AI Integration in Excel: Microsoft Introduces Copilot AI Directly within Excel Cells
Microsoft 365 Copilot Brings AI to Excel with New Function
Microsoft has introduced a groundbreaking development in Excel with the launch of the COPILOT function. This new feature allows users to perform generative AI tasks directly within the spreadsheet application, using natural language prompts and the formula.
The COPILOT function can be used for a variety of tasks, such as summarizing free-text feedback or data, classifying rows or text by sentiment, category, or urgency, extracting themes and actionable insights from unstructured data, and even generating content or analyzing data using natural language within traditional Excel formulas like IF or SWITCH.
To use the COPILOT function, users simply preface it with an equals operator, put their prompt in quotes inside parentheses, and add any required context. For example, to summarize the comments in a specific cell, a user might write . The COPILOT function supports multiple prompts and contexts, allowing users to request multiple tasks or analyze multiple data sets within a single formula.
Because COPILOT is integrated into Excel's calculation engine, the AI outputs recalibrate automatically whenever underlying data changes, making the AI-generated analysis live and up to date. This means that users can trust the results to be accurate and current, even as their data evolves.
The COPILOT function can also be nested inside other formulas or vice versa, offering even more flexibility and power to users.
To access the COPILOT function, users must have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, which costs $30 per user per month. The COPILOT function is currently in Beta and available through the Microsoft Insider Program on specific Excel builds:
- Windows: Version 2509 (Build 19212.20000) or later
- Mac: Version 16.101 (Build 25081334) or later
Access to Copilot in Excel can also be gained via a sidebar or a floating button on the Home ribbon, where users can type or speak prompts and receive AI-generated assistance. Voice input functionality is being introduced gradually and may not be universally available yet.
In a blog post and YouTube video, Head of Product Excel Core Catherine Pidgeon explains the advantages of the new function and demonstrates its use. With COPILOT, Excel users now have the power of AI at their fingertips, making data analysis and decision-making more efficient and effective than ever before.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Function | – generative AI formula inside Excel | | Capabilities | Summarize data, classify feedback, generate text, analyze sentiment, automate workflows | | Integration | Works inside Excel formulas, recalculates automatically with data changes | | Licensing requirement | Requires Microsoft 365 Copilot license (additional cost) | | Availability | Beta via Microsoft Insider Program on latest Excel builds (Windows 2509+, Mac 16.101+) | | Access methods | Formula input, Copilot sidebar or floating button in the ribbon | | Extra features | Prompt gallery, image input for data, voice interaction (partial rollout) |
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