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CSV, or comma-separated values, is a common format for storing and transmitting content, such as contacts, calendars, databases, and spreadsheets. CSV files are used to move data between programs that aren’t ordinarily able to exchange data.

Excel is supposed to read CSV files, but in most cases, when you open CSV file in Excel, you see scrambled data that’s impossible to read. This article demonstrates how to convert CSV to excel.

How to open CSV file in Excel:

BONUS: Find out how to export iPhone contacts to Excel.


Open a CSV file in Excel

Excel 2016 and later

  1. Create a new Excel file and click Data ➔ From Text/CSV.
  2. Convert CSV to Excel

  3. Find the CSV file on your PC and click Import.
  4. excel open csv file

  5. Preview the resulting table in the pop-up window and click Load.
  6. Check the data and click on Load

    Change the delimiter and encoding type if needed.

  7. All done.
  8. how to convert csv to excel


Open CSV files in Excel

Excel 2003

  1. Open a new Excel document and navigate to the Data tab.
  2. opening a csv file in excel

  3. Click From Text.
  4. importing csv file into excel

  5. Navigate to the CSV file you wish to open and click Import.
  6. opening csv file in excel

  7. In the newly-opened window, choose Delimited. Then click Next.
  8. text import wizard in excel 1st step delimited

  9. Check the box next to the type of delimiter: in most cases, this is either a semicolon or a comma. Then click Next.
  10. text import wizard in excel

  11. Click Finish.
  12. excel text import wizard complete

That’s it! you have just imported a CSV file to Excel!

how to open a csv file in excel

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By krasimir

Krasimir is an avid marketing aficionado and a tech-support specialist in charge of the English-speaking market. He grew up in Bulgaria and on the island of Mauritius where he became passionate about windsurfing and photography.