# GPT Formula Basics

{% hint style="danger" %}
Be sure you have properly set up Arcwise: [GPT Formulas Overview](/using-arcwise-ai-formulas/gpt-formulas-overview.md)
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
We highly recommend copying our public template and following the instructions there! [Arcwise - Public Template](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15QAnr4uISOVpHHkfT8z1B_d2IOdUaw3r-eeP33da-JA/copy?usp=sharing)
{% endhint %}

### Writing a GPT formula

To start writing a GPT formula use the `$` symbols directly after the `=` sign when starting a formula. You will see a drop down of available options.

<figure><img src="/files/eM49VuXjZE7MkXRHcp3J" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To complete the formula you can click a relevant cell that will be used as input or type an input.

<figure><img src="/files/udKtJxpc1ocNiMRI7N1l" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>All our AI functions take a cell/value as the first argument, and a description of what to do in the second argument.</p></figcaption></figure>

Applying a GPT formula to many rows or columns

You can apply a GPT formula to many values in exactly the same way as a normal Google Sheets formula. There are two methods:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Dragging formulas" %}
You can drag a formula from one cell across rows of columns:

<figure><img src="/files/6VuZlrLX0qhmxSQyqRgI" alt="" width="325"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When you do this you may see a block of `#N/A` values. This is indicating the the formula has not yet been computed. To compute the formulas click the refresh icon (next to the Arcwise icon) on the selected cells. The formulas will not compute until you click the refresh icon.

If you use the Ctrl+D (drag down) or Ctrl+R (drag right) keyboard shortcuts (⌘+D / ⌘+R on Macs), a refresh will be triggered automatically.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Pasting formulas" %}
You can copy the formula and paste it into the other cells:

<figure><img src="/files/rHZ1cf6hXOTECeCL0bvJ" alt="" width="346"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When you do this you will see a block of `#N/A` values and a shimmer. This indicates that the AI formulas are computing. When they are done computing you will see the resulting values.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


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