Microsoft Copilot
AI inside Word, Excel and Outlook
What it does
If you use Microsoft Office, this adds an AI that can analyse spreadsheets, draft documents and summarise email.
Good to know
Current free-plan limits and paid prices have not been verified. Check the tool's website before choosing a plan.
Check official plans- Difficulty: Beginner
Accomplish
Let's do it together
AI inside Word, Excel and Outlook. It is listed for “Analyse my sales in Excel or Google Sheets”.
Have these ready
- A copy of your spreadsheet with customer details removed
- Column names and what each row represents
- The date range and business question you want answered
- 1
Open Microsoft Copilot
Sign in if required and start a new conversation. Check the current plan limits before uploading large files.
- 2
Provide your information
Replace the square-bracket placeholders below. Paste the completed prompt into the message box, attach material only if supported by your plan, and send it.
- 3
Refine the first draft
Answer any follow-up questions. Ask for one specific improvement at a time, such as a shorter version or a different tone.
Your starter prompt
Help me analyse sales for [date range]. Columns: [column names]. Each row means [meaning]. Data: [paste a small anonymised sample or attach a supported file]. Identify missing values and explain how to calculate total sales, monthly trends and best-selling products. Show the formulas or calculation steps, state assumptions and never invent missing data.
Example inputs appear in square brackets; replace them with your own information.
What to do with the result
Compare totals with your original spreadsheet. Check currencies, refunds and date ranges. Save your formulas and charts in a new copy, not over the original.
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