Best AI for Excel Formulas in 2026: We Tested 5 Models on 30 Real Spreadsheet Problems
Last updated: May 2026
The search for the best AI for Excel formulas is more urgent than it looks. Analysts, finance teams, and operations managers hit formula walls every single day. We tested ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity on 30 real spreadsheet problems across eight categories. The gaps between models are larger than you would expect, and some of the results are genuinely surprising.
Comparison Table: AI Formula Accuracy Scores
Each model was scored on three dimensions: Does the formula run without error? Does it return the correct answer on the primary test case? Does it handle edge cases correctly? Scores are out of 30 per dimension, 90 total.
| Model | Formula Runs | Correct Answer | Edge Cases | Total /90 | Best At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude 3.7 Sonnet | 28/30 | 26/30 | 22/30 | 76/90 🏆 | Arrays, nested logic, Power Query |
| Gemini 1.5 Pro | 27/30 | 25/30 | 20/30 | 72/90 | Google Sheets native, QUERY function |
| ChatGPT-4o | 27/30 | 24/30 | 18/30 | 69/90 | VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, basic IFs |
| Microsoft Copilot | 25/30 | 23/30 | 19/30 | 67/90 | In-Excel integration, PivotTable logic |
| Perplexity Pro | 22/30 | 20/30 | 15/30 | 57/90 | Finding formula docs and tutorials |
Testing Methodology
We built a dataset of 30 problems ranging from beginner to advanced, grouped into eight categories: VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, nested IFs, INDEX/MATCH, array formulas, pivot logic, date math, regex extraction, and Power Query M code. Every problem came from a real scenario drawn from working analysts or from common spreadsheet questions on forums like Reddit and Stack Overflow.
Each problem was submitted to every model with the same prompt and the same sample data description. The resulting formula was pasted into a fresh Excel 365 file and a Google Sheets file, tested on the primary case and at least two edge cases. We recorded the first output only to simulate real working conditions.
ChatGPT for Excel Formulas
ChatGPT-4o is a comfortable choice for everyday formula tasks. VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, SUMIF, COUNTIFS, and basic nested IFs all come out clean the majority of the time. The model explains its logic well and often flags gotchas like case sensitivity in exact-match lookups.
Where ChatGPT stumbles is INDEX/MATCH combinations with multiple criteria. In our tests, it produced a valid-looking formula with confident commentary, but the formula returned incorrect values in 6 out of 10 multi-criteria INDEX/MATCH problems. For analysts who trust the output without testing, this is exactly the kind of error that corrupts a financial model.
- Strength: Clear explanations, strong on basic lookup functions, good at XLOOKUP with return arrays
- Limitation: Multi-criteria INDEX/MATCH is unreliable; edge cases with blank cells often ignored
- Best use case: Analysts who need quick, explainable answers for standard lookup and summary formulas
Claude for Excel Formulas
Claude outperformed every other model, particularly on the harder problems. Array formulas using BYROW, MAKEARRAY, and LAMBDA were handled correctly by Claude in 8 out of 10 cases. Claude also showed a strong tendency to anticipate edge cases unprompted, warning about what happens if the lookup column contains duplicates or if a date value is stored as text.
The trade-off is that Claude sometimes over-engineers. A problem solvable with a single XLOOKUP sometimes gets a LAMBDA function with nested helper logic that would confuse anyone maintaining the spreadsheet later. For pure accuracy on complex problems, Claude is the best choice.
- Strength: Best on array formulas, LAMBDA, and Power Query M; proactively handles edge cases
- Limitation: Over-engineers simple tasks; solutions can be hard for beginners to decipher
- Best use case: Finance teams, data engineers, and power users building complex models
Gemini for Google Sheets
Gemini has a clear competitive advantage in one specific context: Google Sheets-native functions. The QUERY function, IMPORTRANGE, ARRAYFORMULA wrappers, and Google Sheets-specific date functions all came out correctly far more often from Gemini than from any other model. If your team lives in Google Workspace, Gemini is the natural first stop.
