Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot in Excel

Microsoft Copilot in Excel is one of the most transformative additions to spreadsheets since pivot tables. It lets you analyse data, generate formulas, create charts, and find insights — all by typing natural language prompts.

What Is Copilot in Excel?

Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant built directly into Excel as part of Microsoft 365. It can:

• Analyse and summarise your data
• Suggest and write formulas
• Create charts and pivot tables
• Highlight trends and outliers
• Sort, filter, and format data
• Answer questions about your spreadsheet

Prerequisites

1. Microsoft 365 subscription with the Copilot add-on
2. AutoSave enabled — File must be saved to OneDrive or SharePoint
3. Data in an Excel Table — Select your data and press Ctrl+T
4. Updated Excel — Latest version from Microsoft 365

Step-by-Step: Your First Copilot Session

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Ensure clear column headers. Select your range and press Ctrl+T to convert to an Excel Table.

Step 2: Launch Copilot

Click the Copilot button in the Home tab. A side panel opens with a text box for requests.

Step 3: Ask Your First Question

"Summarise this data"
"What are the top 5 products by revenue?"
"Show me the trend in monthly sales"
"Are there any outliers in the profit column?"

Practical Examples

Instant Data Summary

Prompt: "Give me a summary including totals, averages, and the best performing region." — Copilot generates a summary card with key metrics.

Formula Suggestions

Prompt: "Add a column that calculates the profit margin as a percentage." — Copilot creates the column with formula applied to all rows.

Chart Creation

Prompt: "Create a bar chart comparing revenue by quarter." — Generates the chart with preview before inserting.

Tips for Better Results

Tip	Example
Use clear column names	"Revenue" not "Col3"
Be specific about output	"Show as a pie chart" not just "visualise"
Reference column names	"Sum the Revenue column"
Ask follow-ups	"Now break this down by region"

Limitations

• Requires internet — cloud-based, won't work offline
• Table format required — raw cell data won't work
• No VBA support — use Claude AI for macros
• Privacy — data is sent to Microsoft's servers

Copilot vs Claude AI for Excel

• Copilot works inside Excel — sees your data, creates charts in real-time
• Claude works externally — generates formulas, VBA, and detailed explanations
• Use both: Copilot for real-time exploration, Claude for deep formula work and automation