Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant available inside Excel. It can be used to summarize information, analyse data, create formulas, or build charts using simple prompts. But there is one question many Excel users have before trying it:
Is Copilot in Excel free?
In this article, you will learn all about Copilot in Excel pricing, plans, and requirements in 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Copilot in Excel is not completely free.
- Copilot requires an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99 per year and is designed for one person.
- Microsoft 365 Family costs $129.99 per year.
- Microsoft 365 Premium costs $199.99 per year.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Copilot
What is Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant that helps users complete tasks faster. It works with Microsoft apps such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You can give Copilot simple instructions, and it can help with tasks like creating formulas, summarizing information, making charts, writing emails, and analyzing data.
Why use Copilot in Excel?
- It is easy to use.
- You just have to type the task in simple language.
- It lets you use formulas without memorising the syntax.
- It lets you build Pivot Tables and create charts.
- You can also sort and filter information.
- It can also highlight important points.
Is Copilot in Excel Free?
Copilot in Excel is not completely free. Microsoft does not sell Copilot in Excel by itself. It comes as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription. For individual users, Copilot in Excel is included with Microsoft 365 plans such as Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Family, and Microsoft 365 Premium.
| Plan | Price | Copilot in Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $99.99/year | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $129.99/year | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 Premium | $199.99/year | Yes |
Microsoft 365 Personal
- Includes Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Designed for one person.
- Includes 1 TB of cloud storage.
- Can be used on PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.
- Lets you use Microsoft 365 apps across multiple devices.
- Includes Microsoft Copilot in supported apps.
- Includes additional security features.
- Includes video calling through Microsoft Teams.
- Includes a video editor with 4K export and editing tools.
- Includes higher usage limits for selected Copilot features.
Microsoft 365 Family
- Includes everything available in Microsoft 365 Personal.
- Can be shared with up to six people.
- Each person gets their own Microsoft 365 apps and storage.
- Provides up to 6 TB of cloud storage in total, with 1 TB for each person.
- Can be used across PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.
- Includes Microsoft Copilot.
- Copilot and other AI features are available only to the person who owns the subscription.
- Includes advanced security features and regular updates.
Microsoft 365 Premium
- Includes everything in Microsoft 365 Family.
- Can be shared with up to six people.
- Provides up to 6 TB of total cloud storage.
- Includes higher usage limits for Copilot and other AI features.
- Gives access to advanced Copilot features that are exclusive to Premium.
- Includes more extensive AI image creation.
- Includes advanced AI tools for tasks such as research and data analysis.
- Includes the Microsoft 365 apps, security features, and other benefits available with Family.
FAQs
Is Copilot in Excel free?
No. Copilot in Excel is not a completely free feature. You need an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription to use it directly in Excel.
Which Microsoft 365 plans include Copilot in Excel?
Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium include Copilot in Excel for individual users.
How much does Microsoft 365 Personal cost?
Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99 per year in the US. It includes Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, 1 TB of cloud storage, and Copilot.
Can I use Copilot in Excel with Microsoft 365 Family?
Yes. Microsoft 365 Family includes Copilot, but only the subscription owner can use Copilot and other AI features.
Which Microsoft 365 plan is best for Copilot?
If you are a single person who wants to use Copilot, you should go for the Microsoft 365 Personal plan. But if you need other users or additional features, you can use the premium plans.
John Michaloudis is a former accountant and finance analyst at General Electric, a Microsoft MVP since 2020, an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office over at his flagship MyExcelOnline Academy Online Course.
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