ChatGPT for Excel is incredible, but somehow… free
PS: this is not sponsored
ChatGPT is now available for Excel and Google Sheets and you can use it even on the Free plan. Woohoo!
In today’s newsletter we will understand how to add ChatGPT to Excel, an entirely straightforward process and it is free to install.
PS: this is not sponsored, I just really enjoy using ChatGPT in Excel!
When I used ChatGPT as my Excel partner, it helped me to:
Work more efficiently
Unlock more advanced functionality in Excel
Note: Some advanced Excel features aren’t yet supported within these workflows, including Power Query, Pivot Tables/Data Model, slicers, named ranges, and VBA macros. For very large workbooks, results may be partial if the data exceeds what ChatGPT can process at once.
To set it up:
Open Excel
Go to ‘Home’ tab and then click on ‘Add-ins’. (If you are using an older version of Excel, go to the Insert tab and click Get Add-ins).
Type “ChatGPT” into the search bar. Look for the official app published by OpenAI.
Install: Click Add and then Continue
The ChatGPT icon will appear on the home ribbon
Sign In: A new ChatGPT icon or sidebar will appear on your right. Simply sign in using your existing OpenAI/ChatGPT account.
Now that ChatGPT is installed and running in Excel, there are several ways to use it in your Excel workbook:
#1: Automate repetitive workflows with Skills
If you find yourself performing the same tasks in Excel over and over, you can turn them into reusable workflows using Skills a feature built into ChatGPT for Excel.
Instead of retyping the same prompt each time, a Skill lets you save clear instructions once covering the workflow, formatting rules, and expected output so ChatGPT can repeat the task consistently, without you having to re-explain it every time.
To use a Skill:
Open ChatGPT for Excel from the ribbon.
Click the + icon to browse available Skills.
Select a Skill, or invoke it directly in your prompt using @. Below is an example of a pre-selected skill.
By default, ChatGPT for Excel includes ready-made Skills for financial modeling and corporate finance formatting. But you should feel free to add your own!
#2: Choose the right reasoning level
Select the reasoning level based on the complexity of the task:
Fast: Use for quick fixes, simple formulas, formatting changes, or straightforward questions.
Standard: Use for everyday Excel tasks where you want a balance between speed and deeper reasoning.
Heavy: Use for complex analysis, troubleshooting, advanced formulas, or tasks requiring more detailed problem-solving.
Choosing the right level helps balance speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
#3: Connect other applications
ChatGPT can connect with other applications through Apps, allowing you to bring information into your workflow without constantly switching between tools.
To use Apps:
Open ChatGPT for Excel from the ribbon.
Click the + icon to browse available Apps.
Select an app or use ‘@’ to invoke a specific app. I chose Skyscanner.
Depending on the connector and permissions available, you may be able to retrieve information, analyze data, and complete certain actions directly within your Excel workflow.
#4: Use the undo option
ChatGPT can make mistakes, and Excel changes can sometimes have unexpected results. If something does not look right, use Excel’s undo function to quickly revert the change and try again with a more specific prompt.
The more specific your instructions, the better your results. ChatGPT works best when you provide context, define the desired outcome, and specify what should and should not be changed.
To help with this here are a few hacks that will refine your results-
Hack #1: Review outputs carefully
One of the biggest advantages of using ChatGPT in Excel is that it can help explain formulas, summarize changes, and walk through its approach. However, you should always review the output before relying on it.
Make sure to:
Check the sources: Verify any external information or data used.
Validate formulas: Confirm that formulas work as expected and produce accurate results.
Spot-check individual cells: Review samples of the output to make sure the changes are consistent and correct.
Hack #2: Ask for a plan before making changes
For larger or more sensitive updates, ask ChatGPT to create a plan before it edits your workbook.
Add this instruction to your prompt:
“Before you make any changes, create a plan. I will review and approve the plan before you continue.”
This gives you a chance to confirm the approach that used for your workbook before changes are applied.
Hack #3: Be specific about the areas to update
Point ChatGPT to the exact worksheets, tables, ranges, or cells you want it to work on. The more context you provide, the more accurate the results will be.
For example, instead of saying:
“Clean up this spreadsheet”
Try:
“Clean the customer data table on the ‘Sales Data’ tab, focusing on duplicate entries in columns A through F.”
Integrating ChatGPT into Excel is a simple process using the official “ChatGPT for Excel” add-in. It brings a helpful AI sidebar right into your workbook, letting you automate functions, generate formulas, and handle repetitive tasks without ever leaving your spreadsheet.