Get data out of CSVs: how to convert CSVs to Excel

Hello, stranger. Fancy meeting you here: in the weeds of file format conversion. If you’ve made it this far, you probably know a thing or two about tabular data storage, but let’s take it back to the beginning, just in case.

Comma-separated value (CSV) files are a common way to store and share data, but sometimes you need to get that information into a more robust spreadsheet format like Microsoft Excel. Converting a CSV file to Excel is a simple process — let’s walk through how to do it quickly and efficiently.

What is a CSV file?

A CSV file is a plain-text file that stores tabular data. Each row in the file represents a record, and the values in each row are separated by commas (or another delimiter like a semicolon or tab). CSV files are widely used for transferring data between different software applications because they employ standard formatting, are human-readable, and can be easily imported or exported.

Trapped in CSV conversion purgatory? Parabola can save you.

Why convert a CSV to Excel?

There are a few key reasons you might want to convert a CSV file to an Excel spreadsheet:

1. Excel provides more powerful data analysis and visualization tools. While CSV files are great for basic data storage and transfer, Excel allows you to sort, filter, chart, and perform advanced calculations on your data.

2. Many business users and decision-makers are more comfortable working in Excel, so converting a CSV can make the data more accessible and usable for them.
3. Excel files can be password-protected and have other security features that may be important for sensitive data.
4. Excel spreadsheets support formatting, comments, and other features that can make the data more presentable and easier to work with.

Converting a CSV in Microsoft Excel

Opening a CSV file in Microsoft Excel is the most straightforward option for CSV conversion. Here are the basic steps:

1. Open the CSV file in Excel

The easiest way to convert a CSV file to Excel is to simply open the CSV file directly in Excel. You can do this by double-clicking the CSV file or by opening Excel and then using the "Open" command to navigate to the CSV file. When prompted, select the "Delimited" option and choose the appropriate delimiter (usually a comma or semicolon) to ensure the data imports correctly.

2. Save the file as an Excel spreadsheet

Once the CSV file is open in Excel, you can save it as an .xlsx or .xls file by going to File > Save As and selecting the desired Excel file format.

And that's it! Your CSV data is now in an Excel spreadsheet where you can take advantage of all of Excel's powerful features.

Converting a CSV in Google Sheets

Another option for converting CSV files to Excel is to use Google Sheets. Google Sheets is a free, cloud-based spreadsheet application that can open and edit CSV files directly.

1. Open the CSV file in Google Sheets

To convert a CSV file to Google Sheets, simply open a new spreadsheet and click "File" > "Import" > "Upload" to select the CSV file. Google Sheets will then import the data and convert it to a spreadsheet format that you can work with.

2. Save the file as an Excel spreadsheet

From there, you can save the file as an Excel (.xlsx) document to share with others or continue working on it in Sheets.

The advantage of using Google Sheets for CSV conversion is that it's a free, web-based tool that's accessible from anywhere. It also allows you to collaborate on the data with others in real-time. However, keep in mind that Google Sheets’ specific features differ from those of Microsoft Excel.

Using an online CSV to Excel converter

If you don't have a Microsoft Office license, or prefer to work in the cloud, there are also online tools that allow you to convert CSV files to Excel spreadsheets. Simply upload the CSV file to the converter, and it will generate an Excel-compatible version that you can download. Some popular options include Convertio, CSV to Excel, and Zamzar.

The advantage of using an online converter is that it's quick, convenient, and doesn't require any software installation. However, keep in mind that you'll be uploading your data to a third-party service, so you'll want to ensure the tool is secure and reputable if you're working with sensitive information.

CSV conversion with Parabola

For a more automated and customizable approach to CSV conversion, consider using a tool like Parabola. Parabola is a spreadsheet alternative that allows you to build custom data pipelines.

With Parabola, you can create a reusable workflow that will automatically pull in new CSV files, clean and standardize the data, and then push it out to an Excel spreadsheet or other destination. This can save you a ton of time if you need to regularly convert CSV files, and it gives you more control over the data transformation process. Parabola also offers robust security features to protect your sensitive information.

Additional tips for converting CSVs to Excel

Here are a few extra tips to make the CSV to Excel conversion process even easier:

Resize columns to fit the data

After importing the CSV, you may need to adjust the column widths to make your data more readable. In the “Home” menu, select “Cells,” then “Format” — under “Cell Size” select “Autofit Column Width.”

Take advantage of Excel’s features

An Excel file is a more complex format than a CSV, but what you lose in simplicity, you gain in customization. You can format the spreadsheet with fonts, colors, borders — in addition to adding comments, charts and other features that help your data put its best foot forward.

Automate the process

If you need to ingest CSV files on a regular basis, using a tool like Parabola can streamline the process. Parabola allows you to automate the conversion from CSV to Excel, apply transformations, and route the data to where it needs to go — all without writing any code. This can save you time and ensure your CSV data is consistently imported into Excel in a reliable and structured way.