8 Best AI Tools for Excel and Spreadsheets in 2026 (Compared)

Spreadsheets remain the backbone of business data management, but the way we use them is changing fast. In 2026, AI-powered tools can write complex formulas, build dashboards, clean messy datasets, and surface insights from thousands of rows in seconds. The question is no longer whether you need AI in your spreadsheets — it is which tool delivers the best value for your workflow. You might also want to explore our picks for AI for SQL.

Whether you are a financial analyst building forecasting models, a marketer tracking campaign ROI, or a small business owner reconciling invoices, the right AI spreadsheet tool can save you hours every week and help you make better decisions from your data. You might also want to explore our picks for AI for R programming.

In this guide, we compare the 8 best AI tools for Excel and spreadsheets in 2026, including verified pricing, core features, ideal use cases, and a side-by-side comparison table to help you choose the right one. You might also want to explore our picks for AI for accounting.

AI Tools for Excel and Spreadsheets: Quick Comparison Table

Now let’s dig into each tool with detailed reviews, verified 2026 pricing, and honest pros and cons. If you also need AI tools beyond spreadsheets, check out our guide to the best AI productivity tools in 2026.

1. Microsoft Copilot for Excel

Best for: Enterprise teams and power users already embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Microsoft Copilot for Excel brings generative AI directly into the spreadsheet application that hundreds of millions of people already use. In 2026, Copilot has matured significantly with the introduction of Agent Mode, which can build executive summary dashboards, surface key insights from complex datasets, and generate ready-to-share charts from natural language questions.

Agent Mode represents a major leap from simple formula suggestions. You can ask it to analyze sales data across multiple tabs, identify trends and outliers, and present everything in a formatted dashboard — all without touching a single cell yourself. It also works with locally stored files now, removing the old OneDrive-only limitation that frustrated many users.

Key Features

• Natural language formula generation and data analysis
• Agent Mode for building automated dashboards and executive summaries
• Chart and visualization creation from plain English prompts
• Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Works across desktop, web, and Mac versions of Excel
• Enterprise-grade security with existing Microsoft 365 permissions

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Copilot Chat (Free Tier): Included at no extra cost with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Provides basic AI assistance in Excel.
• Full Microsoft 365 Copilot: $30/user/month as an add-on to your existing Microsoft 365 subscription. Annual commitment required.
• Base subscription increases (July 2026): Microsoft 365 Business Basic rising to $7/user/mo; Business Standard to $14.50/user/mo; E3 to $39–$42/user/mo.

Pros: Seamless Excel integration, powerful Agent Mode, enterprise-grade security, works with existing Microsoft 365 workflows, local file support.

Cons: The $30/user/month add-on cost adds up quickly for large teams, free Copilot Chat tier is limited, base subscription prices are increasing in mid-2026.

Verdict

If your organization already runs on Microsoft 365, Copilot for Excel is the most natural choice. The Agent Mode feature alone justifies the investment for teams that spend significant time building reports and dashboards. However, the combined cost of a Microsoft 365 subscription plus the Copilot add-on makes it one of the more expensive options on this list.

2. Google Sheets Gemini

Best for: Teams and individuals using Google Workspace who want built-in AI without paying for a separate tool.

Google has integrated its Gemini AI directly into Google Sheets as part of its Workspace suite. The biggest news in 2026 is that Gemini is now bundled into all Workspace plans — no separate $30/month add-on required, unlike the previous year. This makes it the most cost-effective option for teams already paying for Google Workspace.

Gemini in Sheets can create tables, generate complex formulas from natural language descriptions, build charts, structure and clean data, and provide analytical insights — all without leaving your spreadsheet. The formula generation is particularly impressive: instead of manually looking up syntax for ARRAYFORMULA or QUERY functions, you describe what you want in plain English and Gemini writes it.

Key Features

• Formula generation from natural language descriptions
• Automatic chart creation and data visualization
• Data structuring, cleaning, and organization
• Template generation for common spreadsheet tasks
• Integrated across Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Meet
• Smart Fill for pattern-based data completion

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Google Workspace Business Starter: ~$7/user/mo (increasing by $2 in March 2026) — Gemini included.
• Google Workspace Business Standard: ~$14/user/mo (increasing by $2 in March 2026) — Gemini included.
• Google Workspace Business Plus: ~$22/user/mo (increasing by $4 in March 2026) — Gemini included.
• Google AI Pro (Individual): $19.99/month for Gemini Advanced with full Sheets integration.

