AI Categorizer sorts up to 50,000 rows per run. Here is what happens with lists that size, and what to expect.
What is free #
- Blank rows are left empty and never sent.
- Repeated rows are answered once and share the result. Bank exports repeat the same payees, subscriptions and fees every month, so this often removes a good share of the rows.
- Rows that already have a result are skipped on the next run. Add next month’s lines under last month’s, run again, and only the new lines are sent.
The estimate before the run tells you how many rows really go to the AI.
How the rows are sent #
The add-in sends the rows in batches (usually 25 rows each), a few batches at a time, and writes each batch’s results into the sheet as soon as they arrive. Each batch carries your whole category list, which is why names and descriptions together are capped at 6,000 characters. Keep descriptions short and specific (see Write categories that work).
How long it takes #
The categorizing service is shared by all users and paced to stay within the limits of the AI provider. A list with thousands of rows that need the AI takes minutes, and longer when many people are sorting at the same time.
- During the run, the pane shows an estimate, such as “About 12 minutes left at the current speed.”
- When the service is busy, the pane shows “Busy right now. Continuing in 20 seconds.” and continues by itself. You do not need to do anything.
- Results are written as they arrive, so you can start reviewing the first rows while the rest are still running.
- Keep Excel and the task pane open until the run finishes. If you close them or cancel, every finished row is kept, and the next run continues with the rest.
More on this in Runs are slow or say Busy right now.
Credits on a big run #
The add-in never starts a run you cannot pay for in full. If your credits cover only part of the list, it offers to sort the first rows you can pay for; the next run continues with the rest. See This run needs more credits than I have.