Can Gemini AI Do Math in Google Sheets?

AI in spreadsheets? It’s here — and it’s got potential. But engineers and analysts should know where Gemini AI shines... and where it still needs guidance.

Gemini AI in Sheets: What It Does Well

Google’s Gemini AI integration in Google Sheets lets you run prompts directly in cells using =AI("your prompt", range). This makes it incredibly easy to automate repetitive data tasks — and yes, basic math is one of them.

Key features:

• Math and conversions: Convert units (e.g., m³/h to gpm), do calculations, or validate formulas directly in a cell.

• Natural language prompts: You don’t need formulas — just clear instructions like “Convert this from Celsius to Fahrenheit.”

• Time-saving automation: Quickly process and analyze tables, categorize values, and summarize data using plain language prompts.

For engineers and technical teams, this opens a lightweight way to build logic checks, QA workflows, and unit conversion tables without writing code.

But... It’s Not Always Accurate

Despite its promise, Gemini AI’s math capabilities can be inconsistent.

Limitations to watch out for:

• Calculation errors: It sometimes rounds incorrectly or misinterprets numerical logic, especially across multiple rows.

• Lack of precision: Complex engineering math may not return consistent results without tightly written prompts.

• Prompt sensitivity: Slightly vague instructions can lead to unexpected outputs.

To get better results, the key is prompt engineering. Clearly state the units, precision level (e.g., “round to 3 decimals”), and expected format.

🔗 Read Google’s official guide on Gemini AI in Sheets

Conclusion / Call to Action

Gemini AI can do math in Google Sheets — but only if you guide it precisely. For engineers and analysts, this means better prompting is just as important as the tool itself.

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