Pros: No separate add-on cost (Gemini bundled in Workspace), strong formula generation, real-time collaboration, cross-app AI integration.

Cons: Workspace price increases rolling out March 2026, AI capabilities less advanced than dedicated tools for complex analytics, limited to Google Sheets ecosystem.

Verdict

Google Sheets Gemini is the best value option for teams already using Google Workspace. Since Gemini is now bundled into all plans, you get spreadsheet AI as part of your existing subscription. The trade-off is that it is a generalist tool and may not match specialized platforms for advanced predictive analytics or data science workflows.

3. SheetAI

Best for: Budget-conscious users who want affordable AI functions inside Google Sheets without complexity.

SheetAI is a lightweight Google Sheets add-on that brings AI-powered formula generation, content creation, and data analysis directly into your spreadsheet cells. It uses functions like =SHEETAI() that let you interact with AI models right where you work, making it one of the simplest tools to get started with.

What makes SheetAI stand out at its price point is the variety of specialized functions it offers. Beyond basic formula generation, you get dedicated functions for list generation, table creation, data extraction, translation across 90+ languages, and even sentiment analysis. For teams that need to process text-heavy data in spreadsheets without spending a fortune, it hits a sweet spot that few competitors match.

Key Features

• Custom =SHEETAI() function for in-cell AI processing
• Formula generation from natural language prompts
• Content creation and text processing within cells
• Data classification, categorization, and sentiment analysis
• Translation support for 90+ languages
• Option to use your own OpenAI API key for cost control

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Free Plan: 5 formula generations and 50 SHEETAI function calls.
• Unlimited Monthly: $8/month for unlimited generations.
• Unlimited Yearly: $72/year (equivalent to $6/month).
• BYOK Option: Bring your own OpenAI API key and pay only for usage.

Pros: Very affordable at $8/month, simple setup, works natively in Google Sheets, BYOK option for cost control, generous yearly discount.

Cons: Limited to Google Sheets only, no Excel support, lacks advanced analytics features, free tier is restrictive, dependent on OpenAI models.

Verdict

SheetAI is the most affordable dedicated AI add-on on this list. If you work exclusively in Google Sheets and want AI-powered formula generation and text processing without spending much, SheetAI at $8/month is hard to beat. Power users who need advanced data connectors or predictive analytics should look at more robust options.

4. Rows AI

Best for: Data analysts and teams who need a modern spreadsheet platform with built-in AI and live data integrations.

Rows is not just an add-on — it is a full AI-native spreadsheet platform designed from the ground up with data analysis in mind. The built-in AI Analyst can create charts instantly, search and update data, run forecasts, detect outliers, and perform what-if analysis from natural language prompts. It uses a combination of GPT models, Llama, and other LLMs that are regularly updated.

The platform integrates with 50+ data sources natively, meaning you can pull data directly from Google Analytics, social media platforms, databases, and SaaS tools without manual imports. For teams that spend hours exporting CSVs from various platforms and pasting them into spreadsheets, this alone can be transformative.

Key Features

• AI Analyst that answers questions about your data in plain English
• Instant chart creation and data visualization
• Built-in integrations with 50+ data sources (APIs, databases, SaaS tools)
• Forecasting, outlier detection, and scenario analysis
• Team collaboration with guest access
• Data is not used to train AI models

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Free Plan: Unlimited spreadsheets, up to 10 guests, 50 integration tasks/month, limited AI executions.
• Plus Plan: $15/user/month — 25 guests, unlimited integration tasks, daily data refresh.
• Pro Plan: $22/user/month — 100 guests, unlimited tasks, hourly data refresh.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with dedicated support and advanced features.

Pros: Purpose-built for data analysis, strong AI analyst capabilities, generous free tier, extensive integrations, competitive pricing, data privacy commitment.

Cons: Requires switching from Excel or Google Sheets to a new platform, smaller ecosystem than established tools, learning curve for advanced features.

Verdict

Rows AI is ideal for data-driven teams that want more than a bolted-on AI feature. If you are willing to adopt a new spreadsheet platform, Rows delivers some of the most powerful AI analysis capabilities at a competitive price point. The free tier is genuinely useful for evaluation, and the Pro plan at $22/user/month offers excellent value for teams that need advanced data workflows. For deeper analysis needs, see our guide on the best AI tools for data analysis in 2026.

5. Julius AI

Best for: Researchers, analysts, and students who need powerful data visualization and analysis from spreadsheet files.

