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Turn ChatGPT Into Your Engineering Calculator

  • Writer: Patrick Law
    Patrick Law
  • May 11
  • 2 min read

Frustrated with redoing the same calculations in Excel? ChatGPT now lets engineers replicate entire workflows with just one prompt—no coding required.


Key Features: Why Engineers Are Using ChatGPT for Calculations

AI is no longer just for chatting—it’s a serious engineering tool when used correctly. By structuring ChatGPT with four simple prompts, engineers can turn it into a customized calculator that mirrors their methodology exactly.


Here’s what makes it powerful:

  • Method Replication: Feed ChatGPT one example, and it will replicate your calculation logic—inputs, formulas, units, references, and output format.

  • Input Flexibility: Easily swap in new values (e.g., flowrate, pressure, temperature) and re-run the full calculation.

  • QA/QC with Python: A built-in Python validation step double-checks the math and flags errors, ensuring reliable results.

  • Template Output: Final results can be structured in Excel-like tables that follow your original document’s format—ready to copy/paste or submit.

  • Scales Across Equipment: Works for any repeatable calc—pumps, vessels, PSVs, separators, line sizing, and more.


Limitations: What You Still Need to Do

Despite its capabilities, ChatGPT is not plug-and-play without prep work.

  • Requires an Example: You must first provide a clear example calculation. The AI mirrors your method—it doesn’t invent one.

  • Not Ideal for Ambiguous Problems: If your reference doc lacks structure or if assumptions are unclear, results may be incomplete.

  • Doesn’t Replace Engineering Judgment: You still need to verify if assumptions, units, and conditions match real-world constraints.

For context on best practices, refer to OpenAI’s documentation or visit Singularity’s prompt structuring guide here.


Conclusion: Automate Once. Reuse Forever.

Using ChatGPT as a calculator doesn’t just save time—it helps standardize your workflow, reduce errors, and free you from repetitive tasks. If you're spending hours redoing the same calcs, it's time to shift.

👉 Advance your AI skills with our Udemy course

Singularity AI for Engineers — and start automating your engineering tasks today.

 
 
 

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