Microsoft Excel users can now access Copilot using a new COPILOT function, which pulls AI assistance directly into formulas and cell operations. This function is not a Copilot chat or sidebar, but a built-in tool that users can use inside worksheet cells just like SUM or VLOOKUP.
Using the COPILOT function, users can type a plain-language prompt directly into a cell. This could look like asking Excel to "summarize this range" or "list all unique products sold this month." COPILOT interprets the request, performs the related analysis, and returns the result to the cell or range.
Users can also add prompts referencing specific cell ranges or tables. The COPILOT function uses cloud-based AI to assess and process the prompt and give back the result, which can be a value, a summary, or even a list. To use the COPILOT function, workbooks must be cloud-saved, typically on OneDrive or SharePoint, and the user must be on a supported Excel version, such as Excel 365.
Microsoft says the COPILOT function helps with different tasks, such as summarizing data, finding trends, and creating custom lists. As with other Excel formulas, users can nest the COPILOT function with other functions or combine it into larger calculation workflows.