Make sense of a table of numbers
What each column means, where the data has errors, the main points in 5 bullets and questions for the author of the table.
What it is
For tables other people sent you: an ad account report, a sales export, a project estimate, an accountant's report. The model explains the columns in plain words, looks for empty cells and odd values, and gives formulas so you can double-check the main totals yourself. For a regular review of business numbers, there's the "Review your numbers for the period" prompt.
- Spreadsheets
- Numbers
- For beginners
Text to copy
Help me make sense of a table. I'm not an analyst, so explain in plain words. Where the table comes from: [for example: an ad account report / a sales export / a project estimate / an accountant's report] What I want to understand: [for example: whether everything is OK / where the money goes / what changed this month] The table: [attach a file or paste the data] Go step by step: 1. What's in the table: how many rows and columns, and what each column means in plain words. If a column name is unclear, make a guess and note that it's a guess. 2. Check the data: empty cells, duplicates, odd values (negative amounts, huge numbers, dates out of order). Give the row numbers. 3. The main takeaways in 5 points: the biggest values, totals, notable changes. 4. If there's something to compare (months, products, channels), show the comparison in a small table. 5. Three questions worth asking the person who sent the table. Rules: if you have a data analysis or code execution tool, use it to calculate instead of doing it in your head, and show how you calculated. For every total I'll base a decision on, write the formula I can enter in a spreadsheet to double-check it. Don't draw conclusions about the reasons for changes. Label them as hypotheses.
Works with these tools
- ChatGPT · OpenAI's mainstream AI assistant: chat, voice, images, the Work agent and Codex.
- Claude · An AI assistant for long documents, analysis and code, with Claude Code and Cowork on paid plans.
- Gemini · Google's assistant, built into Gmail, Docs and Sheets, with Deep Research, Gemini Live and Canvas.
- Julius AI · Upload a spreadsheet or connect a database, ask in plain words, and get analysis and charts.
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Checked: October 2026