formula before pasting. Fix: Copy the formula exactly as DeepSeek gives it, then paste it.
Open DeepSeek, type:
Give me a formula to sum all values greater than 50 in column A of Google Sheets.
Copy the formula it gives you, paste it into a new Google Sheet, and watch the result appear.
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✦ Original step-by-step guide by AI World HQ's AI editorial team. Written in plain language, reviewed for accuracy.
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