Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Monday, July 7, 2025

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Understand the mystery behind complex Excel formulas with a single click, thanks to Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new explanation feature.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 7, 2025

Excel formulas are powerful but they’re not always readable.

Especially when digging through inherited budget sheets, performance dashboards, or shared templates filled with nested functions and cryptic references.

Even seasoned users pause at logic like IF(AND(A1>100,B1<50),TRUE,FALSE).

Here's a Cool Tip: Use Microsoft 365 Copilot to Explain Excel Formulas in Plain English.

With Microsoft 365 Copilot’s “Explain this formula” feature, you don’t have to play guessing games. It gives you clear, plain-English explanations for even the most convoluted formulas.

What You’ll Gain

Copilot’s formula explanation tool helps you...
Understand complex formulas faster
Spot spreadsheet errors before they snowball
Build confidence when working with shared sheets

What Is “Explain This Formula” in Excel?

It’s a quietly brilliant Copilot feature that translates formulas into everyday language.

Think of it as a spreadsheet interpreter that sits right beside your cells.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Microsoft Excel Web/Desktop (Copilot Pro)

Open a spreadsheet with formulas.
Select a cell containing a formula.
Hover over the Copilot icon beside the cell.
Click “Explain this formula.”
Review the explanation pane that appears.

fig. 1 - Use Copilot's New 'Explain this Formula' in Excel

fig. 2 - Microsoft 365 Copilot Explains Excel Formulas in Plain English

On iOS / Android

As of July 2025, mobile support for formula explanations is not yet available. Microsoft has indicated future rollout plans.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Saves time by eliminating manual formula research
Great for onboarding new teammates or students
Improves accuracy and confidence in spreadsheets

Cons

Not yet supported on mobile platforms
Only works with single formulas—not full-sheet logic comparisons
Requires a Copilot Pro subscription (not in free Excel versions)

Real-world Examples

A marketing manager reviewing quarterly profit data inherits a workbook filled with IF statements and calculated fields.

Instead of spending hours deciphering logic, they click Copilot, get clear summaries, and confidently deliver insights.

Educator scenario: A teacher building a grade tracker wants to validate weighted average logic before sharing results. Copilot quickly breaks down the formula, ensuring accuracy and saving time.

Configuration Guide

Available to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscribers with Copilot Pro.
Works in Excel for the web and Excel desktop (Windows/macOS).
No extra configuration required, Copilot activates automatically in supported environments.

Feature Access

Available for:

Microsoft 365 Personal or Family users with Copilot Pro.
Excel for Web and Desktop.

Not currently available for:

Mobile (iOS/Android).
Enterprise plans without Copilot licensing.

Score

Criteria Score Explanation

Value 9
Provides meaningful productivity gains, especially for users managing inherited or complex sheets.

Usability 9
Easy to activate and understand—no tech skills required.

Wow Factor 8
Not flashy, but users will genuinely say, “Whoa, that’s helpful.”

Total Score: 26/30 🌟 Excellent — Highly recommended for immediate use.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s “Explain this formula” feature brings clarity to spreadsheet logic.

It’s intuitive, time-saving, and an essential tool for anyone working with numbers—even if they hate formulas.

Try It Yourself

Fire up Excel, click on a cell with a formula, and let Copilot break it down.

Then forward this tip to your formula-fearing colleague.

They’ll thank you.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Monday, July 7, 2025

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

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