convert excel to google sheets

How to Effectively Convert Excel to Google Sheets

Are you thinking of using your Excel files online?

If so, Google Sheets is the best way to go. Google provides some of the most powerful selection of productivity tools. With a Google account, you can use Docs, Sheets, and more!

Is it your first time using Google Sheets? Planning to transfer all your files to your online account?

If, so read the rest of our article to learn how to convert Excel to Google Sheets. That way, you can transfer your spreadsheets online and work anywhere.

1. Simple Copy-Paste Conversion

In most cases, you need only convert Excel’s data to Google Sheets. If you have no complex functions or scripts underneath, a simple copy-paste will do. Highlight all the cells you intend to copy in Excel.

Right-click anywhere within your chosen range. Select Copy from the menu that pops up. If you’re more comfortable with keyboard shortcuts, use CTRL + C.

Go to your Google Sheets spreadsheet. Right-click in the uppermost left cell to open a menu. Select Paste to put the data or press CTRL + V.

Doing this fills the online sheets with all data copied from your Excel spreadsheet file. It’s simple, and it won’t take over a minute.

2. Open the Excel File In Google Sheets

You can use Google Sheets to open your Excel file. However, you must upload your file first. Open your Google Sheets and select Open or Import from the File menu.

Go to the Upload tab in the succeeding window. Press the blue button that says, “Select a file from your device.” Look for the Excel file within your computer, pick it, and press the Open button.

Doing this uploads your Excel file to your Google Drive. Once done, open it using Google Sheets. The web app converts your Excel file to the Google Sheets format.

It will open in a new spreadsheet file in your account. The application will match your original Excel file the best it can. Regardless, you might see some slight changes that might not matter a lot.

3. Import From a CSV File

If your Excel file uses a CSV format, this is the only method you can use. When doing this, you must know the file’s delimitation. It matters not whether it’s a tab, comma, or another character.

You can do this using two methods: the import feature or the IMPORTDATA function. Read on to learn the steps for both techniques. If you want to enhance your MS Word knowledge, learn the basics here.

Import Feature

Follow the same procedure when uploading the Excel file (.xls). However, when you pick the CSV file, a window will appear.

It lets you select the file formatting. You may choose which method to use when converting the spreadsheet data into a Google Sheet file.

It also has other configurations like opening the data using a new spreadsheet. You may also use this to replace the current one or append them. It also asks whether you want to convert the text from the CSV file into the right data type like numbers, dates, and formulas.

After configuring the conversion options, press the green “Import data” button. It brings the CSV file data into your online spreadsheet.

IMPORTDATA Function

An alternative to bringing data from a CSV format Excel file is to use the IMPORTDATA function. The caveat is that the file’s storage must be on a web server. It also applies when you can access it using a direct link.

For example, the American Census Bureau gives lots of data files in the CSV format. Some of these include the population totals per state. Regardless, you can import these files using this Google Sheets function.

Open a new spreadsheet on Google Sheets. Click the cell where the imported data will go. After that, type the following function:

=IMPORTDATA(“your link goes here”)

After pressing Enter, wait for a few seconds while the data loads. The data will appear in the spreadsheet, allowing you to save it. The data stored using this function will update whenever the link receives an update.

If you want to disable this, highlight all the original sheet’s cells. Copy them and open a new sheet. Right-click in your desired cell and pick Paste Special. Select Paste values only to copy all data without the formulas lying underneath.

4. Open the File After Upload

Whether your file is CSV or XLSX, this method converts them using Google Sheets. To do this, upload your file to your Google Drive account. The folder won’t matter.

After that, right-click the file and pick the Open with option. Choose Google Sheets among the options that pop up. It’s easier with CSV files since it opens in the Google Sheets format automatically.

Excel files will remain in the XLSX format when opened on this platform. You’ll see the format displayed at the top beside the name. Click the File menu and select Save as Google Sheets to convert it to the format.

Why Use Google Sheets Instead of Excel?

Now know what Google Sheets is and how to convert Excel files, use them whenever possible. If you want more reasons to use this web-based spreadsheet application, here are some:

Free to Use

Microsoft Excel costs almost a hundred dollars to use. On the other hand, Google Sheets are free. All you need is a stable internet connection and a free Google account.

Collaboration

Google Sheets allow other people to work on the same sheet. It means you can work with teammates in real-time. The changes are instant, making it more efficient.

Automatic Backups

As you work on your Google Sheets, your files get automatic backups. You can access these in your Google Drive account. It ensures you won’t lose data no matter what.

Convert Excel to Google Sheets Today

You have lots of methods if you want to convert Excel to Google Sheets. If you want to switch to Google Sheets, convert Excel files and transfer them to online storage.

Need help converting your other files for school or work? Check out our guide on converting PDF to EPS.