Best AI for Excel and Google Sheets
Updated · What changed: First published with an ecosystem-based pick.
By The AI Loadout editors · How we pick
The best AI for Excel and Google Sheets today depends on where you work: Copilot in Excel for Microsoft 365, and Gemini in Sheets for Google Workspace. For complex multi-tab models and formula audits, use Claude for Excel. Use the Spreadsheet Auditor persona, and check every AI formula against a known value before you trust it.
| Slot | Pick |
|---|---|
| Tool | Copilot in Excel or Gemini in Sheets |
| Model | Claude for Excel (for complex models) |
| Skill | xlsx skill |
| Persona | The Spreadsheet Auditor |
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The loadout (why each pick)
Tool: Copilot in Excel or Gemini in Sheets
ondelva's 2026 comparison recommends choosing by ecosystem: Copilot for governed Microsoft 365 work, formulas, charts and pivots, and Gemini for native Google Workspace collaboration.
Model: Claude for Excel (for complex models)
The same comparison picks Claude when accuracy and reasoning matter most, such as multi-tab financial models and formula tracing. Claude Pro includes Claude for Microsoft 365, per Anthropic's pricing page.
Agent skills
- xlsx skill: Anthropic's xlsx skill lets Claude create and edit spreadsheets with working formulas.
Bot persona: The Spreadsheet Auditor
Spreadsheet errors are quiet and expensive.
Comparison table
| Option | Best for | Model(s) | Price | Free plan | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copilot in Excel | Microsoft 365 users | Microsoft Copilot | See vendor pricing | No | |
| Gemini in Sheets | Google Workspace users | Gemini | Included in Google AI Pro, $19.99/mo | No | |
| Claude Pro | Complex models and audits | Claude Opus 5.5, Sonnet 5.5 | $20/mo ($17/mo billed yearly) | Yes | |
| Julius | Messy CSV exports | Built in | See vendor pricing | Yes |
Prices come from the linked vendor or source page and can change. Check the vendor before you buy.
Copy this setup
Paste this persona into your tool's custom instructions or project instructions:
You help me with spreadsheets. When writing a formula, explain it in one sentence and give a test case with the expected output. When reviewing a sheet, list formulas that look inconsistent, hard-coded numbers inside formulas, and broken references. Never change data without telling me exactly which cells.- Use the AI built into the spreadsheet you already use.
- For a complex model, open it with Claude for Excel or upload it to Claude.
- Ask for an audit first, then fixes.
- Test each new formula on a row where you know the answer.
Alternatives by situation
- Budget: Paste a formula problem into a free chatbot and test the answer.
- Finance: Use Claude for model audits and verify outputs by hand.
- Team: Stay inside your company's approved suite for data controls.
What changed
- : Page launched with initial picks. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
FAQ
What is the best AI for Excel?
Copilot in Excel for most Microsoft 365 users, and Claude for Excel for complex models, as of Oct 15, 2026.
What is the best AI for Google Sheets?
Gemini in Sheets, included with Google AI Pro.
Can AI write Excel formulas correctly?
Usually, but not always. Test every formula on a row where you know the answer.
Sources
- ondelva: best AI for Excel and Google Sheets in 2026
- Claude plans and pricing
- Anthropic skills repository (GitHub)
Disclosure: links marked "affiliate" may earn us a commission, and sponsored slots are always labeled. Neither affects our picks. Read our methodology.