itinai content

←back to Blog

Hello, AI Formulas: Why =COPILOT() Is the Biggest Excel Upgrade in Years

«`html

Hello, AI Formulas: Why =COPILOT() Is the Biggest Excel Upgrade in Years

Microsoft has officially introduced the COPILOT function in Excel for Windows and Mac, integrating the power of large language models (LLMs) directly into spreadsheets. This shift signifies that AI is now a native feature within Excel, allowing users to analyze, summarize, and generate data using natural language prompts directly inside their formulas.

How the COPILOT Function Works

The COPILOT function enables users to input prompts in natural language in any cell, referencing cell values or ranges for context. The syntax is straightforward:

text=COPILOT(prompt_part1, [context1], [prompt_part2], [context2], ...)

  • Prompt_part: Text describing the AI’s task (e.g., “Classify this feedback” or “Summarize A1:A50”).
  • Context (optional): Reference to cells or ranges for the AI to process.

Key Features

  • Instant AI-Powered Analysis: Input a prompt and context—the function generates summaries, categories, or lists, instantly updating as data changes.
  • Seamless Integration: COPILOT operates within Excel’s calculation engine, working alongside standard functions like IF, SWITCH, or LAMBDA, merging traditional Excel logic with AI-generated results.
  • Dynamic Updates: Changes in data automatically recalculate the AI output, eliminating the need for manual refreshes.
  • Multiple Use Cases: From sentiment analysis of customer feedback to table creation, COPILOT adapts to various analytical and creative workflows.

Example Usage

  • Classifying Feedback: text=COPILOT("Classify this feedback", D4:D18)
  • Generating Lists: text=COPILOT("Generate airport codes for major US cities")
  • Summarizing Data: text=COPILOT("Summarize", A1:A50)

Technical Insights

  • Auto-Updates & Confidentiality: COPILOT auto-updates with data changes and does not use user-provided data to train the underlying AI models, ensuring confidentiality.
  • Function Call Limits: Users can make 100 calls every 10 minutes and 300 per hour. Passing arrays as a single call can maximize usage efficiency.
  • Integration with Existing Functions: COPILOT results can serve as inputs to other formulas, dramatically expanding analytic capabilities within the spreadsheet.
  • No External Data Access Yet: COPILOT currently uses only data from within the workbook; support for live web data and internal business documents is planned for future updates.
  • Optional Implementation: The function is opt-in and only appears in your sheet if chosen.

Availability & Rollout

  • Beta Channel Users: Available for Microsoft 365 Copilot license holders running Windows Excel version 2509+ or Mac version 16.101+.
  • Excel for Web: Rolling out soon via the Frontier program.

Comparison to ChatGPT Integration

Unlike external AI chat tools, COPILOT offers native, auto-refreshing analysis—closing the workflow gap for Excel users who previously relied on copy-pasting between applications.

Use Case Scenarios

  • Brainstorming: Quickly generate SEO keywords, rewrite messaging, or ideate product features.
  • Classification & Tagging: Categorize support tickets, survey responses, or feedback at scale—eliminating the need for external tagging tools.
  • Reporting & Summarization: Transform complex datasets into digestible narratives for stakeholders.
  • Automation: Build lists, tables, and project plans with a single prompt, instantly populating the grid.

Tips for Using COPILOT

  • Prompt Engineering: Clarity matters—provide explicit instructions, specify ranges, and set desired output formats (e.g., tables, lists).
  • Directives: Use action-oriented instructions (“summarize”, “categorize”) for improved results.
  • Validation: Always review AI-generated outputs, especially for business-critical tasks.
  • Usage Strategy: Maximize calls by referencing arrays instead of individual cells.

Conclusion

The COPILOT function marks a pivotal moment for Excel, embedding advanced AI directly into the most widely used analytics platform in business. With the capability to generate, analyze, and summarize data natively, Excel is transforming user interactions with their data—making workflows smarter and more efficient. This native integration bridges the gap between spreadsheets and AI, signaling a future where generative models become default companions in business analytics.

Technical Details

Feel free to check out our GitHub Page for tutorials, codes, and notebooks. Also, follow us on Twitter and join our 100k+ ML SubReddit to stay updated.

«`