Import CSV to Google Sheets: A Quick Walkthrough

Import CSV to Google Sheets—why does it matter so much? CSV files are one of the most common formats for storing data. Businesses, marketers, teachers, and even sports teams rely on them. So, the ability to import CSV to Google Sheets efficiently is not optional—it’s essential.

Google Sheets is a free, cloud-based tool that makes collaboration easy. However, spreadsheets only become useful when they’re filled with data that means something. That’s where importing CSV files changes the game. CSV files contain raw information, including sales figures, customer feedback, and stock prices.

The best part? You don’t need to be a spreadsheet expert to do it. Drag, drop, and the data is there. The quick process supports single or multiple sources using the IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets. No fluff, no complications.

Once imported, you can analyze, visualize, and share the data. Want to track time for remote teams? Combine CSV inputs with Google Sheets time-tracking tools. Need to run reports? You’re already halfway there with your data structured and ready.

Think of how many times people have manually copied and pasted thousands of rows. It wastes time and increases the chance of errors. Automation starts with one move: import CSV to Google Sheets. It’s clean and efficient, and it saves hours.

How? Let’s dive in…

What is Meant by the Import of CSV to Google Sheets?

Definition: Importing CSV to Google Sheets means uploading a CSV  file into a Google Sheet for viewing or editing. It allows you to open structured data from other sources in a clean spreadsheet format.

This import is useful for managing finances, sales, or reports. You can combine it with a budget on Google Sheets to track spending. Or use VLOOKUP for Google Sheets to pull matching data from imported files. It’s a fast way to work with real data.

Top Charts can be created after importing CSV Data into Google Sheets:

The charts below contain CSV data imported to Google Sheets and were created using ChartExpo.

Multi Axis Line Chart:

Likert Scale Chart:

Circular Org Chart:

Sankey Chart:

Clustered Stacked Bar Chart:

Why Import CSV to Google Sheets?

Have you ever felt stuck staring at a CSV file, wondering how to make sense? You’re not alone. Data is powerful—but only when accessible, shareable, and easy to analyze. That’s why more people import CSV to Google Sheets. It’s simple, smart, and gets your data working for you. Here’s why it matters:

• Seamless data access: Importing a CSV into Google Sheets takes seconds. You can view and edit the file from any device with internet access—no installs needed.
• Cloud-based convenience: Your spreadsheet lives in the cloud – you never lose your work. Combine that with how to share a Google Sheet training, and your team stays connected without version confusion.
• Real-time collaboration: Once imported, multiple people can edit or comment simultaneously. Updates appear instantly, keeping everyone on the same page.
• Built-in data tools: Google Sheets offers filters, conditional formatting, and charts to analyze your data fast. Want cleaner data? Use the remove duplicates in Google Sheets with a click.
• Automation and integration: Connect different spreadsheets using IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets to automate data flow between sources. You can even build workflows using add-ons or a Google Sheets extension to pull updates automatically.

How to Import CSV Into Google Sheets in Different Ways?

You’ve got a CSV file and a deadline. Now what? You could open Excel, deal with formatting, and email versions back and forth. Or, you could import CSV to Google Sheets—and do it smartly. There’s more than one way to get it done.

The bottom line? Choose the method that fits your workflow best:

1. Manual upload via file menu: Open a blank Google Sheet. Click File > Import > Upload, then drag in your CSV. This happens in seconds, and no tech skills are needed.
2. Using Google Drive: Right-click your CSV file in Google Drive. Choose Open with > Google Sheets, and it converts automatically. It is perfect if you’re managing a budget on Google Sheets with shared files.
3. Import via URL with formula: Got a live CSV file online? Use the =IMPORTDATA(“URL”) formula directly in a cell. Combine that with Google Finance in Google Sheets to pull real-time stock or market data.
4. Using Google Apps Script: Need to automate regular imports? Write a simple Google Apps Script that grabs CSV data on a schedule. Then, pair it with Google Sheets time tracking for automatic logging from external systems.

How to Analyze an Imported CSV in Google Sheets?

Are you drowning in spreadsheets? You’re not alone. We all start with the same thing: raw, boring data, usually in a CSV file. That’s where the magic begins. Importing CSV to Google Sheets turns lifeless rows into something readable.

But here’s the catch: Google Sheets isn’t a visual genius once the data flows in. You can make basic charts, but that’s where it taps out—especially when you need advanced visuals like a Sankey Plot to understand flow and relationships.

I have a solution for you. Meet your new data sidekick—ChartExpo. This tool is ideal for deeper insights and sharper visuals. How?

It simplifies data analysis with advanced, visually striking charts that reveal deep insights at a glance.

How to Install ChartExpo in Google Sheets?

1. To start using ChartExpo, download it directly from the Google Sheets program. To do this, select Extensions from the top toolbar.
2. A menu will appear. Click the Get add-ons option.
3. Search for ChartExpo, and click on Charts, Graphs & Visualizations by ChartExpo when it appears in the results.
4. Click the Install button. You will have to confirm your Google account and accept some permissions.

ChartExpo charts are available both in Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Please use the following CTAs to install the tool of your choice and create beautiful visualizations in a few clicks in your favorite tool.

Example

Let’s visualize and analyze this sample data in Google Sheets using ChartExpo.

