Excel adds AI copilot function for natural language cell filling and data classification

Microsoft Excel is adding a new AI-powered COPILOT function that lets users fill spreadsheet cells with natural language prompts. It can classify data, summarize feedback, generate tables, and create descriptions, streamlining data entry and analysis. The function is powered by OpenAI’s gpt-4.1-mini model.

Users can apply formulas like =COPILOT("Classify this feedback", D4\:D18) to categorize information across a range of cells, or use prompts to generate product descriptions and summarize long text. COPILOT formulas also work with standard Excel functions such as IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA, and WRAPROWS for more advanced workflows. Microsoft states that all data processed through COPILOT remains private and is not used for AI training.

The function has limits: it cannot access data outside the spreadsheet, is restricted to 100 uses every 10 minutes, and is not recommended for numerical calculations or sensitive compliance tasks. The feature is rolling out in the Beta Channel for Windows and Mac users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, with future updates planned to enhance the underlying model and potentially add web integration.