iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Excel and Google Sheets now include separate AI tools for analysis, editing, formula help, and text generation. In Excel, Copilot can analyze a workbook, explain formulas, create formula-driven columns, and—when you choose edit mode—make workbook changes. In Google Sheets, Gemini in the side panel can create tables and formulas, analyze data, build charts, and perform supported formatting or filtering actions. Sheets also offers an AI() or Gemini() cell function for text tasks and Enhanced Smart Fill for patterned text values.
Access is not universal. Your Microsoft 365 subscription, Google Workspace or Google AI plan, administrator policies, language, device, and product rollout determine which controls appear. Check access first, then treat every generated formula, classification, chart, and edit as a draft that requires verification.
Check access and prepare the workbook
AI controls are account features rather than guaranteed parts of every spreadsheet installation. Microsoft says Copilot may not be included with a Microsoft 365 subscription and may be restricted by organization settings. Google says Gemini in Sheets requires an eligible Google Workspace or Google AI plan; Workspace Experiments, administrator settings, and language settings can also affect availability. If you do not see Copilot or Ask Gemini, confirm your account and ask your administrator rather than assuming the feature is broken.
Recommended Free Tools
Make a copy of an important workbook before allowing an AI tool to edit it. Clean up obvious issues first: give columns clear headers, remove accidental blank rows, and make sure numbers are stored as numbers rather than text. AI can infer a surprising amount from messy data, but clear structure makes its assumptions easier to inspect.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
Keep a known example available for checking. For instance, calculate one product margin manually, or identify one region whose sales total you already know. A control example lets you test whether a generated formula or summary is using the intended columns.
Use Copilot in Excel
Start with a plain-language request
- Open the workbook in Excel and select the Copilot icon.
- Describe the task in ordinary language. Name the relevant table, columns, sheet, or range.
- Specify the result you want, such as a written summary, a formula-driven column, a chart, a PivotTable, or an explanation of an existing formula.
- Read the response and inspect the referenced data before accepting any proposed change.
Microsoft’s examples show the kind of direct wording that works well: “Which region had the highest and lowest sales?”, “Are there any outliers or anomalies in this data?”, “Identify trends in this table.”, and “How can I show regression and prediction of this data?” You can ask Copilot to calculate each product’s profit margin, create a formula column, summarize trends, or identify unusual values. Naming columns improves the usefulness of the analysis because Copilot can distinguish, for example, Net Sales from Units Sold.
Choose the mode before asking for changes
| Mode | What it is for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | Analysis and explanations without changing the workbook. | Confirm that the answer uses the intended sheet and columns. |
| Plan | A reviewable approach for a complex task before action is taken. | Check the proposed steps, assumptions, and output location before proceeding. |
| Edit | Direct workbook changes, such as adding formulas or modifying data. | Inspect every changed cell, formula, format, and downstream result. |
Microsoft’s current support documentation lists edit, plan, and chat on Windows, Mac, and the web. iPad support is more limited, while iPhone and Android list chat mode with some edit support rolling out on mobile. The available modes can change as Microsoft updates the service, so the controls shown in your account are the authoritative indication.
Ask for formulas and formula explanations
For a new calculation, identify both the inputs and the desired output. A useful request is: “Add a formula-driven column named Profit Margin using Revenue and Cost, formatted as a percentage, and explain the formula.” Copilot can generate formula-driven columns or rows and explain an existing formula when you select the cell or describe it.
For an inherited workbook, select a confusing formula and ask Copilot to explain what each reference does, which conditions it tests, and what result it should return for a known row. Compare the explanation with the actual cell references. A fluent explanation is not proof that the formula is correct.
Build lookups, charts, and PivotTables
Describe the lookup in terms of business meaning rather than only function names. For example: “For each order on the Sales sheet, find the inventory quantity for the matching product ID on the Inventory sheet; add the result in a new column and explain how unmatched IDs are handled.” Then inspect the matching key, the returned column, and the treatment of duplicates or missing values.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
Copilot can work with workbook features such as charts and PivotTables. State the dimensions you want: “Create a PivotTable showing sales by region and quarter, then make a column chart of the totals.” Check that dates were grouped correctly, that filters include the full data set, and that the chart’s axis and aggregation match your question.
Verify an Excel result before relying on it
- Check the source range and sheet names used by every formula or summary.
- Recalculate a small sample manually, including a row with a blank, zero, duplicate, or unusual value.
- Look for accidental text-to-number conversions, incorrect date interpretation, and totals that omit newly added rows.
- Compare generated charts and PivotTables with a simple independent total.
- Review edits in a copy before replacing the original workbook.
Microsoft Support’s instruction is explicit: “As with any AI-generated content, review, edit, and verify anything Copilot creates for you.” That applies to prose explanations as well as formulas and workbook edits.
