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Natural Language to SQL Converter for Google Sheets with GPT-4o

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Created by: Robert Breen || rbreen

Robert Breen

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Last update 2 days ago

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This n8n workflow template creates an intelligent data analysis system that converts natural language questions into Google Sheets SQL queries using OpenAI's GPT-4o model. The system generates proper Google Sheets query URLs and executes them via HTTP requests for efficient data retrieval.

What This Workflow Does

  • Natural Language to SQL: Converts user questions into Google Sheets SQL syntax
  • Direct HTTP Queries: Bypasses API limits by using Google Sheets' built-in query functionality
  • Column Letter Mapping: Automatically maps column names to their corresponding letters (A, B, C, etc.)
  • Structured Query Generation: Outputs properly formatted Google Sheets query URLs
  • Real-time Data Access: Retrieves live data directly from Google Sheets
  • Memory Management: Maintains conversation context for follow-up questions

Tools Used

  • OpenAI Chat Model (GPT-4o) - SQL query generation and natural language understanding
  • OpenAI Chat Model (GPT-4.1 Mini) - Result formatting and table output
  • Google Sheets Tool - Column metadata extraction and schema understanding
  • HTTP Request Node - Direct data retrieval via Google Sheets query API
  • Structured Output Parser - Formats AI responses into executable queries
  • Memory Buffer Window - Conversation history management
  • Chat Trigger - Webhook-based conversation interface

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • An n8n instance (cloud or self-hosted)
  • An OpenAI account with API access and billing setup
  • A Google account with access to Google Sheets
  • The target Google Sheet must be publicly accessible or shareable via link

2. Import the Workflow

  1. Copy the workflow JSON provided
  2. In your n8n instance, go to Workflows → Import from JSON
  3. Paste the JSON and click Import
  4. Save with a descriptive name like "Google Sheets SQL Query Generator"

3. Set Up OpenAI Connections

Get API Key:

  1. Go to OpenAI Platform
  2. Sign in or create an account
  3. Navigate to API Keys section
  4. Click Create new secret key
  5. Copy the generated API key
  6. Important: Add billing information and credits to your OpenAI account

Configure Both OpenAI Nodes:

  1. OpenAI Chat Model1 (GPT-4o):

    • Click on the node
    • Click Create New Credential
    • Select OpenAI API
    • Paste your API key
    • Save the credential

  2. OpenAI Chat Model2 (GPT-4.1 Mini):

    • Apply the same OpenAI API credential
    • This handles result formatting

4. Set Up Google Sheets Connection

Create OAuth2 Credentials:

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console
  2. Create a new project or select existing one
  3. Enable the Google Sheets API
  4. Go to Credentials → Create Credentials → OAuth 2.0 Client IDs
  5. Set application type to Web Application
  6. Add authorized redirect URIs (get this from n8n credentials setup)
  7. Copy the Client ID and Client Secret

Configure in n8n:

  1. Click on the Get Column Info2 node
  2. Click Create New Credential
  3. Select Google Sheets OAuth2 API
  4. Enter your Client ID and Client Secret
  5. Complete the OAuth flow by clicking Connect my account
  6. Authorize the required permissions

5. Prepare Your Google Sheet

Option A: Use the Sample Data Sheet

  • Access the pre-configured sheet: Sample Marketing Data
  • Make a copy to your Google Drive
  • Important: Set sharing to "Anyone with the link can view"
  1. Critical: Set sharing to "Anyone with the link can view" for HTTP access
  2. Copy the Sheet ID from the URL
  3. Update the Get Column Info2 node with your Sheet ID and column metadata sheet

6. Configure Sheet References

  1. Get Column Info2 Node:

    • Set Document ID to your Google Sheet ID
    • Set Sheet Name to your columns metadata sheet (e.g., "Columns")
    • This provides the AI with column letter mappings

  2. HTTP Request Node:

    • No configuration needed - it uses dynamic URLs from the AI agent
    • Ensure your sheet has proper sharing permissions

7. Update System Prompt (If Using Custom Sheet)

If using your own Google Sheet, update the system prompt in the AI Agent3 node:

  1. Replace the URL in the system message with your Google Sheet URL
  2. Update the GID (sheet ID) to match your data sheet
  3. Keep the same query structure format

Contact Information

Robert Ynteractive

For support, customization, or questions about this template:

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