Best Free AI Tools for Excel That Save You Hours of Work

Boost your productivity with the best free AI Excel tools. See comparisons, features, pros & cons and find the perfect AI assistant for your workflow. Ready to get started? Kimi offers 3 free uses to try across Sheets, Docs, and Websites. Experience AI Excel automation in seconds with Kimi Sheets.Try it now
12 min read·2025-02-16

Spreadsheets start simple but soon turn into messy tabs, broken formulas, and late-night fixes. Copy-paste errors and multi-sheet totals waste hours before deadlines. AI tools can help, but which free options are worth your time? We compared 7 AI tools for Excel to see how they generate formula, build pivot tables, analyze data, and more. Read on for feature comparisons, pros & cons, and our top picks for different use cases.

Table of Contents

Quick comparison of the best Excel AI tools

Choosing the right AI tool for Excel can save hours of manual work and reduce errors. Each tool has its strengths, from formula generation to data analysis and chart creation. The table below gives a quick comparison to help you pick the best option for your workflow:

ToolBest forFeatures
Kimi SheetsBeginners, finance professionals, and users who want fast Excel automationFormula generation, pivot tables building, chart creation, spreadsheet generation, excel data analysis, file conversion (Excel ↔ PDF/Word/PPT/CSV/JSON), smart formatting
ChatGPT Excel pluginBeginners and students learning ExcelAutomatic formula writing, formula explanation, error debugging, data summarisation
Numerous.aiTeams handling repetitive datasets (expenses, product lists)In-cell AI processing, data categorisation, formula generation, task automation across rows
ManyExcelNew Excel users or casual spreadsheet usersText-to-formula conversion, beginner-friendly interface, basic data formatting, error reduction
Excelly AITeams/individuals with structured spreadsheetsText-to-formula generation, formula explanation, file upload analysis, Slack integration for collaboration
Microsoft CopilotBusinesses and office users using Microsoft 365Data summarisation, automatic chart creation, task automation, native Excel integration
GPT ExcelFinance professionals and analystsAdvanced formula generation, SQL query creation, VBA automation scripts, regex data validation

Top 7 free AI tools for Excel

Manual spreadsheets easily turn into long hours of checking formulas, cleaning rows, and rebuilding charts. A single wrong cell reference can break an entire report. Many users now search for free AI tools for Excel that reduce effort without learning complex Excel skills. Here are the top 7 tools that can fit your workflow:

1. Kimi - The most reliable AI tool for Excel

Kimi Sheets is a smart all-in-one AI Excel agent that handles formulas, pivot tables, and charts through simple chat commands, no Excel skills needed. It saves hours of manual work by automating everything from basic tables to multi-sheet financial analysis. What makes it stand out is that all tasks are done on one platform, reducing errors and streamlining workflow. Kimi also offers a free tier, allowing 3 uses total, which are shared across Kimi Sheets, Kimi Docs, and Kimi Websites, so you can try it easily before upgrading.

Best for: Beginners, finance professionals, and anyone who wants to automate Excel tasks quickly. Ideal for users who need formulas, pivot tables, and charts created without learning complex Excel functions.

Pros

  • Fast spreadsheet creation: Kimi Sheets can generate professional spreadsheets in minutes, even for complex multi-sheet financial data. You don't need prior Excel skills.
  • Automatic formulas and pivot tables generation: It writes formulas like VLOOKUP, builds pivot tables, and designs charts automatically, saving hours of manual work.
  • All-in-one file conversion: Convert Excel to PDF, Word, PowerPoint, CSV, or JSON without losing formatting or data integrity.
  • Smart formatting and editing: Kimi automatically formats tables, aligns data, and ensures consistent styling for professional presentation.

Cons

  • Limited offline functionality: Kimi requires an internet connection, so it can't work offline like desktop Excel.
  • Learning curve for advanced features: Some complex Excel tasks may need trial-and-error prompts before Kimi generates exactly what you want.

Interface of Kimi's AI tool for Excel

How to use Kimi: Step by step

Step 1: Describe & Upload (Optional)

Describe your objective in English and upload any Excel, CSV, or data files if needed. Specify exactly what you want, whether it’s formula creation, data analysis, pivot tables, or charts and click the submit button. Here are tested prompt examples. Copy one and click the button below to use Kimi Sheets.

