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A five-step check for AI-written formulas

A formula that returns a number can still return the wrong number. Run these checks before you trust it.

November 5, 2026

1. Read the ranges

AI often assumes where your data starts and ends. Check each reference against your real rows, and look for ranges that stop short.

2. Test a small sample

Pick five rows you can work out by hand. Compare your answer with the formula's result.

3. Try the edge cases

Add a blank row, a zero, some text in a number column, and a missing lookup value. A good formula handles each one in a way you expect.

4. Compare with a known total

Reconcile against a figure from another source, such as a ledger total or a PivotTable.

5. Check version support

Functions such as XLOOKUP, FILTER and TEXTSPLIT do not exist in older Excel. QUERY does not exist in Excel. Confirm where the people opening your file can run it.

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