Best AI for Excel: Tools to Be More Productive
If you’ve ever wrestled with endless rows and columns in Excel, you know how exhausting it can be. One tiny formula mistake can undo hours of hard work, sending you on a wild chase to find and fix every error. And as your spreadsheets grow in size, so does the complexity—and the headache. In this resource, you’ll discover the best AI for Excel to tackle these challenges head-on.
The Best AI for Excel
1. Enquery
Ever wished there was a simpler way to pull insights from your data without juggling endless formulas in Excel? Enquery seamlessly blends the power of SQL and AI to make data analysis and management much more efficient. It even adapts to your needs.
Key Features
AI-Driven SQL Integration: Generate and execute SQL queries using natural language. With Enquery, SQL is more approachable for beginners, and advanced users have more powerful options.
Assistant Mode: Generate queries to edit and execute in a built-in SQL editor for complete control over how you write queries. You can also get step-by-step guidance on SQL queries as you build them—perfect for learning while you work.
Autopilot Mode: Automate results, visualizations, and query generation. Simply describe what you need in plain English, and Enquery will handle the rest—no coding skills required.
Offline Data Processing: All analyses happen locally on your computer, so sensitive data never leaves your device. This is especially valuable in industries with strict data privacy requirements, such as healthcare and finance.
Visualization Capabilities: Convert raw data into clean, insightful visuals like charts and graphs with a few clicks.
Multi-Source Integration: Import and analyze data from CSV or Excel formats. That includes Google Sheets, Salesforce reports, and any platform that lets you export to CSV.
While Enquery is powerful, one consideration is that your data must be in CSV or Excel-compatible formats. However, many platforms support CSV exports. Try Enquery today with a free 30-day trial.
2. Microsoft Excel Copilot
If you prefer native Microsoft solutions, Microsoft Excel Copilot might fit into your existing workflow. It’s part of Microsoft’s suite of AI-powered tools and lets you use natural language processing to complete tasks faster.
Key Features
Formula Generation: Helps write and understand formulas.
Excel Integration: Built into Excel itself, so you probably won’t need additional software.
Python Integration: Leverage Python for advanced data analysis and visualizations.
One major consideration for Excel Copilot is that its functionality relies heavily on data being in specific formats, such as tables, which may not accommodate your datasets or workflows. Copilot also requires access to your Excel files to operate, which is a privacy concern if managing sensitive information. You also can’t easily control how it uses or processes your data, unlike Enquery, where there’s clear control since it’s using SQL.
Additionally, Copilot’s AI’s output is not always perfect. When working with more complex datasets or advanced analysis tasks, you may need to adjust results manually to meet your needs.
3. Coefficient
Coefficient lets you automate reporting and manage data. Unlike ChatGPT, where you upload your spreadsheets and lose data control, Coefficient brings AI capabilities directly into your workflow, keeping everything in Excel and Google Sheets.
Key Features
Live Data Integration: Connect Excel to live data sources like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Google Analytics to keep your spreadsheets up-to-date automatically.
Dashboards: Create refreshable dashboards that update in real-time.
AI-Powered Formula Assistance: Use natural language commands to generate Excel formulas.
Slack and Email Notifications: Set up alerts to notify your team of data changes or updates directly in Slack or email.
Coefficient is ideal for users who already work with platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot, so its benefits might not be as impactful if you’re outside these systems. The setup and management of integrations also require some technical knowledge. In addition, you may encounter performance limitations inherent to Excel when working with larger datasets.
4. SheetGod
If you regularly handle complex tasks in Excel, SheetGod could be your new best friend. This AI-powered tool is great for formula creation and script generation.
Key Features
Plain English to Formulas: Convert everyday language into advanced Excel formulas.
Regular Expression Support: Leverage regular expressions to extract specific information and execute advanced data transformations directly within your spreadsheets.
SheetGod is primarily focused on Excel and Google Sheets, which might not meet the needs of users working with other spreadsheet platforms. There may also be a learning curve when exploring advanced features like macros or script generation.
5. Excel Formula Bot
Sometimes, all you need is a quick fix for an Excel formula you can’t quite remember, which is where this tool shines. Excel Formula Bot converts plain language instructions into accurate Excel or Google Sheets formulas.
Key Features
Data Connectors: Connect your data to Google Analytics, Google Trends, Google Search Console, Google Sheets, and Excel.
Data Cleaning and Preparation: Includes tools to clean and organize data quickly.
Formula and Code Generation: Generate not only Excel formulas but also SQL queries, VBA scripts, and Google Apps Scripts to handle more advanced tasks.
Excel Formula Bot handles straightforward tasks well but may falter when faced with complex or multi-step calculations. If you often tackle highly customized workflows, the tool’s simplicity can be limiting.
6. GPTExcel
GPTExcel is an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance productivity in Excel, Google Sheets, and Airtable. It simplifies complex tasks by allowing users to input natural language commands, which it translates into functional formulas, scripts, and queries.
Key Features
Excel Formula Generator AI: Generate formulas for Excel, Google Sheets, and Airtable.
Script Generator AI: Create VBA scripts for Excel, Apps Scripts for Google Workspace, and Airtable scripts to automate repetitive tasks.
SQL Query Generator AI: Simplify the creation, debugging, and modification of complex SQL queries.
Regex Generator AI: Generate regular expression patterns for data validation and filtering.
Template Generator AI: Create table templates for Excel and Google Sheets to standardize and organize data presentations.
It’s worth noting that highly specific queries can sometimes result in less accurate outputs, requiring manual adjustments. Additionally, its more technical tools, such as SQL and regex generation, might require some familiarity to use effectively.
