Excel Magic: Copilot Tips for Smarter Data Analysis

Published 16/07/2025

Author: Meg Watret

Excel Magic: Copilot Tips for Smarter Data Analysis

In our previous post, we explored the Top 5 ways to use Copilot in Word to speed up document creation, helping you draft faster, rewrite with ease, and summarise like a pro.

Now we’re shifting gears from words to numbers. In this edition, we’re jumping into Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel, where raw data turns into real insights, fast. Whether you’re building reports, identifying trends, or generating formulas with plain English, Copilot is here to take the grind out of spreadsheets.

Data analysis doesn’t have to be daunting. With Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel, you can turn raw data into real insights, faster, smarter, and with a lot less head-scratching. Whether you’re exploring trends, asking questions in plain English, or building formulas without breaking a sweat, Copilot is your new best friend in the spreadsheet. Let’s explore five powerful ways to use it for smarter data analysis.

1. Natural Language Queries: Speak Excel’s Language

Forget memorising formulas like =VLOOKUP() or =INDEX(MATCH()). With Copilot, you can just ask Excel what you want in plain English.

Ask questions like a human: “What were total sales in Q1?” or “Show me the average revenue per month.”
Instant insights: Copilot scans your data and gives you answers without the mental gymnastics.
No jargon required: You don’t need to be a spreadsheet wizard, Copilot translates your intent into action.

Think of it as having a data analyst who never sleeps and doesn’t mind being asked the same question twice.

2. Trend Identification: Spot Patterns Like a Pro

Copilot doesn’t just crunch numbers, it helps you see the story behind them.

Visualise trends: Automatically generate charts that highlight growth, dips, and seasonal patterns.
Detect anomalies: Copilot flags outliers and unexpected changes so you can investigate further.
Forecast the future: Use historical data to predict what’s coming next, no crystal ball required.

It’s like having a built-in business analyst who’s obsessed with graphs (and never spills coffee on your keyboard).

3. Formula Generation: Let Copilot Do the Heavy Lifting

If formulas make your head spin, Copilot is here to save the day.

Describe what you need: “Calculate the sum of sales for each region” or “Find the average order value.”
Copilot writes the formula: You get the result, no syntax errors, no debugging.
Learn as you go: Copilot explains what the formula does, so you can build your skills while getting stuff done.

Finally, a way to use Excel without feeling like you need a maths degree.

4. Automate Repetitive Tasks: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Repetitive tasks are the enemy of productivity. Copilot helps you automate the boring bits.

Create macros with ease: Automate data entry, formatting, and calculations.
Schedule updates: Keep your dashboards fresh without lifting a finger.
Focus on what matters: Spend less time clicking and more time thinking.

Copilot doesn’t just save time, it gives you back your sanity.

5. Collaborate with Confidence

Excel isn’t just for solo work anymore. Copilot makes teamwork seamless.

Real-time collaboration: Multiple users can edit and analyse together.
Track changes: Know who did what and when.
Smart suggestions: Copilot adds comments and feedback to help refine your analysis.

It’s like having a polite co-worker who always knows what’s going on and never hogs the spreadsheet.

With these top tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a data analysis wizard with Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel. Whether you’re a seasoned spreadsheet veteran or just dipping your toes into data, Copilot helps you work faster, smarter, and with a lot less stress.

Ready to transform the way you work with Microsoft Copilot?

At CPS, we specialise in helping organisations accelerate their AI journey, turning everyday tools like Word into powerful productivity engines. As a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work and Data & AI, and the UK’s #1 Copilot partner, we bring unmatched expertise in readiness, governance, deployment, and adoption.

Our proven methodologies ensure secure, compliant, and high-impact rollouts tailored to your sector. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale Copilot enterprise-wide, CPS is your trusted partner to unlock real value, fast. Let’s reimagine what your people can do with AI. Get in touch with CPS today.

Excel Magic: Copilot Tips for Smarter Data Analysis