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Select the models for the Agent in Excel

In GPT for Excel, the Agent uses two types of models:

  • Agent models handle chat messages, create formulas, and execute complex tasks by breaking them down into smaller tasks and delegating these to bulk models.

  • Bulk models handle bulk tasks and web search tasks. The Agent uses bulk models when needed. The Agent can only use the bulk models you set in the GPT for Work dashboard.

The following tables list our recommended built-in models for the Agent.

Agent models​

Use caseBestBalancedCheapest

General purpose

Opus 4.8

GPT-5.4

GPT-5.1

Examples

  • For simple tasks such as creating formulas or fixing errors, use GPT-5.4 with Low reasoning effort.

  • For high-level tasks such as financial modeling, overall formatting, or visual tasks, use Opus 4.8 with High reasoning effort.

Bulk models​

Use caseBestBalancedCheapest

Bulk tasks

gpt-5.5

gpt-5.4-mini

gpt-5.4-nano

Bulk tasks with web search

gpt-5-search-api

sonar

speed

Select the Agent model​

You can select the Agent model in the GPT for Excel sidebar. The models available depend on the models enabled for your space in the GPT for Work dashboard.

In addition to built-in models, you can select connected models in the model switcher. To make a connected model available, set an API key or set up an OpenAI-compatible API endpoint.

  1. In the sidebar, select Agent.

  2. Open the model switcher and select the Agent model.

Select the Agent model in the model switcher

The Agent now uses the selected model.

Set the default bulk models​

Prerequisites

You are the owner or an admin of the space.

You can set two default models for bulk tasks:

  • The Default bulk model is used by the Agent for bulk tasks. For new users in your space, this model is also selected by default for bulk tools and GPT functions.

  • The Default bulk model for web search is used by the Agent for bulk tasks that require web search. This model is also used by the GPT_WEB function.

You can only select enabled bulk models.

  1. Sign in to the GPT for Work dashboard with your Microsoft or Google account.

  2. In the sidebar, select Bulk models.

  3. In the Default bulk model and Default bulk model for web search dropdowns, select the default bulk models for your space.

    Select the default bulk models

The Agent now uses the selected models for bulk tasks and web searches.

What's next​

Learn more about models:

On this page