How to use Excel AI tools: Formulas, analysis, and more with AI for Excel

Leverage AI-powered features in Excel

Excel comes with a variety of built-in features that use AI to elevate your experience and simplify your spreadsheets. Take advantage of these Excel AI tools to learn more about your data and enhance your Excel skillset.

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Analyze Data tool

Analyze Data, an AI-powered tool that’s already embedded in Excel, is a great way to learn more about your dataset without opening any third-party apps or tools. Like a GPT, Analyze Data uses natural language processing (NLP) to answer your queries, create charts, and provide insights into your spreadsheets. Simply highlight your cells and select Analyze Data to try it. If you’re unsure where to start, Analyze Data provides you with a set of sample questions and a variety of charts and graphs that visually represent your information. This feature simplifies the process of data analysis, making it ideal for beginner Excel users.

Data extraction tools

Excel uses various AI-powered data extraction tools to help you convert information from one format to another. For example, Excel’s Insert Data from Picture feature converts an image into a workable spreadsheet. Simply upload an image of a printed data table, and Excel will extract the information and add it to individual cells. In addition, Power Query for Excel, an Excel add-in, lets users import data from webpages using the Get Data from Web feature.

Data prediction tools

Excel’s Forecast Sheet feature uses AI to help you predict data trends and patterns over time. By analyzing historical data that’s grouped by time period, the Forecast Sheet tool generates predictions about your data’s trajectory and how it will look in the future. The more accurate and detailed your data, the better the prediction. However, results can vary as the tool is not able to predict future events that could change your data.

Conversational chat

With Copilot in Excel, simply ask questions or give commands to find information, analyze data, and learn Excel strategies. You might ask, “How do I create a pivot table?” or “Show me the trends in sales data over the last year.” If prompted, Copilot in Excel even analyzes your workflow and suggests features and shortcuts to help you get more from the tool.

AI Excel formula generator

If you’re having trouble finding the right Excel formula to perform a function, use Copilot in Excel as your personal AI Excel formula generator. For example, you might have a spreadsheet with task names in Column A and a due date in Column B. You want column C to show if a task is past due or on time. Tell Copilot in Excel those details, and it’ll generate a customized Excel formula to fill in Column C.

Whether you’re new to Excel or a spreadsheet connoisseur, boost efficiency and analyze data like a pro with these AI-powered tools and features. Get more AI tips and tricks from Life Hacks, and try Microsoft 365 for free today.