Use Gemini in the Google Sheets side panel
Convert an Excel file when necessary
Gemini features work best with native Google Sheets files. If your data is an Excel workbook, open it in Google Sheets and use File > Save as Google Sheets before trying the documented Gemini workflows. Keep the original .xlsx file as a backup if formatting, macros, external links, or other Excel-specific behavior matters.
Ask Gemini to create or analyze spreadsheet content
- Open the spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Select Ask Gemini to open the side panel.
- Describe the task and identify the columns, range, or sheet involved.
- Specify whether you want a table, formula, written analysis, chart, or a supported change to the sheet.
- Review the suggestion or proposed action, then apply it only after checking the result.
Gemini can create tables and formulas, analyze data, and create charts. It can also perform supported spreadsheet actions such as formatting, filtering, filling a range, sorting, or creating a pivot table. Ask for one coherent result at a time so you can tell which input produced which change. For example, request a filtered view of orders over a stated amount, then inspect the filter range and confirm that headers were excluded from numeric criteria.
For analysis, include the question and the required grouping: “Identify trends in this table by month and product category, and list the three largest changes.” For a chart, name the dimension, measure, aggregation, and preferred chart type. If Gemini suggests a formula, click into the resulting cell and inspect the references rather than relying on the surrounding explanation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUnderstand Gemini’s access boundaries
Google’s documented access depends on an eligible Workspace or Google AI plan, and some users may encounter the feature through Workspace Experiments. An administrator can disable it, and language or account settings can change what appears. A missing Ask Gemini control therefore does not indicate a problem with the spreadsheet itself.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Gemini’s side-panel actions and its cell function are different tools. The side panel can work with spreadsheet-level tasks, while the cell function receives only the range you pass to it. Do not assume that a prompt in a cell can inspect another sheet or search your entire Drive.
Generate text with the Sheets AI cell function
Enter the function and provide context
Google documents two equivalent names, depending on the account and rollout: =AI("prompt", optional_range) or =Gemini("prompt", optional_range). The optional range is how you supply source context. For example:
=AI("Summarize this feedback in one sentence", A2:D2)- Enter the function in a cell, replacing the prompt and range with your task and source cells.
- Select the formula cell or cells.
- Click Generate and Insert.
- Read the generated text and compare it with the supplied cells.
This function is intended for text generation, summaries, categorization, sentiment analysis, and search-grounded answers. It returns text, not a numeric calculation engine. Use ordinary spreadsheet formulas for arithmetic, date logic, sorting keys, and results that must recalculate predictably.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Pass enough range, but no more than necessary
The function cannot see the entire spreadsheet or other Drive files. If a prompt says “classify the feedback” but passes only one unrelated column, the model lacks the evidence needed to classify it. Include the relevant cells in the optional range and state the desired output format, such as one label, one sentence, or a short list.
Embedded AI functions are unsupported, so do not nest AI() or Gemini() inside another formula. Google also documents a first-batch limit of 350 selected AI-function cells generated at a time. For a larger column, work in batches and check that each batch uses the intended prompt and range.
Refresh deliberately when source cells change
Do not treat generated text as a live formula result. Changes to referenced ranges may not automatically prompt a refresh in some prompt constructions. When source feedback, descriptions, or labels change, select the AI-function cells and deliberately regenerate them, then check for changed classifications or summaries. Keep a record of the prompt if the generated text is part of a recurring process.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Use Enhanced Smart Fill for patterned text
Enhanced Smart Fill is separate from Gemini’s side panel and the AI cell function. It predicts text values from example rows. Google’s examples include categorizing feedback by theme, organizing articles by topic, standardizing address text, and extracting phone numbers.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
It is desktop-only, supports English text values, and does not operate on numeric or date columns. To fill a column, provide at least three example rows with two distinct column values so Sheets can infer a pattern. Then review the predicted values before accepting them. If the task requires arithmetic, date arithmetic, or a dependable rule that should recalculate, use a conventional Sheets formula instead.
Write prompts that produce checkable results
A reliable prompt has four parts: the task, the relevant columns or range, the output format, and any assumptions or explanation you want exposed. This is writing guidance, not a guarantee of a particular response.
- Task: “Summarize customer feedback” or “Find the lowest sales region.”
- Context: Name the sheet, table, headers, or cell range.
- Output: Request a sentence, a new column, a chart, a PivotTable, or a specific number of labels.
- Checks: Ask the tool to state assumptions, show the formula, identify excluded rows, or flag missing values.
Examples you can adapt include:
- “Which region had the highest and lowest sales? Return the region names, totals, and the date range used.”
- “Are there any outliers or anomalies in this data? List the rows, the relevant column, and why each value is unusual.”
