How to Use Copilot in Excel: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Artificial Intelligence is making Excel easier to use, and one of the biggest upgrades is Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft Excel.

Instead of writing complex formulas or analyzing data manually, you can simply type what you want, and Copilot helps you get the result.

If you’re new to this, don’t worry. This guide will show you how to use Copilot in Excel step by step, with simple examples.

What Is Copilot in Excel?

Copilot in Excel is an AI-powered assistant that helps you:

• Suggest formulas
• Explain calculations
• Analyze data
• Recommend charts
• Summarize information

You give instructions in plain English, and Copilot does the work. Instead of remembering everything, you can simply describe what you want, and Copilot helps you figure it out.

But let’s be clear from the start:

• Copilot does not fully automate everything.
• It guides, suggests, and helps you complete tasks faster.

Think of Copilot as a smart assistant that sits beside you and says:

“Here’s the best way to do this.”

Before You Start (Important)

To use Copilot in Excel, make sure:

• You have a Microsoft 365 plan with Copilot.
• You are signed into your account.
• You can see the Copilot button in the Home tab.

If you don’t see Copilot, it means it’s not enabled for your account.

Copilot Modes: “Allow Editing” vs “Chat Only”

When using Copilot, you may notice two options:

• Allow Editing
• Chat Only

Understanding these modes helps you know what Copilot can actually do.

Chat Only Mode:

In Chat Only mode, Copilot works like a guide.

It will:

• Answer questions
• Suggest formulas
• Explain steps
• Analyze your data

But it will not make changes directly in your sheet.

Example:

You ask:

“Create a formula to calculate total sales”

Copilot will:

• Show the formula =SUM(B2:B5)
• Explain it
• You may see options like “Add to cell.

Allow Editing Mode:

In Allow Editing mode, Copilot can interact with your worksheet.

It can:

• Insert formulas into cells
• Apply formatting
• Add charts (in some cases)
• Modify data based on your request

Example:

You ask:

“Calculate total sales and add in B6”

Copilot may:

• show the total
• add the formula in B6 instantly

Key Difference:

Mode	What Copilot Does
Chat Only	Suggests and explains
Allow Editing	Suggests and applies changes

Important Tip:

If Copilot only shows suggestions and does not apply them:

• You are likely in Chat Only mode
• Switch to Allow Editing to let Copilot make changes.

How to Use Copilot in Excel (Step-by-Step)?

Let’s go through a real example.

Step 1: Enter Your Data

Create a simple table like this:

Name	Sales
Krishna	900
Ram	705
Lalitha	405
Bhargavi	1000

Step 2: Select Your Data

Click and drag to select the full table (A1:B5).

This helps Copilot understand your data.

Step 3: Open Copilot

• Go to the Home tab
• Click Copilot
• A panel will open on the right side of Excel.

Step 4: Ask Copilot a clear Question

Now type a simple instruction like:

> “Calculate total sales and show the highest value”

Step 5: View the Result

Copilot will:

• Analyze your data
• Show a result or summary
• Highlight important values
• Suggest what to do next

Example 1: Using Copilot for Formulas

Instead of writing formulas, ask:

“Create a formula to calculate total sales”

 Copilot Suggests:

=SUM(B2:B5)

• Explains what it does
• Suggests how to use it

In many cases, you will also see an “Add to cell” option.

How to Apply the Formula:

Go to the cell where you want the result

Click the “Add to cell” option shown by Copilot

Now formula will be added to the cell instantly.

Now in Edit mode, ask Copilot:

“Add max sales”

What Copilot Does in Allow Editing Mode

• It analyzes the data
• Finds the highest value (1000)
• Adds a new row
• Inserts a label like “Max Sales”
• Displays the result automatically

This can happen instantly without you writing any formula

Example 2: Analyze Data:

Ask:

“Summarize this sales data”

Copilot Will:

• Explain trends
• Identify highest/lowest values
• Give a short summary

Like a quick data analyst

Example 3: Create a Chart

Ask:

“Create a chart for this data”

Copilot May:

• Suggest chart type
• Show preview
• Ask for confirmation
• Sometimes inserts it
• Sometimes guides you

Example 4: Ask Questions About Data

You can ask:

• “Which product has the highest sales?”
• “What is the average sales?”

Copilot answers instantly.

Best Tips for Using Copilot

To get better results:

• Use clear and simple instructions
• Keep your data clean
• Select data before asking
• Mention what you want (total, average, chart, etc.)
• Check results before using them

Benefits of Using Copilot in Excel:

Copilot helps you:

• Save time
• Reduce manual work
• Avoid formula errors
• Understand data faster

Limitations of Copilot:

• Not available in all Excel versions
• Requires Microsoft 365 Copilot license
• Needs internet connection
• May not always give perfect results

FAQ:

How do I enable Copilot in Excel?

You need a Microsoft 365 plan with Copilot and access enabled by your organization.

Can beginners use Copilot in Excel?

Yes. Copilot is designed to work with simple instructions, so beginners can use it easily.

Is Copilot better than formulas?

Copilot helps generate and explain formulas, but basic Excel knowledge is still important.

Does Copilot automatically insert formulas?

Copilot can insert formulas, but not always automatically.

If you are in Chat Only mode, Copilot will only show the formula and explain it. You may see an option like “Add to cell”, and clicking it will insert the formula into the selected cell.

If you are in  Allow Editing mode, Copilot will insert the formula directly into the selected cell instantly without your confirmation.

Does Copilot work offline?

No. It requires an internet connection.

Does Copilot work offline?

No. Copilot requires an internet connection.

Note: Copilot features may vary depending on your Microsoft 365 plan, region, and account settings.