Quick Win: Using Copilot in Excel for Data Analysis

Overview

Copilot transforms Excel from a tool for spreadsheet experts to an accessible analytics platform for everyone. In just six minutes, learn how to use natural language to analyze data, create visualizations, and extract insights—no advanced Excel skills required.

Perfect for analysts, program managers, and anyone who works with government datasets.

What You’ll Learn

• Analyze datasets to identify trends and patterns
• Create charts and visualizations with simple prompts
• Generate calculated columns and summary statistics
• Extract specific insights and answer data questions

Transcript

[00:00 - Introduction]

Hi everyone, Michael Chen here. Today’s quick win: using Copilot in Excel to analyze data without being an Excel wizard. If you work with datasets but struggle with complex formulas or pivot tables, this is for you.

[00:30 - The Scenario]

You have a spreadsheet with six months of program spending data across multiple categories. Leadership wants to know: Which categories are over budget? What are the trends? Where should we focus cost-saving efforts?

Normally, this requires pivot tables, formulas, and manual analysis. With Copilot, you can get answers in minutes.

[01:15 - Basic Analysis]

Open your Excel file. Make sure your data is formatted as a table—select your data and click “Format as Table.” This lets Copilot understand your data structure.

Click the Copilot icon and type: “Analyze this data and show me the top spending categories.” Copilot will instantly summarize your data, identify the highest spending areas, and present the results clearly.

[02:30 - Trend Identification]

Want to see trends over time? Ask Copilot: “Show me spending trends over the last six months.” Copilot will create a line chart visualizing how each category’s spending has changed. You can ask follow-up questions like: “Which category has increased the most?” and Copilot will highlight the answer.

[03:45 - Creating Calculated Columns]

Need to calculate variance between actual and budgeted amounts? Instead of writing formulas manually, ask Copilot: “Add a column showing the difference between actual and budget.”

Copilot will create the calculated column with the appropriate formula applied to all rows. You can then ask: “Highlight rows where actual exceeds budget by more than 10%.”

[04:45 - Generating Insights]

Copilot can proactively identify insights. Ask: “What insights can you find in this data?” Copilot will analyze patterns, outliers, and correlations, then present findings like: “Category X shows a consistent upward trend” or “Category Y had an unusual spike in Month 3.”

[05:30 - Creating Visualizations]

Need a chart for your briefing? Ask Copilot: “Create a bar chart comparing actual vs. budget by category.” Copilot will generate the visualization instantly. You can refine it: “Make it a clustered column chart” or “Add data labels.”

[06:00 - Conclusion]

Copilot in Excel democratizes data analysis. You don’t need to memorize formulas or master pivot tables—just ask questions in natural language and get immediate insights. Try these techniques on your next dataset and experience the power of AI-assisted analysis.