Julius AI positions itself as an AI-powered data analyst that turns spreadsheet data into insights and visualizations. Rather than working inside a traditional spreadsheet interface, you upload your files (CSV, Excel, Google Sheets) and interact with the data through a conversational AI that can generate charts, run statistical analysis, create reports, and even write Python code for custom analysis.

What sets Julius apart is the depth of its analytical capabilities. It does not just create basic bar charts — it can perform regression analysis, identify correlations, run hypothesis tests, and generate publication-quality visualizations. The notebook-style interface also means you get a documented trail of every analysis step, which is invaluable for research reproducibility.

Key Features

• Conversational data analysis from uploaded spreadsheet files
• Automatic chart and visualization generation
• Statistical analysis and trend identification
• Direct connectors to PostgreSQL, BigQuery, and Snowflake (Pro plan)
• Exportable notebooks with code and results
• 50% student and educator discounts available

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Free Plan: 15 messages/month, basic file support, Google Drive connector, 2 GB RAM.
• Plus Plan: $20/month — 250 messages, advanced AI models, saved prompts, 16 GB RAM.
• Pro Plan: $45/month — unlimited messages, data connectors, team collaboration, 32 GB RAM.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with SSO, audit logs, custom integrations, 64 GB RAM.
• Discounts: ~15% off annual billing. 50% student/educator discount available by contacting support.

Pros: Excellent visualization capabilities, strong statistical analysis, generous student discounts, database connectors on Pro plan, 14-day refund policy.

Cons: Not a traditional spreadsheet tool (requires uploading data), free tier limited to 15 messages/month, no direct in-spreadsheet integration.

Verdict

Julius AI excels at turning raw spreadsheet data into meaningful visualizations and statistical analysis. It is a fantastic choice for researchers and analysts who need to quickly extract insights without writing code. The 50% student discount makes it especially attractive for academic users. However, if you need AI that works inside your existing spreadsheet environment, this is not the right fit.

6. Coefficient

Best for: Business teams that need to pull live data from multiple SaaS platforms (Salesforce, Shopify, HubSpot) into spreadsheets.

Coefficient stands out from the crowd because its primary strength is connecting live business data to your spreadsheets. It integrates with over 100 business systems and uses AI to help you analyze, transform, and report on that data directly inside Google Sheets or Excel. The built-in GPT Copilot can create complex formulas, analyze data patterns, and build advanced calculations using natural language. We also cover this topic in our guide to AI tools for business.

For operations teams, sales managers, and marketing analysts who currently spend hours manually exporting data from Salesforce, Shopify, HubSpot, and other platforms, Coefficient eliminates that entire workflow. Data flows automatically on a schedule, and the AI layer helps you make sense of it once it arrives. It is the only tool on this list that truly bridges the gap between your business tools and your spreadsheet.

Key Features

• Live data connections to 100+ business systems (Salesforce, Shopify, HubSpot, etc.)
• AI-powered formula creation and data analysis (GPT Copilot)
• Automated data refresh and alert notifications
• Works with both Google Sheets and Excel
• Dashboard and pivot table generation
• 10,000 OpenAI API calls included on free plan

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Free Plan: 1 data source, 5,000 row imports, 10,000 OpenAI API calls.
• Starter Plan: $49/month — 3 data sources, 5 accounts per source, AI assistance, automated alerts.
• Pro Plan: $99/month — unlimited data processing, up to 10 users, advanced features.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations.
• 30-day free trial available on the Pro plan.

Pros: Unmatched data integration capabilities, works with both Google Sheets and Excel, generous free tier with 10K AI calls, 30-day free trial on Pro.

Cons: Higher price point than simpler tools, primarily a data integration tool with AI as secondary, can be overkill for users who do not need live data connections.

Verdict

Coefficient is the clear winner for teams that need to connect live business data to their spreadsheets. If you are a small business spending hours manually exporting data from multiple platforms, Coefficient will transform your workflow. The AI features are a valuable bonus on top of the core data integration capabilities. For users who just need formula generation without data connectors, more affordable options exist.

7. Numerous.ai

Best for: Marketers, content teams, and anyone who needs to process large volumes of text data inside spreadsheets.

Numerous.ai specializes in bringing ChatGPT-level AI capabilities directly into your spreadsheet cells through a simple =AI() function. It is particularly strong for bulk text processing tasks like summarizing, rewriting, classifying, and cleaning text data at scale — making it a favorite among marketing teams and content operations.