Country	Seat_type	Recommended	Type_of_traveler	Stars
Hong Kong	Business Class	yes	Family Leisure	5
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Solo Leisure	3
Iceland	Business Class	yes	Solo Leisure	3
Iceland	Business Class	yes	Couple Leisure	5
Canada	Economy Class	no	Family Leisure	5
Qatar	Business Class	no	Business	3
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Couple Leisure	3
Spain	Economy Class	no	Couple Leisure	1
United Kingdom	Premium Economy	no	Couple Leisure	9
Germany	Economy Class	no	Business	7
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Family Leisure	3
United Kingdom	Business Class	no	Solo Leisure	5
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Solo Leisure	3
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Couple Leisure	3
United Kingdom	Business Class	no	Family Leisure	5
United Kingdom	Business Class	yes	Business	5
United Kingdom	Business Class	no	Couple Leisure	3
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Couple Leisure	3
United Kingdom	Premium Economy	no	Couple Leisure	1
United States	Economy Class	no	Business	9
United Kingdom	Economy Class	no	Family Leisure	7
United Kingdom	Premium Economy	no	Solo Leisure	3

• To get started with ChartExpo, install ChartExpo in Google Sheets.
• Go to Extensions > Charts, Graphs & Visualizations by ChartExpo > Open.

• To access the charts library, click the Add new chart button.

• Once ChartExpo is loaded. Click on “Sankey Chart”.

• Put the data table in the sheet first. Then, choose the Sheet name from the drop-down in the ChartExpo section.
• Select the metric column; metric is the numeric column in your data sheet.
• Select the dimensions column; the dimension is the categorical column in your datasheet that contains text information.
• Click the Create chart button to complete the process.

• ChartExpo will generate the visualization below for you.

• If you want to have the chart’s title, click Edit Chart, as shown in the above image.
• Click the pencil icon next to the Chart Header to change the title.
• It will open the properties dialog. Under the Text section, you can add a heading in Line 1 and enable Show.
• Give the appropriate title of your chart and click the Apply button.

• You can disable the percentage values as follows:

• You can add color in Nodes and set the direction as follows:

• Click the “Save Changes” button to persist the changes.

• Your final Sankey Plot will appear as follows.

Insights

• Business Class is the top recommendation, especially for Family Leisure and Solo Leisure travelers.
• The United Kingdom appears most frequently, mainly in Economy Class, with lower star ratings.
• Premium Economy shows wide rating variation, reflecting mixed traveler experiences.

Disadvantages of Converting CSV to Google Spreadsheet

Importing CSV to Google Sheets is quick and easy. But it’s not always perfect. Despite its speed, this process has limits—issues may arise with large data, sensitive info, or complex reports. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Data size limitations: Google Sheets has limits of 10 million cells per spreadsheet. Try importing a massive CSV, which might freeze or cut off your data.
• Formatting loss: CSV files don’t carry over styles, formulas, or charts. When you convert, you may lose the important structure in another app.
• Limited functionality for complex data: Nested tables, pivot reports, or multi-sheet logic may not transfer well. If your original data is heavily structured, Sheets might flatten it too much.
• Automatic type detection errors: Google Sheets tries to guess data types. Sometimes, it gets it wrong—converting IDs to dates or trimming leading zeros. That can break formulas, especially VLOOKUP for Google Sheets, where exact matches matter.
• Security and privacy risks: Imported data is stored in the cloud by default. Use extra caution with client data or sensitive figures like business budgets in Google Sheets.

What are the Tips for Importing CSV in Google Sheets?

Are you ready to import CSV to Google Sheets? A few smart steps before and after can save you hours of cleanup. Think of it like prepping your ingredients before cooking. The cleaner your data, the smoother the process.

Here are tips to make your import quick, accurate, and frustration-free:

• Clean your CSV file first: Before uploading, remove blank rows, stray commas, or corrupted characters. This keeps your spreadsheet from getting cluttered or breaking formulas.
• Use proper data types: Dates, currencies, and numbers should be formatted clearly in your CSV. This prevents type errors, keeping processes, such as the What If Analysis in Google Sheets, accurate.
• Choose the right import option: When uploading, Google Sheets asks how to handle the data. Choose “Insert new sheet” to stay organized, especially with a Google Sheets automation extension.
• Use the IMPORTDATA function for online files: Instead of downloading and uploading every time, use =IMPORTDATA(“URL”). It pulls live web data, which is great for tracking with Google Sheets time tracking.
• Check for encoding issues: Weird characters or broken accents? That’s likely an encoding problem. Save your CSV as UTF-8 to make sure Google Sheets reads it correctly.

FAQs

Can you import CSV into Google Sheets?

Yes, you can import CSV into Google Sheets. It’s fast and simple. Use the File menu or a formula, and your data will load into rows and columns. This helps with analysis, sharing, and automation.

Does Google Sheets accept CSV files?

Google Sheets accepts CSV files easily. You can upload them directly or open them from Google Drive. It reads the content and structures it cleanly. CSV is a supported format. It’s perfect for managing data on the cloud.

Wrap Up

Importing CSV to Google Sheets means transferring data from a CSV file into a Google spreadsheet. It helps you work with large or structured data more easily. The process is quick and doesn’t need advanced skills.

Once the data is in, you can organize, sort, or clean it. Google Sheets offers tools to make this fast. You can even remove duplicates from Google Sheets with one click. That’s a huge time-saver for busy users.

After importing, it’s easy to collaborate. Use the techniques on how to share a Google Sheet to give others access. You control who can view or edit – perfect for teams or clients.

Want real-time stock data? Try Google Finance in Google Sheets. It lets you track market or company performance next to your CSV data. No extra apps are needed.

Need to test outcomes? Use what-if analysis in Google Sheets. Adjust numbers and see possible results instantly. It’s ideal for planning and decision-making.

Importing CSV files brings data to life, and Google Sheets makes it smarter. With the right tools, it works better for everyone. So, start importing your CSV data to Google Sheets today and install ChartExpo for better visualization.