Introduction
The AI Function in Google Sheets is an AI-powered formula that enables you to generate, summarise, categorise and analyse text directly inside your spreadsheet. It simplifies tasks like drafting copy, understanding feedback and tagging data. Powered by Google’s Gemini large language model, it brings natural language understanding into your cells.
Competitor Comparison
Unlike traditional formula-heavy automation or external AI tools, this embedded feature removes the context-switch. It combines the simplicity of a formula with LLM power, something unique among spreadsheet tools.
| Primary Users | Why the AI Function Fits |
|---|---|
| Marketers | Create ad copy or social posts from cell content |
| Analysts | Summarise feedback or detect sentiment in survey responses |
| Business teams | Categorise support requests or customer inquiries at scale |
| Content creators | Generate slogans or personalised text from raw data |
Pricing & Availability
The AI Function is rolling out to Google Workspace users with Business or Enterprise plans, Gemini AI Pro, Ultra, or Education add-ons. It is included with AI-enabled subscriptions and does not require a separate fee.
Exact usage numbers are not publicly shared.
Difficulty Level
Easy. You type =AI(...) or =Gemini(...) into a cell with your prompt and optional data range. The interface uses simple controls to generate or refresh results. You don’t need expertise with AI or complex spreadsheets.
Use Case Example
Imagine you have customer feedback listed in rows. In a new column, you enter:
=AI(“Summarise this feedback in one sentence”, A2)
You then drag the cell down to fill the column. Gemini generates a summary for every feedback entry.
Steps:
Open Google Sheets.
In a cell, type
=AI("your prompt", A2)or similar.Hit “Generate and Insert.”
Optionally refresh with “Refresh and Insert.”
Drag to apply to more rows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Create, summarise, categorise or analyse text with one formula
- Handles hundreds of rows in seconds
- Easy fill-down and refresh workflow
- Multilingual support across several new languages
Cons
- Text-only output—can’t write formulas or generate charts
- Only processes the first 200 selected AI cells at a time
- Limited data access—only cells you reference are used
- Output accuracy may vary—needs review
- Embedded AI functions aren’t supported
Integration & Compatibility
It works as a native function in Google Sheets. You use it alongside regular formulas. It doesn’t integrate with Drive files or other sheets unless explicitly referenced.
Support & Resources
Google provides documentation and examples via support pages. Workspace Labs users can submit feedback directly from the interface.
If you want to explore how AI can accelerate your growth, consider joining a Nimbull AI Training Day or reach out for personalised AI Consulting services.