  • Formula Generation:
Create a VLOOKUP formula to match Product IDs with sales prices.
  • Pivot Tables Creation:
Build a pivot table showing total sales by region and month.
  • Excel Data Analysis:
Highlight the top 5 products with highest revenue.
  • Excel File Generation:
Generate a new Excel file combining these three sheets into one workbook.
  • Format Conversion:
Convert this PDF to Excel file while keeping all formatting.
  • Chart & Dashboard Generation:
Create a bar chart comparing monthly sales for each product and a summary dashboard.

Describe & Upload (Optional)

Step 2: AI processes

Kimi Sheets reads your instructions and uploaded files, then automatically generates Excel structures. You can interact and refine outputs instantly by asking the AI to adjust formulas or highlight new trends.

AI processing

Step 3: Preview & export

Once Kimi generates the spreadsheet, take a preview of it in its interface. Review formulas, pivot tables, and charts, and download the final file. Each output is completely editable, which means you are able to change or add data post-exportation.

Preview & export

2. ChatGPT Excel plugin

The ChatGPT Excel plugin connects conversational AI directly with spreadsheets. You describe what you want in plain English, and it writes or fixes formulas automatically. It is especially helpful for users confused by nested functions and lookup formulas. Many beginners use it as an AI tool for Excel because it teaches while completing the task. Daily reporting and homework sheets become easier without memorising Excel syntax.

Best for: Beginners and students who struggle with nested formulas or complex functions. Ideal for anyone who wants to learn Excel while automating tasks in plain English.

Pros

  • Formula generation: Writes formulas directly from user instructions, so users don't need to memorise functions. Helpful for tasks like SUMIF, VLOOKUP, and conditional calculations.
  • Formula explanation: Breaks complex formulas into simple steps. Users can understand why a formula works, not just copy it.
  • Error debugging: Detects broken formulas and suggests corrections. Saves time spent finding reference errors.

Cons

  • Internet dependency: Every action requires an online connection. Offline spreadsheet work is not possible.
  • Large file limitations: Large datasets may generate slower responses. Complex models sometimes need multiple prompts.

Interface of ChatGPT Excel Plugin

3. Numerous.ai

Numerous.ai places AI inside spreadsheet cells so you can run prompts without leaving Excel. Users classify entries, summarise rows, and organise financial data directly in the sheet. Teams often use it for repetitive datasets such as expenses or product lists. It fits people searching for the best Excel AI tools that automate manual typing. Instead of editing hundreds of rows, the tool repeats the same action automatically.

Best for: Teams handling repetitive datasets, like expenses or product lists, who need in-cell automation. Great for finance or admin teams looking to save time on bulk data processing.

Pros

  • In-cell AI processing: AI works directly inside spreadsheet cells. No need to export or upload data elsewhere.
  • Data categorisation: Automatically labels expenses, revenue, or entries. Reduces manual sorting work.
  • Formula generation: Creates formulas using written prompts. Helps users build calculations faster.

Cons

  • Single-cell operations: Only one AI task runs per cell at a time. Bulk processing may take longer.
  • Stability issues: Occasional bugs interrupt workflow. Users sometimes rerun prompts.
  • Learning curve for prompts: Users must learn how to write clear and specific prompts to get accurate results.

Interface of Numerous.ai AI tool for Excel

4. ManyExcel

ManyExcel is built for users who struggle with formulas and spreadsheet logic. You type instructions, and the system converts them into working Excel functions. It focuses on everyday tasks like totals, averages, and formatting tables. Many learners consider it an easy starting AI Excel tool because it reduces technical learning. Reports can be created faster without searching tutorials.

Best for: Users new to Excel formulas or who want quick solutions for everyday tasks like totals, averages, and table formatting. Perfect for learners or casual spreadsheet users.

Pros

  • Text-to-formula conversion: Turns written instructions into Excel formulas. Useful for users unfamiliar with functions.
  • Beginner-friendly interface: Simple input fields guide the user clearly. No advanced Excel knowledge required.
  • Basic data formatting: Automatically formats tables and cells. Saves time on layout adjustments.

Cons

  • Limited advanced analysis: Not suitable for financial modelling. Advanced forecasting features are missing.
  • No deep integration: Works mainly as a standalone helper. Limited workflow automation options.

Interface of ManyExcel AI tool

5. Excelly AI

Excelly AI converts written instructions into formulas and also explains each step clearly. Users can upload spreadsheet files and let the tool understand column structures before calculations. This helps when working with structured datasets or shared team reports. It works well among free AI Excel tools for learning formulas while analyzing real data. Collaboration is easier because teams can discuss results and formulas together.

