Use case · Microsoft Excel
Ask your data a question
Have a spreadsheet full of numbers and a question you need answered? Copilot in Excel lets you ask in plain language and get answers, charts and formulas, without writing a single formula yourself.
App Microsoft Excel
Time 10 to 20 minutes
Level Beginner
Before you start
A Copilot license
You need a Copilot license, and you need to be signed in to Excel with the account that has it.
A workbook in the cloud
Save it as .xlsx, .xlsb or .xlsm in OneDrive or SharePoint. Keeping AutoSave on is the simplest setup.
Tidy data
Format your data as a table with one header row. Avoid blank rows and merged cells.
How to do it in Excel
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Tip: name your columns clearly
Headers like Region, Order Date and Revenue help Copilot understand your data. Use those same names in your questions, and Copilot will know exactly what you mean.
Prompts to try
Copy a prompt into Copilot. Replace anything in brackets with your own details.
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Responsible use
Check before you act
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Troubleshooting
Do not see Copilot or a recap?
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Go further
Based on Microsoft support guidance for Copilot in Excel, current as of October 2026. Features depend on your license and your organization's settings. centerofAIExcellence.com