The 9 best tools for Excel with AI

If you want to take your spreadsheets to the next level, there are a number of tools for Excel with AI that can make a difference. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we manage and analyze data, automating tasks and achieving much more precise and visual results in less time.

In this article, we'll provide a guide to these tools. We'll analyze their uses, how they work, when they're useful, and how to choose the one that best suits your needs. A new world of possibilities, for both novice and advanced users.

How has Excel changed thanks to artificial intelligence?

The arrival of artificial intelligence to Excel has supposed a true revolution in the way we work with data. Whereas before the only way to automate processes was by creating formulas or complex scripts, there are now wizards, add-ins, and built-in functions that They interpret natural language instructions, summarize key information, clean complex data, and suggest advanced visualizations or analyses. with hardly any effort.

Prominent examples include automatic pattern recognition, intelligent report generation, automated database cleansing and transformation, and the ability to create formulas and scripts from a simple written description. All of this greatly reduces the time and difficulty of working with large volumes of data, allowing anyone without extensive technical knowledge to access predictive analysis, statistical models, or professional dashboards.

With AI, Excel is now a much more powerful tool, democratizing access to analyses previously reserved for technical departments or data scientists.

AI functions and tools built into Microsoft Excel

Microsoft has invested heavily in AI-powered Excel tools, adding features for data analysis, automation, smart chat, and real-time data processing. Among the most notable are the following:

• Data Analysis (formerly Ideas)Automatically suggests charts, pivot tables, trend analysis, patterns, and outliers based on your data. Supports natural language queries and returns visual summaries tailored to your needs.
• Smart filling: Automatically suggests data based on patterns detected in adjacent cells, facilitating consistent, mass data entry.
• Column from examples: Allows you to create an entire column by extracting patterns from two or more examples. Ideal for transforming dates, names, or any repetitive data without complicated formulas.
• Linked data types: Associates cells with external data sources (shares, geographies, etc.) and keeps information updated automatically, avoiding manual entry.
• Insert data from an imageAutomatically converts a table image into editable cell data. Dramatically reduces transcription time and data entry errors.
• Dynamic matrices: Automatically recognizes data ranges, applying a formula to multiple cells without additional effort and allowing multiple results from a single cell.
• Forecasts and predictive analyticsExcel allows you to anticipate future trends and values ​​based on historical data, facilitating decision-making without the need for complex external algorithms.

These advanced features are available at no additional cost in Microsoft 365 and have become essential for professionals, students, and Excel users at any level.

Best external AI tools for Excel

In addition to the built-in functions, there's an ecosystem of external tools that take artificial intelligence in Excel to the next level. Below, we analyze the most popular and highly rated options:

Excel Formula Bot

Excel Formula Bot has gained a lot of popularity for its ability to Translate natural language instructions into Excel or Google Sheets formulas automatically and accurately. Simply describe the operation you want to perform (for example, "sum only the rows that meet two conditions"), and the tool generates the exact formula. It can also explain existing formulas and help you understand how they work step by step, which is especially useful for those new to Excel or for quickly solving complex tasks.

incluye una simple web interface and plugins to integrate directly into spreadsheets. It's ideal for saving time and avoiding manual errors, and offers both free and paid versions with additional features.

GPTExcel

GPTExcel uses the GPT-3.5-turbo AI architecture to Generate, explain, and automate formulas, VBA scripts, Apps Script, and SQL queries just by describing what you need in your spreadsheet. It's perfect for users who want to go beyond traditional Excel, as it allows you to create dynamic templates, automate advanced calculations, and connect different data sources.

Furthermore, provides detailed explanations of how the generated formulas work, which facilitates continuous learning and reduces the learning curve for less technical users.

SheetGod

SheetGod stands out as a tool oriented towards Excel and Google Sheets automation, generating everything from simple formulas to regular expressions, macros and code snippets in seconds.

