Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Stop struggling with complex formulas and manual data entry; let Google’s AI build your trackers, write your syntax, and analyze your data for you. Google Gemini in Sheets transforms your static spreadsheets into an intelligent data partner that can build tables, write formulas, and clean data through simple conversation. Whether you are a business pro or a home user, this AI integration eliminates the tedious "blank grid" problem forever.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 9, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a blank Google Sheet, knowing exactly what data you needed but having no idea how to structure the table or write the necessary VLOOKUP to find it? 

You aren't alone. 

For decades, spreadsheets have required users to speak the language of "Cell C4" and "Nested IF statements."

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini in Google Sheets.

With the 2026 rollout of Gemini 3 into Google Workspace and Google AI Pro plans, the spreadsheet has finally learned to speak human. 

Instead of hunting for tutorials, you can now simply ask your sheet to "Create a 12-month budget tracker" or "Calculate the variance between these two columns." 

It is the most significant shift in how we handle data since the introduction of the Pivot Table.

Feature Explanation

Gemini in Google Sheets is an AI-powered collaborator that lives inside your sidebar and your formula bar. It is not just a chatbot sitting next to your data; it is deeply integrated into the Sheets engine.

The feature works in three primary ways:

• First, the "Ask Gemini" side panel allows you to generate entire table structures or charts by describing them. 
• Second, Enhanced Smart Fill uses AI to recognize complex patterns in your data and finish the work for you. 
• Finally, the =AI() or =GEMINI() function lets you bring generative power directly into a cell, allowing you to summarize or categorize text at scale without leaving the document.

What You’ll Gain

• Instant Organization: Go from a blank tab to a fully formatted project plan in seconds.
• Formula Freedom: Describe your mathematical goal in plain English and let Gemini write the syntax.
• Automated Cleaning: Standardize messy data, extract names from emails, and categorize sentiment instantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. In any Google Sheet, click the Ask Gemini (sparkle icon) in the top-right corner.
2. In the chat box, type a prompt like "Create a table for a 3-day team offsite with columns for time, activity, and owner."
3. Review the preview generated by Gemini. 
4. Click Insert to place the table into your sheet.
5. Click into any cell and type =AI("Summarize this table", A2:F15). Press Enter to see the AI process the data in that row.

fig. 1 - Use Gemini in Google Sheets

fig. 2 - Use '=AI' Inside Cells for Instant Analysis

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Speed: Reduces the time to build complex trackers from hours to minutes.
• Accessibility: Allows non-technical users to utilize advanced spreadsheet logic.
• Privacy: For Workspace users, data remains within the organization and is not used to train public models.

Cons

• Cost: Requires a monthly subscription (AI Pro or Workspace add-on).
• Accuracy: Like all AI, it can "hallucinate" numbers if the prompt is vague; always double-check critical calculations.
• Learning Curve: Users must learn "prompt engineering" to get the best results from complex data sets.

Feature Access

Gemini in Sheets is available to:

• Google One AI Pro subscribers ($19.99/mo).
• Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, or Education Plus licenses.
• Rollout Note: The =AI() function is currently rolling out to all AI Pro users globally as of late January 2026.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

The time savings for building templates and cleaning data are massive.

Usability 8

The side panel is intuitive, though the =AI() function requires some prompt practice.

Wow Factor 10

Watching a complex table appear from a single sentence still feels like magic.

Total: 27/30 🌟 Excellent

Gemini in Sheets is a "must-have" for anyone who spends more than an hour a week in spreadsheets. It is far more integrated and useful than the similar features currently found in Microsoft Excel.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Gemini in Google Sheets
• Platform(s): Web
• Quick Benefit: Build tables and write formulas using plain English.
• Access Type: Subscription (Google One AI Pro / Workspace Gemini).

Try It Yourself

Ready to stop wrestling with your data? 

Open a blank Google Sheet today, click that sparkle icon, and ask Gemini to "Create a monthly budget for 2026." 