Best for: Teams or individuals working with structured spreadsheets who want formulas generated and explained. Ideal for collaborative environments where shared data analysis is common.

Pros

  • Text-to-formula generation: Creates formulas from written prompts. Speeds up financial calculations.
  • Formula explanation: Explains how formulas work. Helps users learn Excel logic.
  • File upload analysis: Read spreadsheet columns and structure. Improves prompt accuracy.

Cons

  • Limited free usage: The free plan allows a few formulas per month. Heavy users reach limits quickly.
  • Prompt dependency: Results depend on how clearly instructions are written. Vague prompts give weaker outputs.
  • Integration limitations: May not fully integrate with all Excel features, add-ins, or complex macros, which can restrict functionality.

Interface of Excelly AI tool for Excel

6. Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is integrated into Microsoft Excel and works through natural language commands. Users ask questions about their data and receive summaries, trends, and visual charts. It reduces manual chart building and data cleanup tasks. Businesses use it as an AI tool for Excel because it works within the existing office environment. Reports and dashboards can be prepared much faster.

Best for: Businesses and office users who need to summarise data, create charts, and automate reports inside Excel. Suited for professional environments using Microsoft 365.

Pros

  • Data summarisation: Analyses large datasets and identifies patterns. Useful for reports and reviews.
  • Automatic chart creation: Creates tables, charts, and visualisations. Reduces manual formatting time.
  • Task automation: Cleans data and organises sheets automatically. Handles repetitive formatting work.

Cons

  • Context understanding limits: Sometimes misunderstands complex datasets. Users may adjust prompts.
  • Privacy concerns: Access to spreadsheet data raises security concerns. Sensitive data needs caution.

Interface of Microsoft Copilot AI Excel tool

7. GPT Excel

GPTExcel focuses on generating spreadsheet formulas and automation scripts quickly. It creates calculations, database queries, and even VBA code using simple prompts. Finance users rely on it when handling modelling and repeated calculations. It is one of the best AI tools for Excel for analytical tasks and structured datasets. Complex formulas can be created without advanced Excel expertise.

Best for: Finance professionals and analysts who handle modelling, calculations, and automation scripts. Suitable for users needing complex formulas without deep Excel expertise.

Pros

  • Advanced formula generation: Creates complex Excel formulas quickly. Useful for modelling and analysis.
  • SQL query generator: Builds database queries from prompts. Helpful for database-linked spreadsheets.
  • Automation scripts: Generates VBA scripts automatically. Reduces repetitive tasks.
  • Regex data validation: Automates filtering and validation rules. Improves data accuracy.

Cons

  • Limited free usage: The free version allows only a few requests daily. Heavy workflows require a paid plan.
  • Learning curve: Non-technical users may need practice. Advanced functions require clear prompts.
  • Risk of inaccurate code: Generated formulas, SQL queries, or VBA scripts may occasionally contain logical errors or require manual adjustments.

Interface of GPT Excel AI tool

Conclusion

The AI tools for Excel discussed above automate formulas, organise datasets, and generate charts to save time. Some tools help users learn functions, while others focus on reporting and analysis workflows. Kimi Sheets is among the best AI tools for Excel where you simply chat, and it writes formulas, builds pivot tables, and analyzes multi-sheet financial data without Excel expertise. Starting with a conversational tool like Kimi helps you work faster and finally manage spreadsheets with less stress.

Questions & Answers

Do AI tools for Excel work with Microsoft Excel only?
No, many AI spreadsheet tools also support Google Sheets or file uploads in CSV formats. Some run inside Excel, while others work through browsers. Kimi Sheets keeps things simple because you interact through chat, and it processes Excel sheets without needing a complex setup.
Do Excel AI tools work offline?
Most AI tools require an internet connection since the analysis happens on remote AI servers. Offline use is usually limited to traditional Excel features. With Kimi Sheets, you still use online processing, but tasks complete faster because it performs formulas, charts, and analysis in one conversation.
Which AI Excel tool is best for beginners?
Beginners need tools that avoid formula syntax and complicated menus. Simple prompt-based assistants are easiest because they translate plain language into spreadsheet actions. Kimi Sheets fits well here, as you just described the task, and it creates formulas, pivot tables, and reports automatically.