March 11

GPT for google sheets

Below is a complete guide for installing ChatGPT in Google Sheets using the “GPT for Sheets and Docs” add-on.

First, you will see examples of how to use ChatGPT (for generating ideas, descriptions, and text summaries). Then we’ll go step by step through the installation process and expense-control tips.

1. Examples of Using ChatGPT in Google Sheets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS326x_v7BE&t=102s

1.1. Generating a Content Plan

• Formula:

=GPT_LIST("Come up with 5 topics for articles about healthy eating")

• Result: you get several ideas for future posts or articles (all in one cell as a list). You can instantly move them to your editorial calendar.

1.2. Expanding a Topic / Article Structure

• Formula:

=GPT("Expand on the topic: " & A2 & ", suggest 3 subheadings")

• Example: if A2 says “Vegetarian Recipes,” you’ll get a mini outline of the article, including subheadings and key points.

1.3. Summarizing Long Text

• Formula:

=GPT_SUMMARIZE(A2)

• Result: ChatGPT returns the main ideas from a large volume of text stored in A2. Useful for analyzing lengthy reviews or articles.

1.4. Creating a Product Description

• Formula:

=GPT("Write a short, compelling product description for: " & A2)

• Result: a quick promotional text based on the product name/characteristics in cell A2.

1.5. Getting Hints on Google Sheets Formulas

• Formula:

=GPT("Explain how the VLOOKUP function works in Google Sheets, with an example")

• Result: a concise guide inside your spreadsheet—no need to search external docs.

2. Installing the “GPT for Sheets and Docs” Add-On

1. Open Google Workspace Marketplace

• Either go to Google Workspace Marketplace,

• Or in your Google Sheet, click “Extensions” → “Add-ons” / “Get add-ons.”

2. Find and install “GPT for Sheets and Docs”

https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/gpt_for_sheets_and_docs/677318054654?hl=ru

• Type the add-on name in the search bar, open its page.

• Click Install and confirm the requested permissions.

3. Check that it appears

• Back in Google Sheets, open “Extensions” and see if “GPT for Sheets and Docs” is listed.

Note. All add-ons are installed at your own risk. Please check the add-on ratings and user reviews in the Marketplace to ensure reliability.

3. Getting an API Key from the OpenAI Platform

1. Go to https://platform.openai.com/

• This is the developer dashboard, not the ChatGPT site (chat.openai.com).

2. Create or log in to your account

• If necessary, add a payment method in the "Billing" → "Payment methods" section (in case you don't have free credit).
First "Settings" - then "Billing" → "Payment methods"

3. Create an API key

• In the "API Keys" section (direct link), click "Create new secret key".

• !!!!!! Copy the key and store it securely (it won’t be shown again in full).

4. Linking the API Key to the Add-On

1. Open your Google Sheet

• It can be new or an existing one.

* Save the file in Google Sheets format if it is not already converted.

2. Insert the key

• Go to “Extensions” → “GPT for Sheets and Docs” → “Set API key.”

• Paste the copied key.

3. Check

• If everything is correct, the add-on will connect to OpenAI and be ready for use.

5. Main ChatGPT Formulas

5.1. =GPT("Your query")

• Sends a string query directly to ChatGPT, returns text.

• Example:

=GPT("List the main dishes of Mediterranean cuisine")

5.2. =GPT_LIST("Your query")

• Returns a list (each item on a new line).

• Example:

=GPT_LIST("Give me 5 content ideas about eco-tourism")

5.3. =GPT_SUMMARIZE(A2)

• Summarizes text in cell A2.

• Example:

=GPT_SUMMARIZE(A2)

Tip: Combine formulas with cell references. For example:

=GPT("Expand on the topic: " & A2 & ", specify target audience and style")

* You can find the rest of the commands in this tab along with a video explanationем

* We recommend setting the token and temperature settings to the default values.

6. Managing Costs and Tariffs

1. Within the add-on

• “GPT for Sheets and Docs” may provide a small trial balance. After it ends, you’ll need a paid plan (go to “Extensions” → “GPT for Sheets and Docs” → “Billing”).

2. OpenAI Dashboard

• On https://platform.openai.com/ , check “Usage” to see how many tokens you’ve used

• You can set limits in “Billing” → “Usage Limits.”

7. Avoiding Unnecessary Requests

1. Pause all GPT functions

• The add-on menu may let you pause all GPT formulas, so they don’t recalculate on every sheet change.

2. Replace a formula with its result

• After you get what you need, convert the formula to static text (Edit → “Paste special” → “Values only”) so no new tokens are spent on recalculation.

3. Highlight GPT cells

• Some versions of the add-on mark cells that contain GPT formulas, helping you see where costs might accrue.

8. Security and the Key

1. Don’t publish your API key

• Avoid making a public document containing your key.

• If working in a team, consider giving each person their own key.

2. Watch your spending

• Check your OpenAI usage to ensure you’re not incurring unexpected costs.

• Remove or pause GPT formulas that are no longer needed.

3. Be specific in your prompts

• The more accurately you phrase the query (e.g., number of points, writing style), the less chance you’ll get unnecessary or overly long responses.

By setting up “GPT for Sheets and Docs” and linking it to your OpenAI API key, you can easily generate content plans, article ideas, product descriptions, or even get formula help—all within your Google Sheets. Enjoy faster workflows and text generation in one convenient place!