The Complete Guide to Using AI in Google Sheets (2026)
Everything you need to know about AI tools for Google Sheets — from cell functions to conversational sidebars. Compare approaches, features, and pricing.
AI in Google Sheets: The Landscape in 2026
The market for AI-powered Google Sheets tools has exploded. With over 10 active products competing for attention, choosing the right tool can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the landscape so you can make an informed decision.
Two Approaches to AI in Sheets
Cell-Function Tools
These tools add custom functions like =GPT(), =AI(), or =SHEETAI() to your spreadsheet. You type a prompt, reference some cells, and get a text response back in the cell.
Best for: Bulk processing (categorize 1,000 products, translate 500 rows, generate meta descriptions at scale)
Examples: GPT for Sheets, SheetAI, Numerous.ai, SheetMagic
Limitations: No conversation context, no undo, no awareness of your full sheet structure
Conversational Sidebar Tools
These open a chat panel inside Google Sheets where you interact with AI through natural language. The AI reads your sheet data and can take actions like creating formulas, formatting cells, or generating charts.
Best for: Data analysis, exploration, multi-step automation, formula generation
Examples: SheetMind, Arcwise
Advantages: Full context awareness, conversation memory, ability to take complex multi-step actions
Key Features to Look For
1. Data Context Awareness
Does the tool understand your full sheet, or only the cells you explicitly reference? Tools with RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) can index your entire dataset and find relevant information across thousands of rows.
2. Formula Validation
AI can generate formulas that reference functions that don't exist in Google Sheets. Look for tools that validate formulas before applying them — SheetMind validates against 120+ known Google Sheets functions.
3. Undo Capability
If the AI modifies your sheet, can you undo those changes? Most tools offer no undo at all. SheetMind is currently the only tool that provides step-by-step undo for every AI action.
4. Privacy and PII Detection
If your sheet contains customer data, employee records, or financial information, does the tool warn you before sending that data to an external AI service? Only SheetMind currently offers automatic PII detection with user warnings.
5. Conversation History
Can you resume a previous conversation with context? Cell-function tools have no memory between requests. Conversational tools like SheetMind maintain persistent conversation history.
Pricing Comparison
| Tool | Starting Price | Model | |------|---------------|-------| | SheetMind | Free (5 msgs) | Subscription | | GPT for Sheets | $29 credits | Usage-based | | SheetAI | Free (50/mo) | Subscription | | Numerous | $8/mo | Subscription | | SheetMagic | $19/mo | Subscription | | Coefficient | $59/user/mo | Subscription | | Formula Bot | Free (5/mo) | Subscription | | Arcwise | Free | N/A |
Our Recommendation
If you need bulk text processing across thousands of rows, a cell-function tool like GPT for Sheets or Numerous will serve you well.
If you want interactive data analysis with the ability to ask follow-up questions, generate complex formulas, and take multi-step actions — all with undo capability and privacy protection — try SheetMind.