The tool stands out for its simplicity: no API keys to configure, no complex setup. Just install the add-on, type =AI("your prompt", A1) in a cell, and drag it across hundreds or thousands of rows. The built-in caching system avoids reprocessing identical prompts, which keeps costs down for repetitive workflows. It works with both Google Sheets and Excel, which is a notable advantage over Google-only alternatives like SheetAI.

Key Features

• =AI() function for in-cell AI processing
• Bulk text summarization, rewriting, and classification
• Data cleaning and formatting at scale
• Prompt testing and optimization tools
• Works with both Google Sheets and Excel
• Smart caching to reduce redundant API calls

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• $1 Trial: 7-day full access trial for $1 (no permanent free plan).
• Personal (Annual): $8/month billed yearly — 1 million characters, single user.
• Personal (Monthly): $19/month — same features, no commitment.
• Pro (Annual): $24/month billed yearly — 5 million characters, up to 3 users.
• Pro (Monthly): $39/month.
• Enterprise: $8/user/month (annual, 5-user minimum) with priority support and team onboarding.

Pros: Excellent for bulk text processing, affordable annual pricing, works with both Google Sheets and Excel, no API key needed, smart caching for cost savings.

Cons: No permanent free plan (only $1 trial), character-based limits can be confusing, less suited for numerical analysis, monthly pricing is much higher than annual.

Verdict

Numerous.ai is a specialist tool that excels at text-heavy spreadsheet workflows. If your work involves processing, categorizing, or generating text data in bulk, Numerous.ai at $8/month (annual) is exceptional value. It is not the right choice for heavy numerical analysis or data science tasks, but for content operations and marketing analytics, it fills a unique niche that most other tools do not address as well.

8. Akkio

Best for: Business intelligence teams and agencies that need no-code predictive analytics and machine learning on spreadsheet data.

Akkio sits at the more advanced end of the AI spreadsheet tool spectrum. It is a full no-code AI analytics platform that can build predictive models, run time series forecasting, create generative BI dashboards, and perform machine learning operations on your data without writing a single line of code. For teams that have outgrown basic spreadsheet AI and need real predictive power, Akkio bridges the gap between spreadsheets and enterprise data science.

The Chat Explore feature lets you ask questions about your data in natural language and get instant visualizations and insights. For agencies, the Build-On package offers white-label capabilities, letting you embed Akkio’s AI analytics under your own brand for client-facing dashboards and reports.

Key Features

• No-code predictive modeling and machine learning
• Time series forecasting and trend analysis
• Generative BI dashboards with Chat Explore
• Data preparation and cleaning with AI assistance
• White-label options for agencies (Build-On plan)
• API access for custom integrations

Pricing (Verified February 2026)

• Free Plan: View-only access to insights, reports, and dashboards.
• Basic Plan: $49/user/month — Chat Explore, data preparation, live dashboards.
• Pro Plan: $99/user/month — time series forecasting, advanced ML, production-quality training.
• Build-On Package: Starting at $999/month — white-label features and full API access.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with dedicated infrastructure and custom LLMs.
• Data add-ons: Starting at $49/month for 1M connected rows and 100K monthly predictions.

Pros: Most advanced predictive analytics on this list, no coding required, white-label options for agencies, powerful forecasting, comprehensive API access.

Cons: Highest price point on this list, free tier is view-only, steeper learning curve, may be overkill for basic spreadsheet AI needs.

Verdict

Akkio is the right choice when you have outgrown basic spreadsheet AI and need real predictive analytics. Agencies will appreciate the white-label Build-On package, and data teams will value the no-code machine learning capabilities. If you just need formula help or text processing, Akkio provides more power (and cost) than necessary. But for serious business intelligence and forecasting, it is one of the most capable no-code platforms available.

How to Choose the Best AI Tool for Your Spreadsheets

With eight strong options on the table, choosing the right AI spreadsheet tool depends on your specific needs, budget, and existing workflow. Here is a practical framework to guide your decision.

Match the Tool to Your Primary Use Case

• Formula help and basic analysis: SheetAI ($8/mo) or Google Sheets Gemini (included in Workspace) are the most cost-effective options.
• Bulk text processing: Numerous.ai ($8/mo annual) is purpose-built for content operations and text-heavy workflows.
• Live business data integration: Coefficient ($49/mo) is unmatched for pulling data from 100+ SaaS platforms into spreadsheets.
• Data visualization and analysis: Julius AI ($20/mo) or Rows AI ($15/user/mo) offer strong visualization and analytical capabilities.
• Predictive analytics and ML: Akkio ($49/user/mo) provides the most advanced no-code machine learning features.
• Enterprise-grade Excel integration: Microsoft Copilot ($30/user/mo add-on) for organizations deep in the Microsoft stack.

