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[GPT for Excel] GPT function issues

Formula parsing​

Invalid name​

#NAME? Invalid Name Error. The formula contains unrecognized text.

Problem: The GPT functions aren't recognized by Excel.

Solutions
  • Check that GPT for Excel is installed on the current Microsoft account.
  • Click GPT for Excel Word in the Home tab to enable the GPT functions.
  • If the problem persists, try activating the add-in (the experience might be slightly different for Mac users):
    1. Click Add-ins in the Home tab.
    2. Click More Add-ins.
    3. Select GPT for Excel Word in the My Add-ins tab.
    4. Click Add.
    5. Click GPT for Excel Word in the Home tab and click Retry errors in GPT for Excel sidebar.
  • Use the add-in on the Web version of Excel (see supported versions).

Invalid parameter​

Error: Invalid xxx parameter.

Problem: The error indicates a formatting issue or an unreadable parameter within the formula.

Solutions

  • Check that your parameters are in the correct order. See the function list.
  • Check that all parameters (even optional ones) are added as empty when there is another parameter coming after them:
        ✅ GPT_TRANSLATE(A2, "french", , "Avoid passive voice")
  • Check that you are using the right parameter separator for your locale: `,` or `;`?
  • Check that you are using the correct number formats for temperature for your locale: `0.8` or `0,8`?

    • Missing parameter​

    #ERROR: Missing required arguments categories for function GPT_XXX.

    Problem: One of the parameters in your GPT formula is required and hasn't been set.

    Solution
    Check which parameters are required for the GPT function you are using and adjust the formula as needed.

    Prompting​

    Text values limited to 255 characters​

    Text values in formulas are limited to 255 characters.

    Problem: The text value in your formula is too long and exceeds Excel's 255-character limit.

    Solution

    Insert the text into another cell and reference it in your formula, for example, =GPT(A1), where A1 contains the text value.

    Cell A1 contains a long prompt, and cell B1 contains =GPT(A1)

    Results​

    Functions are stuck on #BUSY​

    Problem: GPT functions fail to execute and remain in a #BUSY! state, even after reopening your file or restarting Excel.

    Solutions
    • Open the GPT for Excel sidebar before using any GPT functions:
      • Click GPT for Excel Word in the Home tab.
      • Wait for the sidebar to fully load before entering your first GPT formula.
    • Delete the GPT formula and undo the deletion to run the formula again.
    • Enter a new GPT formula in a different cell. Subsequent functions typically work correctly.
    • Use Bulk tools to avoid this issue in the future, if your use case allows it.
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