Microsoft has introduced a powerful new AI feature for Excel that enables the software to automatically write and complete spreadsheets — a game-changing development for office professionals, data analysts, and students alike. This new capability is part of Microsoft’s Copilot integration, a broader push to embed AI into its Office suite.
Powered by OpenAI’s GPT technology, Excel Copilot can now understand natural language prompts, generate formulas, create charts, build dashboards, and even provide insights — all based on user queries. For instance, a user can simply type: “Show me monthly sales trends for 2023,” and Excel will build the chart and underlying formula instantly.
This innovation is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required for complex data tasks. It also lowers the barrier for beginners who struggle with Excel’s advanced functions like VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and pivot tables. With just a few words, the AI can now automate these tasks in seconds.
Microsoft ensures that the tool respects data privacy and security, especially for enterprise users. The AI doesn’t store or share personal data and operates within secure Microsoft 365 environments.
Business analysts, HR teams, accountants, and marketers are already testing the feature under the Microsoft 365 Copilot early access program. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with most reporting faster workflows and fewer errors in reports.
Microsoft plans to roll out this feature to general users by late 2025, with both desktop and web versions of Excel being updated simultaneously.
This move further cements Excel’s position as the world’s most versatile data tool, now supercharged by generative AI.
Excel Copilot, AI in productivity tools, Microsoft 365 features