7. PromptLoop
PromptLoop is a platform that integrates with Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, enabling users to perform tasks like web scraping, data extraction, and text analysis directly within their spreadsheets.
Key Features
Custom AI Models: Create and deploy AI models for specific business needs.
Bulk Data Processing: Process multiple large datasets quickly.
Note that custom task chains cannot be edited once created (as of this article), so thoroughly test your workflows before saving. New users may also face a learning curve when integrating and utilizing the tool’s features within their existing data processes.
8. Excelly-AI
If you’re looking for a tool to automate complex Excel tasks while fostering better team collaboration, Excelly-AI might be the solution.
Key Features
Natural Language Formula Generation: Turn everyday language into complicated formulas.
Slack Integration: Generate, share, and discuss formulas with your team right from Slack.
VBA Code Support: Create and manage VBA scripts for automation.
Excelly-AI may occasionally misinterpret instructions, leading to inaccurate formulas that require manual adjustments. It can also struggle with highly complex formulas involving multiple variables or intricate calculations, which might limit its usefulness for advanced workflows.
9. AI Excel Bot
AI Excel Bot could be the right tool if you’re looking for a straightforward way to generate complex formulas without diving into syntax.
Key Features
Natural Language to Formula Conversion: Generate formulas for Excel and Google Sheets using plain English instructions.
VBA and Script Support: Automate repetitive tasks by creating VBA scripts or custom workflows.
Chrome Addon: Work directly in Google Sheets or Excel.
AI Excel Bot may be less suited for advanced analysis or users who need robust multi-platform integrations. The accuracy of results may also vary, with manual adjustments occasionally required.
Why Use AI for Excel in the First Place?
AI tools add new levels of efficiency, accessibility, and insight to Excel by automating repetitive tasks. This frees you up to focus on more strategic and creative work, helping you move faster and stay accurate.
Natural language processing also makes Excel’s advanced features easier to use. Instead of wrestling with complicated formulas or learning new functions, you can describe what you need in plain English and let AI handle the technical details. This both saves time and opens Excel’s potential to users of all skill levels.
Most importantly, AI tools help you quickly uncover valuable insights in your data. They can identify trends, generate visualizations, and simplify decision-making. In short, AI makes it easier than ever to unlock Excel’s full potential.
How to Choose the Right AI Tool for Excel
Picking the best AI for Excel depends on your specific goals, comfort level with tech, and the complexity of your tasks. Here are some handy pointers.
Skill Level: Are you new to Excel or have advanced technical know-how? For beginners, tools like Enquery offer user-friendly data analysis and management solutions.
Task Complexity: Do you need quick formulas and scripts, or are you looking for robust data analysis? Ideally, choose an AI for Excel tool tailored for both simple and complex tasks.
Security Needs: Most AI for Excel solutions rely on cloud-based processing, which raises data privacy concerns if you handle sensitive or proprietary information. Use a tool that covers security gaps. For example, Enquery analyzes data locally, keeping all info safe on your computer. You can try Enquery for 30 days free.
Data Integration: Ensure the chosen tool plays well with your existing data sources.
Conclusion: Transforming Excel with AI
AI is changing the game when it comes to Excel, turning it from a static grid of data into an interactive, smart platform. The best AI for Excel tools covered here cater to a wide range of skill levels, and ultimately, the best choice will depend on your unique use case. If you’re on the fence, take advantage of free trials or demos to see which tool best matches your workflow.
Enquery is an accessible, AI-powered platform for data analysis that allows professionals to unlock insights with natural language or SQL. We’re on a mission to make data analysis accessible to anyone across industries and skill levels.
Uncover insights, write code, and more by using natural language to chat with your spreadsheets. A local-first approach to data processing ensures information stays private on your machine. Get a FREE 30-day trial of Enquery today.
FAQ
Which AI tool is best for Excel?
The best AI for Excel depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize simplicity, privacy, and SQL integration, Enquery may be the best fit for you.
Is there a ChatGPT for Excel?
Yes! Tools like GPTExcel and PromptLoop use AI similar to ChatGPT. They generate formulas, analyze data, and automate tasks within Excel.
Is there an AI that can analyze Excel data?
Absolutely. There are many great options, like Enquery, which helps you analyze Excel data, provide insights and visualizations, and automate processes.
Is AI Excel Bot free?
Yes, AI Excel Bot offers a free plan with limited features, allowing users to generate or explain a small number of formulas monthly. A paid plan is available for additional features and unlimited usage. For a more user-friendly alternative, consider Enquery. It adapts to your skill level and features natural language, SQL integration, visualization tools, and offline data processing to keep data safe. Learn more about Enquery.
Can AI automate Excel tasks?
Yes. Tools like Enquery can handle repetitive tasks, saving you time and reducing errors.
Are AI tools for Excel secure?
That depends on the tool. Enquery processes all data on your computer, which significantly increases security. Others use cloud-based processing, which might introduce privacy concerns depending on your data’s sensitivity.
Which AI tool for Excel is best for beginners?
If you’re a novice, Enquery offers an intuitive interface and natural language capabilities that make it super-easy to pick up.
How does Enquery compare to other AI tools for Excel?
Enquery excels at ease of use, advanced analysis, SQL integration, and data security. It also adapts to your needs: Autopilot Mode automates the entire process, from query generation to data visualization. Just describe what you need in natural language, and Enquery handles the rest. Assistant Mode generates queries you can edit and execute in a built-in SQL editor, giving you full control over how your queries are written. It also explains how each query works, which helps you learn or improve your data analysis and SQL skills on the job.
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