- Strength: Excellent on Google Sheets syntax, QUERY function, ARRAYFORMULA, and IMPORTRANGE
- Limitation: Defaults to older Excel functions; less consistent on Excel 365 dynamic array features
- Best use case: Teams working primarily in Google Sheets or Google Workspace environments
Microsoft Copilot in Excel
Microsoft Copilot operates inside Excel directly rather than through a chat interface. This integration advantage is real - Copilot can see your actual data structure, understand column names in context, and write formulas that reference your real sheet and table names. The quality of formula output is roughly on par with ChatGPT, but the experience of having it inserted directly into your workbook removes significant friction.
- Strength: Native Excel integration; understands your actual table structure; great for PivotTable automation
- Limitation: Requires Microsoft 365 subscription; weaker on advanced functions than Claude
- Best use case: Business users doing routine analysis in Excel who want formulas inserted directly
Perplexity for Spreadsheet Help
Perplexity scored lowest on formula correctness because it tends to cite documentation and tutorials rather than write working formulas from scratch. Where Perplexity adds genuine value in a spreadsheet context is in helping you understand why a formula approach works and finding official Microsoft or Google documentation. Use it as a learning companion, not a formula generator.
Category Scores Breakdown
INDEX/MATCH (Multi-Criteria)
This was the most revealing category. Claude scored 8/10. Gemini scored 7/10. ChatGPT scored 4/10 - a significant reliability gap. For analysts who rely on INDEX/MATCH, Claude is the safer tool.
Array Formulas and LAMBDA
Claude dominated with 9/10. Every other model scored 5/10 or below. ChatGPT produced LAMBDA functions that looked plausible but had argument scoping errors that only surfaced on test data.
Power Query M Code
Only Claude and Copilot produced working M code with any consistency. Claude scored 7/10. Copilot scored 6/10. ChatGPT and Gemini produced syntactically plausible M code that failed on execution in about half of test cases.
Why Talkory Wins for Formula Accuracy
Our test data showed a consistent pattern: when at least three models independently return the same formula for the same problem, the probability of that formula being correct on both the primary and edge cases is dramatically higher than any single-model output. Talkory surfaces this signal automatically. Submit your formula problem, see which formula three or more models agree on, and paste that version into your spreadsheet with far higher confidence.
Final Verdict
Claude wins on overall accuracy and is the only model you should trust for complex array formulas, LAMBDA functions, and Power Query M code. Gemini is the best choice for Google Sheets. ChatGPT is reliable for standard lookups but genuinely unreliable for multi-criteria INDEX/MATCH. Copilot offers the best workflow integration for Microsoft 365 users. The safest approach across all use cases is to cross-check any formula that matters through multiple models - which is exactly what Talkory was built to automate.
People Also Ask
- Is ChatGPT good for Excel formulas?
- What is the best AI for Google Sheets formulas?
- Can Claude write Excel formulas?
- Is Microsoft Copilot worth it for Excel?
- Which AI is most accurate for spreadsheet data analysis?
FAQ
Q: Which AI writes the most accurate Excel formulas?
Based on our testing of 30 problems, Claude 3.7 Sonnet was the most accurate overall, scoring 76 out of 90 points. It particularly excelled at array formulas, LAMBDA functions, and multi-criteria INDEX/MATCH.
Q: Can ChatGPT write Excel formulas correctly?
ChatGPT handles standard formulas like VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, and basic nested IFs very well. However, it produced incorrect outputs in 60% of our multi-criteria INDEX/MATCH problems and struggled with advanced array functions.
Q: Is Gemini better than ChatGPT for Google Sheets?
Yes. Gemini handles Google Sheets-native functions like QUERY, ARRAYFORMULA, IMPORTRANGE, and Sheets-specific date functions significantly better than ChatGPT.
Q: What is the best AI for data analysis in Excel?
For formula accuracy in complex data analysis tasks, Claude is the best standalone AI tool. For integrated workflow within Microsoft 365, Copilot is the most practical option.
Q: How can I make sure an AI-generated Excel formula is correct?
Always test the formula on your actual data including edge cases like empty cells and duplicate values. Better yet, run the problem through at least two AI models and compare the outputs. Talkory automates this multi-model comparison so you can see which formula achieves consensus.