Back in June, Google announced a new Gemini feature for Sheets, its spreadsheet software. Users could simply use the AI() function to pass a prompt with optional context to Sheets and get the result directly. This was a major improvement in terms of user experience as you no longer had to remember complex syntax and it also opened doorways to new use-cases like sentiment analysis. Now, Microsoft is finally testing a similar capability in Excel.
Microsoft is currently testing the COPILOT() function in Excel and it is pretty much identical to AI() in Sheets. The idea behind the latest function is the same: boost your workflows by prompting Excel in natural language. Just like AI(), COPILOT() also takes a prompt and an optional context to work; a sample command has also been attached below:
=COPILOT("Classify this feedback", D4:D18) Microsoft has highlighted that since its new function is integrated with Excel"s calculation engine, you do not need to manually refresh your workbook to apply changes to the AI-generated output each time your data updates. In addition, it can also work in tandem with other Excel functions like IF, SWITCH, and LAMBDA.
COPILOT()"s use-cases are quite similar to AI(), as you can leverage it for sentiment analysis / classification, summary generation, brainstorming, and creation of lists and tables that have been defined using natural language. Microsoft has also shared certain tips and tricks to refine your prompts, you can check those out here.
Since this is an initial launch and it is still being tested, Microsoft has outlined some limitations and potential areas for improvements too. Direct support for live web data and internal business documents isn"t currently available, but will be added at a future date. Similarly, you can make 100 calls every 10 minutes, and up to 300 calls an hour, but this limit will be expanded eventually too. The firm is also working on better large language models (LLMs), improved large array support, enhanced user guidance, and more.
For now, the COPILOT() function is available for Beta Channel Insiders who have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license in Windows Version 2509 (Build 19212.20000) and Mac Version 16.101 (Build 25081334) or later.