# Classify text into categories with a Google Sheets formula

Any column of text, any list of categories: headlines, product names, feedback, notes. One formula picks a category per row and returns the option exactly as you wrote it, so the column is ready to pivot.

Updated 22 September 2026. Source: https://hunchsheet.app/formulas/classify-text-google-sheets-formula

## The pattern

```
=HUNCHPICK(A2:A1000, "tutorial|news|opinion|product update|other", "What kind of article is this?")
```
In Excel: `=HUNCH.PICK(A2:A1000, "tutorial|news|opinion|product update|other", "What kind of article is this?")`

Options separated by `|`. The third argument is the question; leave it out and the default is "Which option best describes this text?", which is right most of the time.

## Real outputs

| Title | Kind |
| --- | --- |
| Step by step: connecting Google Sheets to your CRM with a webhook | tutorial |
| Our Q3 update: faster imports and a redesigned dashboard | product update |
| Why most lead scoring models fail, and what to do instead | opinion |
| Regulators approve the merger of two spreadsheet software makers | news |

## Describe options with a colon

```
=HUNCHPICK(A2:A1000, "bug: something is broken or crashes|question: how-to or pricing question|feedback: praise or suggestion, no action needed|other")
```
In Excel: `=HUNCH.PICK(A2:A1000, "bug: something is broken or crashes|question: how-to or pricing question|feedback: praise or suggestion, no action needed|other")`

Everything after the colon is a description the model reads; the part before it is what comes back in the cell. Use descriptions when two options could overlap, or when an option means something specific in your company.

## One pick or several yes/no columns?

- One `HUNCHPICK` column when each row belongs to exactly one category and you want a pivot.
- Several `HUNCH` columns when a row can carry several tags at once, or when you want a probability per tag to threshold.
- Both when you need the primary category and the full tag set. The columns are independent; nothing is charged twice for the same text inside one formula.

> Tip: Always include other. Without it the model is forced to pick the least wrong option, and your counts inherit the error.

## Questions

### How many options can a list have?

Up to 255. Long lists cost a few more tokens per row but no more credits. Give the full list rather than a shortlist.

### Does the option text come back exactly as written?

Yes, the label before the colon, character for character. That is what makes COUNTIF and pivots work.