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[Beta] Excel Parsing with the Assistant

This article explains how to use the Assistant for Excel Parsing to read and reason over Excel spreadsheets. You’ll learn how to upload an Excel file and ask the Assistant questions about the data inside in order to search, compare, and summarize data.

Updated today

How it works

Excel Parsing enables the Assistant to read Excel in a structured way, similar to how a person would navigate a workbook.

  • The Assistant can navigate between sheets, focus on tables, and reference ranges.

  • You can upload and analyze multiple Excel files at once.

  • Excel files can also be used in Tabular Reviews (where supported).

Settings & options

Setting/Option

Description

Default value

Upload Excel file(s)

Attach one or more supported files to an Assistant chat so the Assistant can read their contents.

Available when the feature is enabled for your workspace

Ask questions about the spreadsheet

Ask for summaries, comparisons, or “find X” questions. The Assistant can reference values and formulas when answering.

N/A

Use Excel in Tabular Review

Use Excel files inside Tabular Review workflows where supported.

N/A

Limits & constraints

  • File types: XLSX and CSV only. XLS is not supported.

  • Read-only: Excel Parsing supports reading and analysis only. It does not support editing, modifying, or generating Excel files.

  • Formulas: The Assistant can read cell values and formulas, but it cannot edit or execute sheets.

  • Tested successfully up to: 10,000 rows and 1MB file size.

How to analyze an Excel file with the Assistant

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

  • You must have access to the Assistant.

  • Excel Parsing must be available in your workspace.

Steps

  1. Open the Assistant.

  2. Upload your Excel file (XLSX or CSV) to the chat.

  3. Ask a question about the data, such as:

    • “Summarize what this spreadsheet is about.”

    • “Find the rows where revenue is below zero.”

    • “Compare the totals across these two files.”

    • “Explain what drives the model output on this sheet.”

Expected result

You’ll know this worked when the Assistant can reference the spreadsheet’s sheets, tables, and values in its answer.

What to use Excel Parsing for (common use cases)

  • Searching for specific details across large spreadsheets or multiple files.

  • Drafting reports based on financial documents.

  • Comparing sheets or workbooks.

  • Scrutinizing Excel models.

Troubleshooting

What “My Excel file won’t work in the Assistant” means — and how to fix it

Problem description

You may see this issue when uploading a spreadsheet that is an unsupported format or too large, or when the spreadsheet structure is difficult to interpret.

Cause

This usually happens because the file is not an XLSX/CSV, or because the spreadsheet is very large or complex.

Solutions

If the file is an XLS:

  1. Save or export the file as XLSX.

  2. Upload the XLSX version.

If the file is very large or complex:

  1. Try reducing the file size.

  2. Split the spreadsheet into smaller files.

  3. Re-upload and try again.

If none of these work:

Contact support using your standard support channel.

Metadata

  • Product area/feature name: Assistant — Excel Parsing

  • Audience: End users, Knowledge Managers, Admins

  • Last reviewed: March 26, 2026

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