If you found this tip helpful, share it with your team and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for daily tech shortcuts!

READ MORE

• Master the UNIQUE Function in Google Sheets
  
• Revolutionize Your Data Management with Tables in Google Sheets
  
• MORE Google Sheets Cool Tips
• MORE Google Gemini Cool Tips

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Gemini Navigation Expands to Walking and Cycling in Google Maps

Gemini Navigation Expands to Walking and Cycling in Google Maps

Google Maps just got a major brain transplant for your morning commute and weekend treks. AI-powered navigation is no longer just for drivers.

Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 3, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a blue dot on your phone while spinning in circles trying to figure out which way is North? 

Even with augmented reality, urban canyons, and winding bike paths can be disorienting. 

Navigation has historically focused on the four-wheeled experience, leaving those on foot or two wheels to squint at tiny lines and hope for the best.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini for walking and cycling.

Google is bridging that gap by integrating Gemini into Google Maps specifically for walking and cycling. 

This update transforms the map from a static document into a conversational partner. 

It understands the context of your surroundings and helps you find specific landmarks or points of interest using natural language while you are on the move.

Explore Search Trends with Gemini

Explore Search Trends with Gemini

Turn raw search data into instant insight with AI-powered explanations, comparisons, and context that save hours of research.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 26, 2026

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Google Trends has long been the gold standard for understanding what the world is searching for, but finding the exact right terms to compare has always been a manual, trial-and-error process. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Trends Now with Gemini.

A new integration with Gemini now automates the heavy lifting, instantly suggesting relevant comparisons and explaining the "why" behind the data.

Why You Should Care

• Instant Context: Gemini explains why a topic is trending, not just that it is trending.
• Better Comparisons: Automatically generates up to eight relevant comparison terms (e.g., searching "dog breeds" auto-populates "Golden Retriever," "Poodle," etc.).
• Time Saver: Eliminates the guesswork of finding related keywords for market research or content planning.

How to Use Google Gemini to Crush the SAT

How to Use Google Gemini to Crush the SAT 

Stop paying hundreds for test prep. Gemini now offers full-length, Princeton Review-vetted SAT practice tests for free.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 24, 2026

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College prep is stressful enough without the added anxiety of a price tag. 

Did you know the average private SAT tutor charges between $70 and $200 per hour? 

For many families, that cost is a barrier to entry that feels impossible to overcome. 

But imagine having an on-demand tutor who knows the material, tracks your pacing, and explains every mistake instantly, all for free. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini for SAT Prep.

Google Translate Now Lets You Choose: Classic Speed or Gemini Precision?

Google Translate Now Lets You Choose: Classic Speed or Gemini Precision?

Google Translate now offers a "Model Picker" that lets you toggle between instant "Classic" results and nuanced "Advanced" translations powered by Gemini. Discover how this new feature works and when to switch modes to avoid awkward phrasing in your professional and personal communications.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 20, 2026

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Have you ever used a translation app and ended up with a phrase that was technically correct but socially awkward? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Pick Your Model in Google Translate.

Google Translate is solving this problem by giving you a choice between raw speed and AI-powered nuance.

How Google Gemini’s New AI Feature Connects Your Apps for Smarter Answers

How Google Gemini’s New AI Feature Connects Your Apps for Smarter Answers

Imagine an AI that doesn't just know general facts, but knows you, finding your lost frequent flyer number or that specific vacation photo in seconds. Google Gemini’s new Personal Intelligence upgrade connects Gemini to your personal apps to transform how you manage your digital life.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 18, 2026

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Have you ever stood in line at a service counter, frantically searching your phone for a license plate number or a specific document buried in your email? 

We have all been there. Most AI chatbots can tell you the capital of France, but they cannot tell you what tire size your car needs or when your next dentist appointment is scheduled. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Google Gemini's New Personal Intelligence.

