Files, Images and Data

Working with Spreadsheets

Learn to describe a data question and required checks and confirm the result against source rows in this beginner-friendly ChatGPT lesson.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how to describe a data question and required checks.
  • Complete the guided activity safely.
  • Check that you can confirm the result against source rows.

Before you begin

Use non-sensitive sample files. Confirm you have permission to upload, analyse, transform or share every file and image.

Open official OpenAI guidance ↗

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open a chat where file or image upload is available on your account and confirm you are using the intended account or workspace.
  2. Analyse a fictional CSV for totals and missing values.
  3. Pause and check privacy, permissions, source material, feature availability and any instruction that affects the task.
  4. Review the result carefully and confirm that you can confirm the result against source rows.
  5. Save only the useful, verified output and record one improvement for your next prompt.
Ian's practical tip: Start with fictional or non-sensitive information. Treat the first response as a draft, then verify facts, sources, calculations and permissions before using it.

Practical activity

Analyse a fictional CSV for totals and missing values. Your expected result is to confirm the result against source rows.

Good-practice checklist