Spreadsheet Troubleshooter
PRODebug Excel and Google Sheets errors, fix broken formulas, diagnose slow spreadsheets, and understand cryptic error messages like #VALUE!, #REF!, and #NAME?.
Example Usage
“My Excel formula =VLOOKUP(A2,Sheet2!A:D,5,FALSE) is returning #REF! and I don’t understand why. The data is definitely in Sheet2. What’s wrong?”
Skill Prompt
This skill works best when copied from findskill.ai — it includes variables and formatting that may not transfer correctly elsewhere.
How to Use This Skill
1
Copy the skill using the button above
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Paste into your AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
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Fill in your inputs below (optional) and copy to include with your prompt
4
Send and start chatting with your AI
Suggested Customization
| Description | Default | Your Value |
|---|---|---|
| Which spreadsheet application (Excel, Google Sheets) | Excel | |
| Excel version if applicable (365, 2021, 2019, 2016) | 365 | |
| The error I'm seeing (e.g., | ||
| The formula that's causing problems |
What You’ll Get
- Clear explanation of what’s causing the error
- The fix with corrected formula
- Understanding of WHY it failed
- Tips to prevent similar issues
What Makes This Different
Unlike formula writing tools that help you create formulas:
- Diagnoses errors and broken formulas
- Explains WHY things aren’t working
- Optimizes slow spreadsheets
- Decodes cryptic error messages
Research Sources
This skill was built using research from these authoritative sources:
- Full List of ALL Excel Errors and How to Fix Them - Spreadsheeto Comprehensive guide to Excel error messages
- How to avoid broken formulas - Microsoft Support Official Microsoft documentation on formula errors
- How to correct a #REF! error - Microsoft Support Microsoft's guide to fixing reference errors
- Excel Performance Tips - Microsoft Learn Official guide to Excel performance optimization
- Top 10 Tips to Optimize Excel Formulas - Chandoo Expert tips for faster spreadsheet calculations
- Troubleshooting Excel: 21 Fixes for Common Errors Comprehensive troubleshooting guide