Evaluate Your Budget

Costs range dramatically across these tools. SheetAI at $8/month and Numerous.ai at $8/month (annual) are the most affordable dedicated tools. Google Sheets Gemini offers the best value if you already pay for Google Workspace, since AI is included at no extra cost. At the other end, Akkio and Microsoft Copilot represent premium investments best suited for teams with clear, high-value use cases. For more budget-friendly options, see our guide to AI tools for small business.

Check Platform Compatibility

If you are locked into Excel, your primary options are Microsoft Copilot, Coefficient, or Numerous.ai. Google Sheets users have more choices, including Gemini, SheetAI, Coefficient, and Numerous.ai. Rows AI and Akkio require using their own platforms, which means migrating or uploading your data.

Start with Free Tiers and Trials

Most of these tools offer free plans or trials. We recommend testing two or three tools with your actual data before committing to a paid plan. Pay attention to how well each tool handles your specific data types and analysis requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free AI tool for Excel in 2026?

Google Sheets Gemini offers the strongest bundled AI if you have a Google Workspace subscription, since Gemini is included at no additional cost. For Excel specifically, Microsoft Copilot Chat is available free with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions, though it is more limited than the full $30/month license. SheetAI also offers a free tier with 50 AI function calls for Google Sheets users.

Can AI tools replace manual Excel work?

AI tools can automate many repetitive spreadsheet tasks such as formula creation, data cleaning, report generation, and basic analysis. However, they work best as productivity multipliers rather than complete replacements. Complex financial models, custom business logic, and nuanced data interpretation still benefit from human oversight. Think of these tools as assistants that handle the tedious work so you can focus on strategic decision-making.

Is Microsoft Copilot for Excel worth the $30/month add-on cost?

For individual users, the cost can be hard to justify unless you spend several hours per week on complex Excel tasks. For enterprise teams where Excel is the primary analytics tool, the productivity gains from Agent Mode, natural language analysis, and cross-app integration often deliver strong ROI. The free Copilot Chat tier is a good starting point to evaluate whether the full version would benefit your workflow.

Which AI spreadsheet tool is best for small businesses?

Small businesses should start with either Google Sheets Gemini (if using Google Workspace) or SheetAI ($8/month) for basic needs. If you need to pull data from business tools like Shopify, Salesforce, or HubSpot, Coefficient is worth the $49/month investment for the automation it provides. For a deeper look at AI tools tailored for smaller teams, see our guide on the best AI tools for small business.

Do AI spreadsheet tools keep my data private?

Data privacy policies vary by tool. Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini process data within their respective enterprise-grade cloud environments. Rows AI explicitly states that your data is not used to train AI models. For tools that use OpenAI’s API (SheetAI, Numerous.ai), your data is sent to OpenAI for processing but is subject to OpenAI’s data usage policies. Always review each tool’s privacy policy, especially if you work with sensitive financial or customer data.

Can I use multiple AI spreadsheet tools together?

Yes, many professionals combine tools for different purposes. For example, you might use Coefficient to pull live data into Google Sheets, Gemini for quick formula generation, and Julius AI for deep-dive visualization and analysis. The key is to avoid paying for overlapping capabilities across multiple subscriptions.

Final Thoughts

The AI spreadsheet landscape in 2026 offers something for every use case and budget. The biggest shift this year is that AI is no longer a premium add-on but an expected feature: both Google and Microsoft now bundle AI capabilities into their base spreadsheet products, while specialized tools like Rows AI, Julius AI, and Akkio continue to push the boundaries of what is possible without writing code.

For most users, the practical choice comes down to ecosystem compatibility and specific needs. Google Workspace users should start with Gemini and add SheetAI or Numerous.ai for specialized tasks. Microsoft 365 users should evaluate whether the free Copilot Chat meets their needs before investing in the full $30/month license. And teams with advanced analytics requirements should give Rows AI, Julius AI, or Akkio a serious look.

Whatever you choose, the ROI on AI spreadsheet tools is significant. Even saving 30 minutes per day on formula creation, data cleaning, and report generation adds up to over 120 hours per year — time you can redirect toward analysis, strategy, and decisions that actually move your business forward.

Related Resources

• Best AI Tools for Data Analysis in 2026
• Best AI Productivity Tools in 2026
• Best AI Tools for Small Business