Best AI Tools for Data Analysis and Spreadsheets
This list is for students, analysts, freelancers and small business teams who want help making sense of data. Some tools work inside Excel and Google Sheets to write formulas and clean data, some let you ask questions about files in plain language, and others connect to databases and write SQL for you. When choosing, consider where your data lives, how comfortable you are with formulas or SQL, and how sensitive the data is. Free, open-source and freemium options are marked so you can start with sample data.
Free to start: Julius AI, GPT for Work, Hex, Fabi.ai, Commabot
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Why it's here: Lets you explore spreadsheets and datasets by asking questions in plain language, suited to students and business users.
An AI data analyst that lets you explore spreadsheets and datasets by asking questions in plain language.
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Why it's here: Brings AI into Excel and Google Sheets to write formulas, format data, build charts and clean or transform data.
Brings AI into Excel and Google Sheets to write formulas, format data, build charts and clean, translate or enrich rows at scale.
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Why it's here: Adds a simple AI function to any cell in Google Sheets and Excel, with no API keys needed, for automating text and data tasks.
A spreadsheet add-on that brings ChatGPT into Google Sheets and Excel through a simple AI function in any cell.
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Why it's here: An agentic data notebook where anyone can ask questions of data, write SQL, build charts and publish interactive apps.
An agentic data notebook platform that lets anyone ask questions of data, write SQL and build shareable apps.
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Why it's here: Combines SQL, Python and AI for ad hoc analysis and dashboards, aimed at startups and data teams.
Fabi.ai is an AI-native data analysis platform combining SQL, Python and AI for ad hoc analysis, dashboards and data workflows.
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Why it's here: A free conversational CSV editor that lets you view and change spreadsheet data by chatting instead of writing formulas.
A conversational CSV editor that lets you view and change spreadsheet data by chatting instead of writing formulas.
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Why it's here: Cleans data, automates workflows and builds visual data stories, with a no-code friendly approach for reporting.
Data automation platform for cleaning data, automating workflows and building visual data stories.
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Why it's here: A secure AI data analyst where you ask questions in plain language and get charts and answers, for teams without analysts.
A secure AI data analyst that lets you ask questions in plain language and get charts, answers and insights from your data.
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Why it's here: Lets you chat with SQL databases in plain English and get generated SQL, answers and charts.
Chat with SQL databases in plain English and get generated SQL, answers and charts, via a desktop app or embeddable chatbot.
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Why it's here: An open-source SQL agent for querying company databases in plain language with user-scoped access controls.
Vanna is an open-source SQL agent that lets users query company databases in plain language with access controls.
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Why it's here: A free, open-source BI tool that answers data questions in plain language and builds dashboards on your data.
Wren AI is an open-source generative BI tool that answers data questions in plain language and builds dashboards on your data.
Frequently asked questions
Can AI analyse my Excel or Google Sheets data?
Yes. Tools like GPT for Work and Numerous AI work inside spreadsheets, while Julius AI lets you upload files and ask questions. Always check the formulas and results before making decisions.
Do I need to know SQL or coding?
No. Many tools here let you ask questions in plain language and generate formulas or SQL for you. Basic understanding of your data still helps you spot wrong answers.
Are there free AI data analysis tools?
Yes. Commabot and Wren AI are free, and most others offer freemium plans. Open-source tools may need technical setup to run on your own systems.
Is it safe to upload business data to AI tools?
Avoid uploading sensitive customer, financial or personal data unless you have checked the tool's privacy and security terms. Remove private details or use sample data where possible.
More lists
Plans and features change often; confirm on each tool's official website. Last updated September 24, 2026.
