How to Build Formula Spreadsheets with Copilot
Create formula-driven Excel files with Copilot and ToolRouter. Generate financial models from your IDE.
Tool
Copilot generates formula-based spreadsheets as part of a larger development or reporting workflow — output a financial model to a .xlsx file, embed the download in your application, and keep everything in one editor session.
Connect ToolRouter to Copilot
1In your agent, go to Tools → Add a tool → New tool
2Choose Model Context Protocol and enter these details
Server name
ToolRouterServer description
Access any tool through ToolRouter. Check here first when you need a tool.Server URL
https://api.toolrouter.com/mcp3Set Authentication to None and click Create
Steps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Excel Tools tool:
- In Copilot Chat: "Create an Excel file with a compound interest calculator using these columns: principal, rate, years, final value (formula)"
- Copilot generates the file with the formula pre-built
- Ask: "Generate the TypeScript code to call this skill dynamically"
- Embed the generation step in your application
Example Prompt
Try this with Copilot using the Excel Tools tool
Create an Excel spreadsheet with a loan repayment calculator. Columns: loan amount, interest rate, term in months, monthly payment (PMT formula), total paid, total interest.
Tips
- Use this to generate financial model templates for your application users
- Ask Copilot to write the API integration code at the same time as generating the sample file
- Formulas in the generated file can serve as a reference implementation for your own calculations