It also includes step-by-step tutorials and additional features such as generating mass PDFs or sending marketing emails, making it a comprehensive solution for users looking to increase their productivity and spreadsheet speed. All of this makes this one of the best Excel tools with AI.

PromptLoop

PromptLoop integrates with Excel and Google Sheets to allow you Create custom models that extract, transform, generate, and summarize text in bulkIt's ideal for automating repetitive tasks such as categorization, data cleansing, content summarization, or extracting information from websites.

Its support for repeatable workflows and custom tasks makes it especially useful in enterprise environments and for data analysis teams.

Formula generation and explanation tools: Sheet+, Lumelixr, Ajelix, Excelly-AI, and more

The market is full of AI assistants that simplify your life in Excel. Here are some of the best:

• Sheet+ (currently part of Formula HQ)
• Lumelixr AI.
• Ajelix.

All of these options share the ability to transform text into formulas and vice versa, translate spreadsheets, create custom templates, and automate small scripts. Many have extensions for Slack, Google Chrome, or direct integration with teams, which enhances collaboration and immediate access to AI.

XLSTAT: solution for advanced statistical analysis:

XLSTAT It is the favorite complement for Users who require advanced statistical analysis without leaving the Excel environmentIt allows for everything from descriptive analysis and ANOVA to complex regressions, multivariate analysis, and predictive model generation. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration make it an excellent choice for researchers, financial teams, and technical professionals looking to get the most out of data analysis.

AI Excel Bot: Automation and Visualization

It is also worth mentioning tools such as AI Excel Bot, designed to carry the automation, visualization and connection between data at another levelThey allow you to import information from various sources, transform databases, clean logs, generate interactive charts, create automated reports, and gain real-time insights using AI models.

In the case of AI Excel Bot and similar, the main value lies in the precise generation and explanation of formulas, the translation of instructions into plain text and the ability to connect your spreadsheets to external data warehouses, all handled via chat or natural language commands.

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Main advantages of using AI in Excel in your daily life

Adopting artificial intelligence in Excel entails tangible benefits for any type of user:

• Automation of repetitive tasksFrom data cleansing to generating charts or reports, reducing time spent and minimizing human error.
• Increased productivityAI frees up your time to focus on strategic tasks, detecting patterns, anomalies, and hidden insights in large volumes of data.
• Improved decision making: Advanced analysis and immediate answers to complex questions, even if you don't master statistical techniques.
• Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces and wizards that require no programming knowledge allow any user to take advantage of AI in just minutes.
• Improved collaboration: The ability to share models, templates, and analyses with remote teams or across departments, improving consistency and collaborative work.
• Personalization.Many tools offer the option to create AI tasks or models tailored to your specific needs.

How to choose the best AI tool for Excel based on your needs

Before you jump into trying out add-ons, plugins, or extensions, it's important to consider a few key factors to help you choose the option that best suits your needs:

• Compatibility: Make sure the tool integrates with the version of Excel you're using (Microsoft 365, older versions, web, etc.) and works with other programs like Google Sheets.
• FeaturesChoose tools that meet your challenges: formula generation, task automation, predictive analytics, visualizations, data translation, integration with other platforms, etc.
• ScalabilityIf you expect to grow or manage increasingly complex data, look for a tool that can scale to meet your future needs.
• Ease of use and documentation: Prioritize options with good reviews, effective support, clear tutorials, and active platforms.
• PriceEvaluate free models, no-obligation trials, and paid plans based on volume, frequency of use, or the size of your team.
• Security and privacy: Consider data protection, encryption, and regulatory compliance, especially if you'll be working with sensitive or confidential information.

The integration of artificial intelligence in Excel has forever changed the way we analyze and manage data. Access to intelligent assistants, automated functions, and predictive analytics is now within reach of any user, simplifying both daily work and the most complex projects. If you want to get the most out of your spreadsheets, exploring the tools and tips in this guide is the first step toward unprecedented productivity and accuracy in Excel.

Daniel Terrasa

Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.