How to make stunning Excel spreadsheets

Have a presentation coming up for work but struggling to fit all the data into one readable report summary? Thanks to Microsoft Copilot, creating elegant Excel spreadsheets has never been easier. This powerful tool seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365¹ apps, making it a breeze to manage and analyze data. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, Copilot can help you create and explain formulas, analyze data, automate tasks with macros, and more. In this article, we’ll show you how to use Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, to execute these tasks so you can organize and present your data like a pro.

Integrate your work with Microsoft 365

With the purchase of a Microsoft Copilot Pro subscription,¹ Copilot works effortlessly with Microsoft 365 apps, allowing you to switch between Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook without losing your workflow.² This integration ensures that your data remains consistent and up-to-date across all platforms. For instance, you can import data from Outlook files into Excel or use data from Excel to create charts in PowerPoint presentations. This convenient connectivity can help enhance your productivity and make sure that your data is always at your fingertips.

In Excel, you can access Copilot in the top right of the Excel Ribbon.² Simply select the icon, and a conversation will open with the assistant as a sidebar. From there, you can ask Copilot anything you need, such as prompts like the ones below:

• Help me import data from an Outlook attachment into Excel as a table.
• Show me how to create a chart in PowerPoint using Excel data in cells A2:J20.
• Can Copilot help me keep my data consistent across Excel and Word?

Create and explain formulas

Whether you're calculating sums, averages, or more complex functions, Copilot provides step-by-step instructions to help you be as accurate as possible. It can also explain the purpose of each formula, making it easier for you to understand and apply them correctly. This is particularly useful if you are new to Excel or need a refresher on specific functions. If you’re stuck on which function to use for your Excel sheet, try one of the prompts below:

• How do I create a SUM formula in Excel?
• Explain the VLOOKUP function to me. When would I use it?
• Help me understand how to use the IF function in Excel.

Analyze data in charts and tables

Pivot tables and charts are essential tools for data analysis and Copilot makes them easy to use. With Copilot, you can quickly create pivot tables to summarize large datasets, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. If you want a more in-depth analysis of your data set, you can ask Copilot to run an advanced analysis so you can get more from your data. Additionally, Copilot can help you create visually appealing charts that highlight key insights, making it easier to present your findings to others. Try some of these prompts to better visualize your data:

• Help me create a pivot table in Excel.
• Create a bar chart showcasing the data in cells F2:J6.
• Help me analyze the sales data in B4:G10 in a pivot table.