# AI tools for Google Sheets and Excel, compared

There are two kinds of AI formulas for spreadsheets. Most send a prompt to a chat model and write its text reply into the cell. A few return a judgment instead, such as a label from your list or a probability. This page compares the main tools on what the cell holds, how you pay and what each is best at, as of 28 September 2026.

Updated 28 September 2026. Source: https://hunchsheet.app/compare/ai-tools-for-google-sheets

## The short version

- To write text in cells (summaries, drafts, translations): Gemini's `=AI()` if your plan includes it, otherwise GPT for Sheets, Claude for Sheets, SheetAI or Numerous.
- To classify, tag or score a column you will sort and count: a tool with fixed labels, such as `GPT_CLASSIFY`, `SHEETAI.CLASSIFY`, or Hunch when you want a probability or a score as well.
- To bring CRM or finance data into the sheet first: Coefficient.
- In Excel, the built-in COPILOT function was removed on 14 September 2026. See [what replaces it](https://hunchsheet.app/compare/excel-copilot-function-alternative).

## Comparison table

| Tool | Formula | A cell returns | How you pay | Own API key |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gemini in Google Sheets | `=AI(prompt, range)` | Text | Included in eligible Workspace and Google AI plans | No |
| GPT for Sheets (GPT for Work) | `=GPT`, `=GPT_CLASSIFY`, `=GPT_TAG` and more | Text, lists, tables, labels | From $25 a month, with usage included | Optional |
| Claude for Sheets | `=CLAUDE(prompt)` | Text | Free add-on, you pay Anthropic's API usage | Yes |
| SheetAI | `=SHEETAI`, `=SHEETAI.CLASSIFY` and more | Text, labels, images | Free with your own key, hosted plans from $12 a month | Optional |
| Numerous.ai | `=AI(prompt)` | Text | Paid plans, see their site | No |
| Coefficient | `=GPTX` family | Text, labels | Free plan, paid plans for the whole product from $49 a month | No |
| Arcwise | `$AI.CLASSIFY`, `$AI.EXTRACT`, `$AI.TRANSFORM` | Labels, text | See their site | Not stated |
| Hunch | `=HUNCH`, `=HUNCHPICK`, `=HUNCHSCORE`, `=HUNCHMULTI` | A probability, one of your labels, or a score | Per row: 100 free, $29 for 5,000, no subscription | No |

Prices and features come from each tool's own pages, checked on 28 September 2026. Where a vendor's page did not state a price clearly, the table says so instead of guessing.

## Text answers and judgments

A text answer is flexible. You can ask for anything, and the model writes it. The cost is that the column needs cleanup before you can count it, and the same kind of text can come back worded differently.

A judgment is narrower. You define the question and the possible answers, and the model returns a probability, or a probability for each option. Hunch works this way because its model, Jev from TypeSafe, is built to return calibrated judgments instead of text. That is what makes a column of `=HUNCH` results sortable, and what lets it charge a fixed price per row.

```
=HUNCH(A2:A500, "Is this customer thinking of canceling?")
```
In Excel: `=HUNCH.ASK(A2:A500, "Is this customer thinking of canceling?")`

The result is a number per row from 0 to 1. Sort descending and the customers most likely to cancel are at the top.

## Notes on each tool

### Gemini in Google Sheets

The cheapest option if your plan includes it. It writes text, you click Generate to run it, and Google caps a batch at the first 350 selected cells. More in [the AI function comparison](https://hunchsheet.app/compare/google-sheets-ai-function-alternative).

### GPT for Sheets

The widest set of functions, including translation, extraction, web search and images, across Sheets, Excel, Docs, Slides and Word. More in [the GPT for Sheets comparison](https://hunchsheet.app/compare/gpt-for-sheets-alternative).

### Claude for Sheets

Anthropic's add-on. It is free to install and uses your own Anthropic API key, so you pay the API rates directly. Good if you already have an Anthropic account and want open-ended prompts.

### SheetAI

Many functions and a choice of models from several providers. Its bring-your-own-key tier is free apart from what you pay the provider.

### Numerous.ai

One general `=AI()` formula for any text task, with no API key to set up. Check its site for current plans.

### Coefficient

Mainly a connector that pulls live data from tools like Salesforce and HubSpot into Sheets, with GPT-style functions on top.

### Arcwise

Typed AI formulas plus a sidebar assistant that explains a sheet and writes formulas for you.

### Hunch

Four formulas that judge text: a probability of yes, one option from your list, a score on your levels, and several yes/no questions at once. It does not write text. It works in Google Sheets and Excel with one key, and blank or repeated texts are free.

## Sources

- [Google: AI function in Google Sheets](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/15877199), checked 28 September 2026
- [Microsoft: COPILOT function](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/functions/copilot-function), checked 28 September 2026
- [GPT for Work: pricing](https://gptforwork.com/pricing), checked 28 September 2026
- [SheetAI: pricing](https://www.sheetai.app/pricing), checked 28 September 2026
- [Numerous.ai](https://numerous.ai/), checked 28 September 2026
- [Coefficient: GPTX functions for Sheets](https://help.coefficient.io/hc/en-us/articles/20602443535643-GPTX-Functions-for-Sheets), checked 28 September 2026
- [Arcwise docs: AI formulas overview](https://docs.arcwise.app/using-arcwise-ai-formulas/gpt-formulas-overview), checked 28 September 2026

Hunch is our product. If a fact about another tool has changed, tell us through the [contact form](https://hunchsheet.app/contact) and we will correct it.

## Questions

### What is the best AI tool for Google Sheets?

It depends on the job. To write text, use Gemini's AI function if your plan has it, or GPT for Sheets. To classify or score a column you will sort and count, use a tool that returns fixed labels or numbers, such as Hunch.

### Which AI tools work in both Google Sheets and Excel?

GPT for Work has separate Sheets and Excel versions. Hunch works in both with one key and one balance. Gemini's function is only in Google Sheets.

### Which ones need my own API key?

Claude for Sheets requires an Anthropic API key. SheetAI's free tier and GPT for Work's Business plan can use your own key. Gemini, Numerous, Coefficient and Hunch do not need one.