The short answer
Before asking AI to analyze a spreadsheet, explain what each column means, the units and date range, and the question you need to answer. Start with a table structure and an analysis plan. Check totals, formulas, and conclusions against the source data rather than assuming a polished answer is correct.
What to bring
- A shareable data sample and definitions for each field, without unnecessary personal information.
- The date range, units, currency, duplicate rules, and treatment of missing values.
- A specific question, such as “Summarize expenses by project,” rather than “Analyze everything.”
A practical way to approach the task
Check whether the records are comparable
Confirm that matching column names use the same units. A blank value is not automatically zero. Define how refunds, taxes, and possible duplicates should be handled.
Agree on the structure before calculating
Ask Orlino for proposed columns, calculation steps, and questions to resolve. Do not ask for a firm conclusion while the reporting rules are still unclear.
Recalculate a small sample
Check a subset by hand and compare totals with the detail rows. If you need a spreadsheet file, confirm the app supports the required tool and open the resulting file to inspect it.
A prompt you can make your own
Replace the bracketed text before pasting this into Orlino. Share only material you have permission to use.
Help me structure a spreadsheet for [purpose] and plan the analysis. First check field definitions, units, date range, duplicates, and missing values. Ask about unclear rules before calculating. Suggest columns, calculation methods, explanations, and a review checklist. Do not invent data. Explain the assumptions behind any formula. Data definitions: [Add details] Sample data: [Paste a shareable sample] Question to answer: [Your question]
One expense table, two different totals
Fictional USD amounts for illustration—not business results or a software benchmark.
| Date | Project | Amount (USD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2026 | Project A | $120 | Reimbursed |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Project A | $80 | Pending review |
| Reporting scope | All submitted / reimbursed only | $200 / $120 | Different rules produce different totals |
What does a usable result look like?
- Units and date ranges match; blank values are not treated as zero without a reason.
- Totals can be reproduced from the detail rows and formulas reference the right cells.
- Conclusions state the sample scope and do not confuse correlation with causation.
Common questions
Can I put an AI-generated number straight into a report?
Check the source data, filters, and calculation first. Important figures deserve an independent calculation, even if the answer looks reasonable.
Can I download an Excel file here?
No. This website provides examples and prompts. File generation and export depend on your app version, available tools, and permissions.
About this example
This is a practical guide, not a live task. Except for the clearly labeled weekly-update example, examples are editorial illustrations, not customer results. This website does not access your accounts, submit your material, or execute tasks. Available tools and outputs depend on the app and your permissions.