Excel like a finance pro.
Python & AI function
COPILOT
Sends a prompt and optional cell context to Copilot and returns its answer into the grid.
When to use it
Sends a prompt, plus any cell context you include, to Copilot and returns the answer into the cell. Classification, summaries, and extraction in bulk.
The shape of it
- Syntax
=COPILOT(prompt_part1, [context1], ...)
- Example
=COPILOT("Classify the sentiment",A2)
Worked examples
Classify text
=COPILOT("Classify the sentiment as Positive or Negative",A2) → Positive
A2 holds a customer review.
Summarize a range
=COPILOT("Summarize these comments in one sentence",A2:A20) → a one-sentence summary
A range as context.
Extract a field
=COPILOT("Extract the company name only",B2) → ACME Corp
Pull a field out of free text.
Worth knowing
- Results recalculate when the referenced cells change and can spill into multiple cells.
- Ask for a fixed set of labels to keep results consistent.
- Results recalculate when inputs change; paste as values to freeze them.
- Batch similar prompts in one column rather than one call per idea.
Where it goes wrong
- Answers can vary between runs and should be checked before they drive decisions.
- Requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license and the feature enabled; unavailable otherwise.
Related
Learn the moves here — or let Wauvel run them on your numbers.
Meet your AI CFO →One CFO-grade Excel tip a week
A short, practical email for finance operators — functions, shortcuts, and the moves that save an afternoon. Free, unsubscribe anytime.