19 Excel’s Copilot() Function

Excel’s Copilot() Function – AI in Every Cell

Microsoft Excel has long been the backbone of data analysis, planning, and reporting across industries. Now, with the introduction of the Copilot() function, Excel enters a new era—one where artificial intelligence is embedded directly into the grid, transforming how users interact with data.

This new function allows users to generate, analyse, and summarise data using natural language prompts, all from within a single cell. It’s not just a feature—it’s a reimagining of what spreadsheets can do.

What Is the Copilot() Function?

The Copilot() function is a native Excel formula that accepts a natural language prompt and returns AI-generated results. For example:


=COPILOT("Summarise the feedback in cell A2")


This might return a sentiment label like “Positive” or “Negative”, or a concise summary of the comment. The function can be used to:

  • Interpret customer feedback
  • Generate product descriptions
  • Clean and structure messy data
  • Explain complex formulas
  • Create new formulas based on intent

Unlike previous AI integrations that sat on the sidelines, Copilot() is embedded directly into the cell, making AI a first-class citizen in the spreadsheet experience.

Why It Matters

For years, Excel users have relied on formulas, functions, and plugins to manipulate data. While powerful, these tools often require technical knowledge and trial-and-error. Copilot() changes that by:

  • Reducing the learning curve: Users can describe what they want in plain English.
  • Speeding up workflows: Tasks that took minutes or hours can now be completed in seconds.
  • Improving accessibility: Non-technical users can perform advanced analysis without writing complex formulas.
  • Enhancing creativity: Users can explore new ways of working with data, guided by AI.

This is especially valuable for trainers, analysts, and consultants who need to work quickly and clearly with diverse datasets.

Use Cases

1. Training and Education\ Trainers can use Copilot() to generate examples, explain formulas, or summarise learner responses. For instance:


=COPILOT("Explain the formula in cell B2")


This returns a plain-language explanation, ideal for teaching Excel concepts.

2. Customer Feedback Analysis\ A column of raw feedback can be summarised or categorised using:


=COPILOT("What is the sentiment of cell A2?")


This enables quick insights without manual tagging.

3. Data Cleaning\ Messy entries like “John Smith, 07700 900123” can be parsed with:


=COPILOT("Extract the name and phone number from cell A2")


Perfect for preparing data for CRM or reporting.

4. Formula Generation\ Instead of searching for the right syntax, users can write:


=COPILOT("Calculate the average of cells A2 to A10,excluding blanks")


Copilot returns the correct formula, saving time and reducing errors.

Availability and Access

The Copilot() function is currently rolling out to:

  • Microsoft 365 Beta Channel users on Windows and Mac
  • Users with Copilot licences and recent Excel versions
  • Web users via the Frontier programme (coming soon)

It’s expected to become a standard part of Excel for all Copilot-enabled environments in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

The Copilot() function in Excel is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a philosophical shift. It invites users to think less about syntax and more about intent. It empowers professionals to focus on insights rather than mechanics. And it brings the power of generative AI directly into the cells where work happens.

For anyone who uses Excel regularly, this feature is a must-try. It’s intuitive, powerful, and transformative. Whether you’re analysing data, teaching others, or building reports, Copilot() is your new partner in productivity.

For information on our Teams training, click the following link: Microsoft Teams training.

For information on our Copilot training, click the following link: Copilot for Microsoft 365pilot training.