Copilot in Excel: Ask Questions of Your Data and Check the Numbers

Copilot gives you a total in seconds. You still have to stand behind it.

You ask Copilot to describe a dataset in plain language, highlight the top values, chart the monthly trend, compare two product lines, and total the quarters. On a second, larger dataset you add a calculated column, check the formula by hand before trusting it, and chart revenue by region. You ask a multi-step question and a judgment-call question, check the numbers Copilot cites against the data, and write an executive summary of the findings.

What you will do

• Ask Copilot to describe a dataset and point out data problems
• Highlight key figures and chart a trend and a comparison
• Add a calculated column and check the formula by hand
• Ask a multi-step question and verify one result against the data
• Ask a judgment-call question and check the numbers Copilot cites
• Write an executive summary that uses only figures in the data

You leave with: Two workbooks with charts, a checked calculated column and a top-five summary sheet, and a routine for checking Copilot’s numbers.

Copilot license: Copilot Premium (the paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license).

Who it is for: Analysts, finance staff, managers and anyone who is asked what the numbers say.

What you need

• Microsoft 365 Copilot license: the paid add-on, or Microsoft 365 E7, which includes it. The Copilot label under the user’s name reads M365 Copilot (Premium). Excel desktop. Sample files are sent before class and saved to OneDrive.
• Check before you register: Open Microsoft 365 Copilot with your work account and read the label under your name at the bottom of the page. It must end in (Premium).
• Microsoft 365 Copilot license assigned. Comfortable with Excel tables and basic formulas.
• A computer with a reliable internet connection. The online meeting link is sent after you register.

You receive: Lab exercise handout and the two sample workbooks.

Length: 90 minutes. Level: Beginner. Format: Live session, hands-on. Each person works in their own account.

Your instructor: Cecil Renshaw is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 18 years of Microsoft 365 training and consulting for government agencies, corporations and small businesses. He writes his own courseware. SharePoint Business Solutions, Inc. (SBSI), sharepointmentoring.com.

Refunds: Full refund up to 7 days before the class. The class runs with at least 4 registrations. If SBSI cancels the class, you get a full refund.

Private sessions: This class can be run for your team, online or on-site. Contact cecil.renshaw@sharepointbiz.com or (217) 741-7165.