Google just announced a major upgrade to Gemini called "Personal Intelligence" that bridges the gap between general knowledge and your personal digital life.

How to Use "Thinking with 3 Pro" in Google Gemini

How to Use "Thinking with 3 Pro" in Google Gemini

Unlock deep reasoning, self-correcting logic, and dynamic visual layouts with Google's most powerful AI mode yet.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 4, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a complex problem and wished you could see the actual thought process behind the answer? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Think with Gemini 3 Pro.

Google has just rolled out "Thinking with 3 Pro," a new mode in the Gemini app and Google Search that does exactly that, pausing to reason, plan, and even self-correct before it speaks.

Mastering Google Gemini: 3 Essential Features You Need Now

Mastering Google Gemini: 3 Essential Features You Need Now

Unlock the full power of Google's AI with these hidden productivity, privacy, and comfort settings. Try these Top 3 Cool Tips for Google Gemini in 2025.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 28, 2025

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Are you getting the most out of your AI assistant, or are you just scratching the surface? 

Many users treat Google Gemini like a simple search engine, missing out on powerful tools designed to protect your privacy, save your eyes, and customize your workflow. 

If you are ready to move beyond basic prompts and take control of your AI experience, these three features are game-changers.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try these Top 3 Google Gemini Cool Tips in 2025.

Google Search Just Added a Plus Button

Google Search Just Added a Plus Button

Google is transforming its search bar from a text box into a command center with a simple interface update. You can now upload a photo or file directly to Search to get AI-powered answers for complex problems you cannot easily describe with words.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 21, 2025

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When was the last time you searched Google without typing a word?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Google Search AI Mode Plus (+) Button.

Google is quietly rolling out a feature that lets you stop typing and start showing.

The AI Model That Finally Renders Perfect Text in Images: Meet Nano Banana Pro

The AI Model That Finally Renders Perfect Text in Images: Meet Nano Banana Pro

Google has unveiled Nano Banana Pro, the new state-of-the-art Gemini 3 Pro Image model that revolutionizes how we create and edit visuals. This powerful new tool can generate stunning, high-fidelity graphics with perfectly legible text in multiple languages, making professional design instant and accessible.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 23, 2025

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Anyone who has experimented with generative AI for image creation knows the immediate frustration of trying to include text. 

You ask for a poster with a simple tagline, and the result is often a jumbled mess of letters, resembling something from an alien language. 

Text rendering has been the final, glaring weakness in creative AI. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Nano Banana Pro.

Google DeepMind has launched Nano Banana Pro, built on the core reasoning of Gemini 3 Pro, and it fundamentally changes the game for digital design and visualization. 

This new model is not just faster; it uses its enhanced reasoning to generate professional-quality images, infographics, and mockups that consistently feature accurate, perfectly legible text in any language.

Gemini Now Learns from Your Past Conversations

Gemini Now Learns from Your Past Conversations

Gemini’s newest update lets it remember what you tell it, so your assistant can pick up right where you left off. It learns your preferences, adapts to your work, and becomes more useful the more you use it.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 26, 2025

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You no longer have to start from zero every time you open Google Gemini. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Turn on Google Gemini's Past Chats feature.

The latest version can remember key details from your past conversations and use them to give more relevant responses. 

It feels less like chatting with a new assistant each day and more like talking to one that knows you.

Share Google Gems: The Shortcut You’ve Been Waiting for to Turn Custom AI Helpers into Team Assets

Share Google Gems: The Shortcut You’ve Been Waiting for to Turn Custom AI Helpers into Team Assets

Google’s Gemini now lets you share your custom-created Gems, task-specific AI assistants, just as you would a Google Doc. For business users and educators this is a game changer: no more rebuilding prompts from scratch, more room for collaboration, consistency, and scaling what works.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

September 23, 2025

Have you ever spent 20 minutes re-explaining a prompt to an AI every time you open a new chat?

