How to Make an Excel Spreadsheet with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide

November 9, 2026 · 4 min read

Learn how to make an Excel spreadsheet with AI using built-in Microsoft 365 tools or online assistants to create tables and formulas quickly.

Learning how to make an Excel spreadsheet with AI is straightforward whether you are building a blank sheet from scratch or organizing an existing set of records. You can use integrated assistants like Copilot directly inside your workbook, or you can describe what you need to an external AI tool that builds the file for you. By entering clear instructions about your rows, columns, and calculations, AI helps you create structured worksheets, formulas, and summaries in just a few moments.

How to make an Excel spreadsheet with AI in Microsoft 365

In Excel for Microsoft 365, you can use the integrated Copilot side pane to draft workbooks, create templates, and insert calculations. Follow these steps to build your sheet from scratch:

Open Excel for Microsoft 365 and select the Copilot icon located in the lower-right corner of the window.
Select the mode that matches your goal. Use Plan mode to review a proposed approach before changes are applied, choose Edit mode to let Copilot modify the workbook directly, or switch to Chat mode to get analysis without changing your data. This setup is detailed by Microsoft Support.
Write a prompt describing the purpose of your sheet and what it should include. For example, Microsoft Support suggests asking for a budget tracker with monthly sheets and summary charts.
Submit your prompt and inspect the output. Copilot can generate worksheets, formulas, charts, and PivotTables, and you can refine the result with follow-up requests.

Before you begin editing, make sure that your Excel Calculation Options are set to Automatic. Copilot editing in Excel requires this setting enabled so that values and formulas update as intended.

The fast way: let Danilli do it

If you prefer an easy way to generate a ready-to-use file without navigating sidebar menus, you can let Danilli handle the setup. Danilli is an AI app made in Miami, for everyone. You do not need to memorize formula syntax or configure spreadsheet options in advance.

Head to danilli.ai in your browser.
Describe the table you need.
Danilli makes the Excel file with the formulas.
Download your new spreadsheet and open it in Excel.

By simply describing your headers and calculations in plain language, you get a clean spreadsheet ready for immediate use.

Best practices for data structure and setup

If you are using AI to analyze or expand existing information rather than starting from a blank page, your data layout plays a major role in the quality of the result. According to Microsoft Support, Copilot works best with a structured table or range that follows these guidelines:

Include exactly one header row at the top of the table.
Keep one consistent kind of information per column.
Avoid scattered merged cells across your data area.
Use clear, descriptive headers and distinct worksheet names to help the AI understand your prompts.

Be aware of changes to Excel functions as well. Do not rely on older tutorials that tell you to enter =COPILOT() directly into a cell. As noted by Microsoft Support, that function stopped being available in Excel on September 14, 2026. Existing formulas using it can return a #NAME? error when recalculated. Instead, describe your task directly in the Copilot pane.

Access to built-in tools also depends on your account type and license. As outlined in the Microsoft Support FAQ, options include Microsoft 365 Personal or Family with an AI credits plan, Microsoft 365 Premium, commercial Microsoft Copilot subscriptions, and certain eligible business or enterprise plans. Organization settings can also affect availability, so check your plan terms with Microsoft Copilot before purchasing.

Reviewing changes and working safely

Whenever you use AI to build or edit spreadsheets, always treat generated formulas, tables, and insights as drafts. Microsoft warns that Copilot can make mistakes or misinterpret data, and recommends reviewing and verifying all outputs before relying on them.

This article provides general information, not professional advice. Microsoft specifically advises against relying on Copilot for sensitive financial, legal, or medical decisions. Take time to audit all math and logic manually before using any figures for important matters.

Finally, remember how changes impact collaborative workbooks. When you save Copilot's workbook changes, any coauthors or team members with access to the file can see them immediately. If an automated change does not look right, you can use the standard undo feature or view prior file versions to revert your workbook to an earlier state.

Quick answers

Can I still use the =COPILOT() function in my Excel cells?

No, the in-cell function was retired on September 14, 2026, and recalculating it can return an error. You should describe your spreadsheet tasks inside the Copilot pane instead.

What calculation setting is required for Copilot to edit Excel sheets?

Copilot editing requires your Excel Calculation Options to be set to Automatic so that changes and formula results process correctly.

Can coworkers see the spreadsheet changes made by AI?

Yes, once you save the changes made by Copilot, anyone with file access or coauthoring permissions can view them, but you can revert changes using version history or undo.

Sources

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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources listed above, then published automatically. General information, not professional advice: check the sources for details.