How to Analyze Files in ChatGPT Without Missing Errors

Start with a small sample and a specific question. Ask ChatGPT to describe the columns, identify missing values, and explain its calculation before requesting a conclusion.

For important work, request a table of assumptions and formulas. Check several rows against the source file yourself. Never upload credentials, customer data, or confidential documents unless your organization has approved the workflow.

The best prompt names the output: “return the five largest changes with the values and sheet references,” not “analyze this spreadsheet.”