Get a formula that counts open supply orders, explained plainly

About this exercise

Your boss wants cell H2 on the Orders sheet to show how many Facilities orders are still open in rows 2-41, and at your office Backordered also counts as open. Ask for one formula in one code block, then exactly 2 numbered lines labeled Counts: and Skips: in plain words with no function names or cell references. Under 50 words outside the code.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Leaving out your office's rule. The AI counts only "Open", so backordered mop heads vanish from the total. Try: Add: "Backordered also counts as open."
• Not naming the columns. The AI guesses the layout or writes a formula for a made-up sheet. Try: Add: "Dept is column B, Status is column E, rows 2-41."
• Getting a jargon explanation. The AI explains COUNTIFS argument by argument, which your boss won't read. Try: Add: "Then 2 lines, Counts: and Skips:, in plain words, no function names."
• Getting a menu of options. The AI likes to offer two or three versions of the formula, so you're left to pick and test them yourself. Try: Add: "Give one formula only, in one code block, no alternatives."

What a strong prompt includes

• States the Backordered rule
• Names the columns and rows
• Asks for one formula
• Asks for a plain explanation

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