Imagine if you could build that prompt once, along with some relevant files, rules, voice style, and just share it so others can use it, tweak it, or build off it. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Use Google’s newest upgrade to Gemini, “Share Gems.” 

It turns your custom AI helpers into reusable, shareable resources.

We first told you about the value of Gemini Gems last year.

Google Gemini’s Image Editing is a Game Changer

Google Gemini’s Image Editing is a Game Changer

Google Gemini’s latest image model blends prompts, edits, and styles while keeping faces and objects consistent. The result is faster, more natural editing that feels made for everyday use.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 31, 2025

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Have you ever tried to use an AI image tool to create a series of pictures with a consistent character, only to find the results were “close, but not quite?” 

The hair is a different shade, the shirt changes color, or the proportions are slightly off. 

It’s a frustrating roadblock for anyone trying to create a visual narrative.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the improved Google Gemini Image AI.

Why Gemini's Temporary Chats Are a Game Changer for Smart Professionals

Why Gemini's Temporary Chats Are a Game Changer for Smart Professionals

Google is introducing a new feature called Temporary Chats for its Gemini AI assistant. This mode functions like an "incognito" window for AI conversations. Your chats are not saved to your activity history, used for personalization, or used for model training. The conversations are automatically deleted after 72 hours.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor, 

August 26, 2025

Have you ever had a brilliant, fleeting idea you wanted to brainstorm with an AI, but hesitated, knowing every word would be logged, analyzed, and saved to your activity history? 

What if you need to tackle a sensitive client project or a personal finance question, but you're not comfortable with those details influencing your future digital interactions? 

We’ve all felt that tension between wanting the power of AI and needing a space that respects our privacy. 

But what if you could have both?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Gemini's New Temporary Chats Feature.

Gemini Can Read Aloud Google Docs with New “Audio” Feature

Gemini Can Read Aloud Google Docs with New “Audio” Feature

Google is rolling out a Gemini-powered “Audio” option in Google Docs that reads text aloud with natural-sounding voices. This new tool makes it easier to proofread, multitask, and boost accessibility in everyday work.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 21, 2025

Have you ever caught a mistake in your writing only after hearing it out loud? 

That’s about to get much easier. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Docs' new Audio feature.

Google Docs' new Gemini-powered “Audio” option reads your documents back to you with natural, fluid speech. 

This feature is more than a novelty; it’s a productivity booster, accessibility aid, and even a new way to process information when your eyes are tired from staring at screens all day.

Turn Ideas into Illustrated Stories with Google Gemini

Turn Ideas into Illustrated Stories with Google Gemini

Let Google Gemini help you create charming, illustrated storybooks with just a few prompts.  It's perfect for kids, educators, and creativity lovers.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 8, 2025

Picture this: your child is going off to kindergarten soon and she is feeling anxious. 

What if you could whip up a custom book where a friendly kitten goes to kindergarten on her first day, complete with pictures and a voice that reads it aloud?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Storybooks with Google Gemini.

What You'll Gain

• Turn a single sentence into a full illustrated storybook
• Access free AI-generated art and narration
• Engage your children or classroom with custom tales

Ready to Become an AI-Powered Storyteller?

Google Photos' Ask Photos Gets a Powerful Brain Boost

Google Photos' Ask Photos Gets a Powerful Brain Boost

Tired of endless scrolling to find that one photo? Google Photos' enhanced Ask Photos, powered by Gemini AI, is rolling out to more users, transforming how you interact with your visual memories and making complex searches remarkably simple.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 22, 2025

Remember those days when finding a specific photo in your ever-growing digital archive felt like searching for a needle in a haystack? 

You’d scroll endlessly, trying every keyword imaginable, often giving up in frustration. 

Whether it’s that snapshot of a crucial whiteboard session, a particular plant you saw on vacation, or a group photo from a long-forgotten event, our photo libraries have become vast, unwieldy digital beasts.