Analyze a workbook

Use this workflow when you need to understand a workbook before you edit it, audit it, or hand it off to someone else. Agent can map the workbook structure, explain formulas, identify key assumptions, and point you toward the next best step.

Best first prompt: "Summarize this workbook. Identify the main sheets, key inputs, outputs, assumptions, and anything that needs closer review. Include sheet or cell references where helpful."

At a glance

• Best for: Workbook orientation, model handoff, formula explanation, and early review.

• Output: A workbook summary, key sheets, inputs, outputs, assumptions, review signals, and follow-up questions.

• Recommended mode: Read-only mode.

When to use this workflow

Use this workflow when you need a fast read of a workbook, sheet, range, or model before deciding what to do next.

Common goals include:

• Understand the purpose of a workbook.

• Find the main inputs, outputs, and assumptions.

• Explain formulas and calculation flow.

• Identify unusual values or structures.

• Prepare for a cleanup, audit, or handover.

Starter prompts by goal

Understand the workbook structure

• "Summarize this workbook and identify the main sheets."

• "Analyze the active sheet and explain how it fits into the workbook."

• "Create an executive summary of this workbook for a reviewer."

Find inputs, outputs, and assumptions

• "Find the main inputs, outputs, and assumptions in this model."

• "List the key assumption cells and explain what each one appears to control."

• "Return a table with Sheet, Cell or Range, Purpose, and Notes."

Explain formulas and flow

• "Which formulas drive the final output?"

• "Explain the calculation flow from inputs to outputs."

• "Review the selected range and explain what the formulas calculate."

Check whether the workbook is ready for review

• "Review the selected range and tell me whether it looks like a clean table."

• "Show the most important issues first. Include sheet and cell references."

• "List what you can confirm from the workbook, then list assumptions you are making."

Recommended workflow

1. Pick the scope. Select the sheet or range you want Agent to review, or name the workbook area in your prompt.

2. Ask for a summary first. Start broad enough to understand the workbook, but ask Agent to include sheet or cell references when it finds something important.

3. Review the evidence. Check any cells, ranges, or sheets Agent points out before you rely on the answer.

4. Drill into one area. Ask a narrower follow-up about formulas, assumptions, outputs, or unusual structures.

5. Choose the next workflow. If you find risks, move to an audit workflow. If you need changes, move to an editing workflow and ask for a preview first.

Good follow-up requests

Show follow-up prompts

• "Where are the hardcoded assumptions?"

• "Which sheets look unused or supporting-only?"

• "What should I review before changing this workbook?"

• "Group the findings by Inputs, Calculations, Outputs, and Review notes."

• "Turn this into a short handover note for another analyst."

Tip

Ask Agent to separate workbook evidence from interpretation when the workbook is unfamiliar. For example: "List what you can confirm from the workbook, then list assumptions you are making."

Next best workflows

Use these pages when analysis turns into review, editing, or version comparison.

Audit a workbookEdit cells, ranges, and sheetsCompare workbooks