# Best AI for Excel and Google Sheets

Updated: 2026-10-15 | Cluster: Data and analysis | Canonical: https://theailoadout.com/best-ai-setup/excel-google-sheets/

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](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot) |
| Model | [Claude for Excel (for complex models)](https://theailoadout.com/tools/claude-ai/) |
| Skill | [xlsx skill](https://github.com/anthropics/skills) |
| Persona | [The Spreadsheet Auditor](https://theailoadout.com/best-ai-setup/excel-google-sheets/#copy-this-setup) |

## Why each pick
- Tool: 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: 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.
- Skill, xlsx skill: Anthropic's xlsx skill lets Claude create and edit spreadsheets with working formulas.
- Persona: Spreadsheet errors are quiet and expensive.

## Comparison
| Option | Best for | Model(s) | Price | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |

## Persona prompt
```
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.
```

## What changed
- 2026-10-15: 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](https://ondelva.com/blog/2026/06/best-ai-for-excel-google-sheets-2026-claude-vs-copilot-vs-chatgpt-vs-julius-vs-gemini)
- [Claude plans and pricing](https://claude.com/pricing)
- [Anthropic skills repository (GitHub)](https://github.com/anthropics/skills)