Imagine talking to Excel like it’s a real assistant—asking it to summarize feedback, categorize data, or generate content in natural language. Meet the COPILOT function in Excel, the latest game-changer rolled out in Microsoft Excel for users with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses.
What Is the COPILOT Function in Excel?
Working with data in Excel—like summarizing feedback, organizing information, or coming up with new ideas—can sometimes feel slow and tiring. That’s where the new COPILOT function in Excel for Windows and Mac comes in. It helps you save time and makes your work faster by using AI right inside your spreadsheet.
All you need to do is type a simple instruction (like a question or task) directly in a cell. You can also point to other cell values in your sheet. Then, Copilot will instantly give you smart, AI-powered results.
The best part? The COPILOT function works together with other Excel formulas you already know, like IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA, or WRAPROWS. You can also use results from other formulas inside Copilot’s prompt. This means you can add AI features into your sheet without changing the way you normally work.
Availability & When It Was Launched
- Launch period: Announced and started rolling out in mid-August 2025.
- Availability: Only to users:
- In the Microsoft Insider Program (Beta channel)
- On Windows (v2509+) or Mac (v16.101+) Excel
- A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use COPILOT()
Syntax and Parameters
You use the function just like any other Excel formula:
=COPILOT(prompt_part1, [context1], [prompt_part2], [context2], ...)
- prompt_part (required): The natural language command or question—for example,
"Classify this feedback" - context (optional): References to cells or ranges in the grid that provide data context to the AI
- You can pair multiple prompt and context parts to build richer, multi-step instructions.
Use-Limit & Quick Fact
- Usage restrictions: Maximum ~100 calls per 10 minutes, or 300 per hour.
- Output auto-updates whenever referenced data changes—just like any native Excel function.
- Note: COPILOT cannot access the web or private server documents unless those are explicitly imported into the sheet.
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Real-Life Examples
1. Classify Customer Feedback
=COPILOT("Classify this feedback", A2:A10)
This can automatically label feedback as “Positive”, “Neutral”, or “Negative”, directly in your sheet—no manual tagging needed.
2. Generate a Pivot-Style Summary
=COPILOT("Summarize this by quarter", B2:C50)
Would produce a summary (like “Q1: 2000, Q2: 2500”, etc.) or a dynamic equivalent, auto-refreshing as source data changes.
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3. Brainstorm or Rephrase Text
=COPILOT("Rewrite this product description to be more friendly", D2)
Great for marketing or customer-facing work—rephrase tones or tweak messaging using natural language inside the sheet.
4. Create a Test Table
=COPILOT("Generate 5 test SKUs with random attributes")
Can spit out a multi-cell array of test or placeholder data for prototyping.
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Why It’s a Game-Changer
- Accessible to all skill levels: You don’t need to know functions like IF, SWITCH, or text formulas—just ask.
- Dynamic & embedded: Outputs update as data does, and the function plays nicely with other formulas.
- Powerful for summarizing, brainstorming, classifying: Cuts manual effort and opens new productivity workflows.
Limitations and Considerations
| Limitation | Details |
|---|---|
| No external data access | Only works on the sheet’s own data unless imported. |
| Not for mission-critical use | Avoid using for legal, compliance, or highly precise tasks. |
| Usage caps apply | Keep an eye on your prompt usage to avoid hitting limits. |
Always verify AI-generated outputs—Copilot is powerful, but not infallible.
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Final Thoughts
The new COPILOT() function brings generative AI directly into the Excel grid, making tasks like summarizing, classifying, brainstorming, and data wrangling incredibly intuitive. Available now to certain users, it’s a giant leap forward—making AI-powered workflows as easy as writing a sentence in a cell.
FAQs – COPILOT Function in Excel
When was the COPILOT() function launched?
Microsoft introduced COPILOT() in Excel in 2025 as part of its broader Copilot integration into Microsoft 365 apps.
Is COPILOT() available in all versions of Excel?
No. COPILOT() is currently available only in Excel for Windows and Excel for Mac with a Microsoft 365 subscription. It is not available in standalone Excel 2019/2021.
How does COPILOT() differ from traditional Excel formulas?
Traditional Excel formulas require predefined functions and syntax, while COPILOT() understands natural language prompts (e.g., “Summarize customer feedback in this range”). It can work alongside existing formulas for hybrid workflows.
Can I use COPILOT() offline?
No. Since COPILOT() is powered by AI through Microsoft’s cloud, it requires an active internet connection to function.
Does COPILOT() replace formulas like VLOOKUP or SUMIF?
Not at all. COPILOT() enhances productivity but doesn’t replace core Excel formulas. Instead, it complements them by automating repetitive tasks or generating formula suggestions.