- “Identify trends in this table by month. Separate changes caused by missing data from genuine increases or decreases.”
- “Create a formula-driven column for profit margin using Revenue and Cost. Format it as a percentage and explain how blank or zero-cost rows are handled.”
- “Categorize the feedback in A2:D2 into one theme and return only the theme label.”
Specific wording reduces ambiguity, but it cannot replace inspection. A request that sounds precise can still point to the wrong range or use an unsuitable aggregation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verify AI-generated spreadsheet work
Check the inputs
Confirm that the tool used the intended sheet, headers, rows, date period, and filters. Look for hidden rows, partial ranges, duplicate records, and formulas that reference a previous table boundary. In the Sheets cell function, verify that the optional range contains all evidence required for the text answer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Check the calculation
Recompute representative results with a normal formula or hand calculation. Test edge cases: zero denominators, blank cells, negative values, duplicate keys, unmatched lookups, and dates at the start or end of a period. If a result cannot be reproduced from visible inputs, do not publish or share it yet.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Check the interpretation
Read summaries for claims that go beyond the data. A trend description should identify the period and measure; an outlier claim should identify the comparison basis. For generated categories, sample several rows from every label and look for inconsistent decisions.
Check the change itself
When edit mode or a Gemini action changes the workbook, compare the before-and-after structure. Inspect inserted columns, formats, filters, named ranges, PivotTable sources, and chart series. Save a version before accepting broad changes, and undo or restore the copy if the action affects unrelated cells.
Excel Copilot and Google Sheets Gemini compared
| Decision axis | Excel with Copilot | Google Sheets with Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Main interaction | Copilot pane with edit, plan, or chat mode; the mode determines whether the workbook may be changed. | Gemini side panel for spreadsheet tasks, plus a separate AI cell function and Enhanced Smart Fill. |
| Spreadsheet tasks | Workbook edits, insights, formulas, formula explanations, lookups, charts, and PivotTables. | Tables, formulas, analysis, charts, formatting, filters, filling ranges, sorting, and pivot tables. |
| File context | Works with the workbook; capabilities depend on the user’s account and app platform. | Works best with native Sheets files; convert an Excel file with File > Save as Google Sheets. The AI cell function sees only its supplied range. |
| Access | Copilot may not be included in a Microsoft 365 subscription or may be limited by organization settings. | Gemini requires an eligible Google Workspace or Google AI plan; Workspace Experiments may also provide access. |
| Verification emphasis | Microsoft explicitly instructs users to review, edit, and verify Copilot output. | Review suggestions, formulas, generated text, and workbook changes; Google notes that suggestions may be inaccurate. |
This is a feature and workflow comparison, not a performance test. Neither product should be assumed to be more accurate without checking the specific workbook and task.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTroubleshoot common problems
The AI button is missing
Check the signed-in account, subscription or Workspace edition, administrator policy, language, device, and rollout status. In Excel, mobile mode availability is more limited than on Windows, Mac, and the web. In Sheets, an eligible plan or Workspace Experiment may be required. If the feature is still absent, use ordinary formulas and spreadsheet tools rather than changing data to force an unavailable control to appear.
The answer uses the wrong data
Restate the exact sheet, table, headers, and date range. For the Sheets cell function, expand or correct the optional range. Remove ambiguous duplicate headers and test the request on a small, clearly labeled copy.
A generated formula gives an implausible result
Inspect cell references, absolute and relative references, lookup keys, error handling, and the aggregation. Compare one row with a manually calculated result. Ask the AI tool to explain the formula, but use the spreadsheet’s displayed inputs and a conventional formula as the final authority.
Generated text is stale
For AI() or Gemini() cells, regenerate after changing source data when an automatic refresh has not occurred. Confirm that the selected cells are the ones you intend to replace, especially when processing more than one batch.
Smart Fill predicts poorly
Provide at least three clear example rows and two distinct values, keep the source column in English text, and remove contradictory examples. Smart Fill does not support numeric or date columns; switch to a formula or a regular data transformation for those types.
Quick Recap
A practical decision guide
- Choose Excel Copilot chat when you need a workbook-based explanation or analysis without edits.
- Choose Excel Copilot plan mode when a multi-step change needs review before execution.
- Choose Excel Copilot edit mode when you want direct changes and can inspect a copy afterward.
- Choose the Google Sheets Gemini side panel for tables, formulas, charts, analysis, and supported formatting or filtering actions.
- Choose the Sheets AI cell function for text summaries, labels, sentiment, or other text responses where you can pass the relevant range explicitly.
- Choose Enhanced Smart Fill for recognizable English-text patterns with sufficient examples, not for numeric or date calculations.
- Use ordinary spreadsheet formulas whenever the result must be numeric, auditable, and automatically recalculated from changing inputs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
