How to Integrate ChatGPT with Google Sheets or Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spreadsheets like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are the backbone of data management. But what if you could make them smarter? Imagine asking your spreadsheet to summarize data, generate reports, or even draft emails automatically. Thanks to ChatGPT integration, this is no longer science fiction—it’s a practical way to save time and enhance productivity.

In this ChatGPT tutorial, you’ll learn how to connect ChatGPT with Google Sheets and Excel step by step. We’ll cover different methods, use cases, and advanced tips, so whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this guide will help you create AI-powered spreadsheets.

Why Integrate ChatGPT with Spreadsheets?

• Automate repetitive tasks like summarizing text or generating formulas.
• Data enrichment (e.g., turning short notes into professional text).
• Customer support analysis (classify queries in real time).
• Content generation inside spreadsheets.
• Brainstorming and ideation without leaving Excel or Google Sheets.

Think of it as having a personal AI assistant directly inside your spreadsheets.

Method 1: Integrating ChatGPT with Google Sheets

Google Sheets offers the flexibility of Google Apps Script and add-ons to connect with the ChatGPT API.

Step 1: Get an OpenAI API Key

1. Go to OpenAI’s platform.
2. Sign up or log in to your account.
3. Generate an API key under your account settings.
   (Keep this key secure; it grants access to your OpenAI account.)

Step 2: Open Google Apps Script

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Click Extensions > Apps Script.
3. A new script editor will open.

Step 3: Add the Script

function callChatGPT(prompt) {
  var apiKey = "YOUR_API_KEY"; 
  var url = "https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions";
  
  var payload = {
    "model": "gpt-3.5-turbo",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]
  };
  
  var options = {
    "method": "post",
    "headers": {
      "Authorization": "Bearer " + apiKey,
      "Content-Type": "application/json"
    },
    "payload": JSON.stringify(payload)
  };
  
  var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url, options);
  var data = JSON.parse(response.getContentText());
  return data.choices[0].message.content;
}

Step 4: Create a Custom Function

function GPT(prompt) {
  return callChatGPT(prompt);
}

In your spreadsheet, type:

=GPT("Write a professional email apologizing for a late delivery.")

And watch ChatGPT generate the email instantly inside the cell.

Step 5: Suggested Use Cases for Google Sheets

• Summarize survey responses in bulk.
• Translate text between languages.
• Generate blog post ideas from keywords.
• Create formulas automatically.

Method 2: Integrating ChatGPT with Excel

Excel doesn’t have built-in scripting like Google Apps Script, but you can connect ChatGPT through VBA or third-party add-ins.

Option A: Using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)

1. Open Excel.
2. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
3. Insert a new module and paste the following code:

Function ChatGPT(prompt As String) As String
    Dim Http As Object, JSON As Object, URL As String, Body As String
    URL = "https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions"
    
    Set Http = CreateObject("MSXML2.XMLHTTP")
    Body = "{""model"":""gpt-3.5-turbo"",""messages"":[{""role"":""user"",""content"":""" & prompt & """}]}"
    
    Http.Open "POST", URL, False
    Http.setRequestHeader "Content-Type", "application/json"
    Http.setRequestHeader "Authorization", "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
    Http.Send Body
    
    ChatGPT = Mid(Http.responseText, InStr(Http.responseText, "content"":""") + 10)
    ChatGPT = Left(ChatGPT, InStr(ChatGPT, """") - 1)
End Function

In Excel, type:

=ChatGPT("Summarize this sales data in 3 sentences.")

Option B: Using Third-Party Add-Ins

If coding feels intimidating, you can use add-ins like:

• Power Automate + OpenAI connector
• ChatGPT for Excel by GPT for Work (paid add-on)

These tools make it as simple as entering your API key and calling formulas like:

=GPT("Generate SEO keywords for online shop")

Best Practices for ChatGPT + Spreadsheet Integration

• Keep prompts clear: The more specific your instructions, the better the response.
• Watch API costs: Each request uses tokens. Monitor usage in your OpenAI dashboard.
• Cache results: If you’re calling ChatGPT for the same query, save responses.
• Combine with formulas: For example, use CONCATENATE or & with GPT to generate structured outputs.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• #ERROR in Google Sheets → Check your API key and script permissions.
• Slow responses → ChatGPT processing time depends on prompt length.
• Excel not returning text → Ensure macros are enabled.

Conclusion

By integrating ChatGPT with Google Sheets or Excel, you turn ordinary spreadsheets into powerful AI-enhanced productivity tools. Whether you’re generating reports, summarizing feedback, or brainstorming ideas, this integration saves time and opens creative possibilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Use Apps Script for Google Sheets integration.
• Use VBA or add-ins for Excel integration.
• Always keep prompts specific for best results.

Start small—like summarizing survey responses—and gradually build more advanced AI workflows into your spreadsheets. With this ChatGPT guide, you now have the blueprint to create smarter, faster, and more insightful spreadsheets.