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This article describes the RPA Excel functionality to generate smart formulas using AI.
For a full list of available functions, please read EXCEL functions.
Description
Describe what you want in plain English and AI generates the correct Excel formula. Sends a natural language description along with the workbook context (column names, sample data, target cell) to AI, which generates the appropriate Excel formula. The formula is written to the specified cell and optionally autofilled down the column. Handles absolute/relative references, complex functions (VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, INDEX/MATCH), and proper US locale formatting.
Setting it up
To use the EXCEL Smart formula function, follow these instructions:
{{popups:rpas/add:action=excel-smart-formula}}
Once on a process map:
- Navigate to the process where you would like to add the EXCEL Smart formula function
- Click on the green button's drop-down (right side of the green button labelled "Process")
- On the menu that appears, click on the "+ Activity" item
- From here you can select the EXCEL Smart formula option
- Click "Add" once you are done
Input parameters
| Parameter | Required | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File path | Yes | Text | – | Full path to the Excel file. |
| Sheet | Yes | Text | – | The sheet where the formula will be written. |
| Cell | Yes | Text | – | The cell where the formula will be placed (e.g. D2). |
| Formula description | Yes | Textarea | – | Plain English description of the formula you need. |
| Autofill down | No | Switch | Off | Automatically fill the formula down to the last row of data. |
| Variable | No | Text | smart_formula | Name of the variable where the result will be stored. |
Output variables
The result variable contains:
- formula – The generated formula text
- explanation – Brief AI explanation of the formula
- success – Whether the formula was written successfully
Example descriptions and generated formulas
| Description | Generated formula |
|---|---|
| Calculate the running total of Amount | =SUM($C$2:C2) |
| Percentage of each row vs grand total | =C2/SUM($C$2:$C$100) |
| Look up supplier name from Sheet2 | =VLOOKUP(A2,Sheet2!A:B,2,FALSE) |
| Days between Order Date and Delivery | =E2-D2 |
| IF Amount > 1000 then 'High' else 'Low' | =IF(C2>1000,"High","Low") |
Errors
| Error | Description |
|---|---|
| File not open | The Excel file must be open before using this function. |
| Sheet not found | The specified sheet does not exist. |
| Invalid cell | The specified cell reference is not valid. |
| AI not configured | The AI API endpoint is not configured. |
Tips
- Mention column names exactly as they appear in the sheet.
- Specify the cell (e.g. D2) so AI can use correct references.
- Enable 'Autofill down' for formulas that should apply to every row.