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How do you use AI in Excel?
Short answer
You can use AI in Excel three ways: Copilot, built into Excel for eligible Microsoft 365 plans; the free ChatGPT for Excel add-in; or Claude for Excel on Claude's paid plans. Each sits in a side panel, reads your workbook and can build formulas, charts and summaries. Check every change before you save.
Your options
| Tool | How to get it | Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot in Excel | Select the Copilot icon in Excel | Eligible Microsoft 365 plans, including Personal and Family for the subscription owner |
| ChatGPT for Excel | Home, Add-ins, search ChatGPT | ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro and Business |
| Claude for Excel | Install from the Office Store, sign in | Claude Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise |
| Gemini | Upload an Excel file to Gemini, or use Gemini in Google Sheets | Free and Google AI plans |
Getting Copilot in Excel
Update Excel, sign in with the account that has the subscription, then select the Copilot icon. Microsoft says Copilot opens in edit mode, with plan and chat modes too. If you can't see it, your plan may not include it or your organisation may have switched it off. On Windows 10, Microsoft 365 apps stop getting new Copilot features after version 2608; see does Copilot work on Windows 10?
Good jobs for AI in Excel
- Build a quote, job costing or cash flow template.
- Explain or fix a formula.
- Summarise a sales sheet and chart the trend.
- Clean up a messy customer list (on a business plan).
Check before you trust
AI can pick the wrong range or misread headings. Duplicate the file, ask for a plan first, and spot-check totals.
Related questions
Can Gemini read Excel files?
Yes, you can upload Excel files to Gemini and ask questions about them.
Is there free AI for Excel?
The ChatGPT for Excel add-in works on ChatGPT's free plan. See can ChatGPT make Excel spreadsheets?
Sources
- Microsoft Support: get started with Copilot in Excel
- OpenAI: ChatGPT for Excel and Google Sheets
- Claude: use Claude for Excel
- Microsoft: Copilot plans for individuals (UK)
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
More on money, quotes and admin
- Can AI do my bookkeeping?
- Can AI help with invoicing?
- Can ChatGPT make and read Excel spreadsheets?
- Can Copilot analyse Excel data?
- Can I add ChatGPT to Outlook?
- Does Copilot work in OneNote and Visio?
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