Microsoft Excel Tutorial: Deep Seek vs. Copilot: Head-to-Head Excel Formula Challenge!
Welcome to Learn Excel from MrExcel Podcast, Episode 2671! Today, we’re putting two AI-powered assistants to the test—Deep Seek vs. Copilot—to see which one performs better in Excel formula creation and formula explanation. Who will come out on top? Stick around to find out!
Test #1: Formula Creation
I started with a simple yet classic Excel challenge: detecting prime numbers in a column of integers. Deep Seek provided both a helper column approach and a single-cell array formula, while Copilot struggled due to the requirement for Auto Save to be turned on. After multiple iterations, Deep Seek resolved the issue in two tries, while Copilot needed three attempts to get it right. The key takeaway? Deep Seek offered more flexibility without forcing unwanted settings.
Test #2: Formula Explanation
Next, I tested how well each AI could explain a complex Excel formula. Copilot provided a syntax-based explanation, outlining the mechanics but lacking real-world clarity. Deep Seek, on the other hand, not only broke down the syntax but also interpreted the formula’s intent, offering a clearer, user-friendly explanation. Another win for Deep Seek!
The Auto Save Dilemma
One of my biggest gripes with Copilot is the requirement to enable Auto Save. I don’t want to risk overwriting important files just to get AI assistance. Deep Seek, however, allowed me to analyze formulas without changing my workflow—no forced OneDrive saving, no unwanted Auto Save.
Privacy & Cost Considerations
Both tools raise privacy concerns, but I’m more familiar with Microsoft’s policies than Deep Seek’s. Cost is another factor—Copilot is an expensive add-on to Microsoft 365, while Deep Seek is currently free. The big question is: how long will Deep Seek stay free?
Final Verdict
For formula creation, Deep Seek was faster and more intuitive. For formula explanation, Deep Seek also provided a clearer, more practical breakdown. If you’re okay with Auto Save, Copilot is built right into Excel, which is convenient. But if you value control over your files, Deep Seek is the better choice.
Next Episode: The Ultimate Face-Off!
Tomorrow’s episode is going to be epic—we’re bringing in three of the smartest Excel formula experts to challenge Copilot, Deep Seek, and Copilot Beta in a formula showdown. Who will win? Tune in to Episode 2672 to find out!
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Table of Contents
(0:00) Problem Statement: Deep Seek versus Copilot Head to Head in Excel
(0:10) Two Different Tests
(0:27) Deep Seek – Formula to Detect Prime Numbers offers two choices
(2:00) Formula fails for 2 & 3 – Ask for a new formula
(2:53) Copilot won’t work without AutoSave On
(3:26) Copilot Formula to Detect Prime Numbers
(4:35) Copilot Explain Error and Suggest a Fix
(5:10) Copilot 2nd Try
(6:11) Copilot 2nd Formula fails for 2 & 3
(7:06) Comparing Copilot and Deep Seek Formulas
(8:21) Copilot Explain an Excel Formula
(9:54) Deep Seek Explain an Excel Formula
(10:06) Upload Excel Workbook to Deep Seek
(11:56) Test Results – Who Won This Round?
(13:30) Tomorrow AI versus Humans!
(13:45) Wrap up
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