Gemini in Google Sheets can now handle complex, multi-step tasks in a single command

Gemini’s integration into Google Sheets has already been a massive time-saver, helping users generate formulas, create charts, and apply basic formatting with simple natural language prompts. But a powerful new update is now rolling out that takes this capability to a whole new level, transforming Gemini from a simple helper into a true workflow automation partner.

According to a new post on the Workspace Updates blog, Gemini in Sheets can now understand and execute complex, multi-step tasks from a single prompt. On top of that, it now supports an expanded library of editing actions, making it more versatile than ever.

One prompt, multiple actions

This is the real game-changer. You no longer need to break down complex goals into a series of simple instructions. Gemini can now understand compound requests and perform multiple actions simultaneously.

For example, you can now give Gemini a single, complex prompt like:

• “Reformat this project tracker: add dropdowns for ‘Status’ and ‘Priority,’ insert a new formula column for ‘Days Until Due Date,’ add a ‘Completed’ checkbox column, and freeze the header row.”
• “Clean up this sales report: delete rows for inactive reps, highlight top performers above 120% quota in green, and add a ‘Notes’ column.”

Gemini will understand the entire request and perform all the actions at once, saving you valuable time and effort.

More actions at your command

To make this multi-step capability even more powerful, Google has also expanded the library of actions that Gemini supports. The newly supported tasks include:

• Formatting: Conditional formatting, number formats, format as table, freeze rows/columns.
• Data Entry/Manipulation: Add checkboxes, add dropdowns, fill range with formula, find and replace.
• Structure/Organization: Insert/delete rows/columns, sort data, add pivot tables.
• Filtering: Create or clear filters.

This expanded library makes it possible to tackle even more complex data cleaning and structuring tasks using simple natural language. For instance, you can now ask Gemini to “Replace ‘Software’ and ‘Web Hosting’ with ‘IT Services’ everywhere on the sheet”.

These updates make Gemini a far more powerful and intuitive partner in Google Sheets. It can now take on complex, time-consuming tasks, freeing you up to focus on the insights and decisions that truly matter. The best part? This update is currently available for all eligible users, which includes most paid Workspace subscribers, Google AI Pro for Education users, and Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.