How to Import Large CSV File into SQL Server – 3 Proven Techniques

Trying to import large CSV file into SQL Server, but don’t know how to perform? Never mind, this guide will explain how to upload large CSV files to SQL Server tables using proven methods, such as SQL Server Management Studio and some effective commands.

 
Loading CSV files into SQL Server is very basic and simple way to transfer your organized data into complete database for different purposes. SQL Server can easily accept large CSV files, as there is no file size limit that prevents users from importing them.

However, if one wants to load their CSV datasets that contain 100000 records, but wants to process only 200 records at once and so on. As it will be easier to handle CSV datasets when they are divided into manageable batches. Before importing, users need to split CSV files into multiple files, which will help them to process further.

Let’s see how users can easily divide CSV datasets into smaller batches for easy uploading.

Working Steps for Using Professional Software

1. After downloading tool, run it on your respective system and tap Split CSV option.



2. Press Add File & Folder option to upload huge CSV files from your system.



3. Now, click Next button to access some advanced features.



4. Choose Split by Records option and add count like 200 per batch.



5. Select Destination Path to save divided output CSV file.



6. Hit Split button to begin breaking process.

Now, your CSV dataset is ready to import to SQL Data Server. In next section, we have listed some of best ways that allow users to upload CSV files to SQL database.

Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio to Import CSV

To import CSV to SQL Server, it is always suggested to use best option, which is SSMS. This offers multiple options to users for effective import process. Follow steps listed below to import large CSV file into SQL Server:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Connect it to required SQL Server version.
3. Choose your destination database and start with Import option.
4. It will offer Import Flat File Wizard option to import flat files into SQL Server, such as CSV.
5. Check all your data, including its type, records, and columns.
6. Select your destination SQL table, then review mapping process.
7. Now, start uploading huge CSV file.
8. At last, verify all your imported datasets.

This is very simple and basic method when users want to check its CSV structure. However, for multiple or bulk imports, we have also mentioned other approaches below. Let’s walk through second method.

Method 2: Try BULK INSERT to Import Large CSV File into SQL Server

Anyone who wants to process their CSV dataset in batches into table is recommended to use given command.

Follow this command:

BULK INSERT dbo.OfficeData
FROM 'C:\CSV\office.csv'
WITH
(
    FORMAT = 'CSV',
    FIRSTROW = 2,
    FIELDQUOTE = '"',
    TABLOCK
);

Here in this command:

• FORMAT specifies CSV as input
• TABLOCK is used for instant loading at time of batches

One can adjust this command mentioned above according to their requirements. Also, your CSV file should be accessible in SQL Server environment. As having access from Windows profile does not mean having same access from SQL Server.

Method 3: Use OPENROWSET Command

This command can be used to process batch CSV data that can be used for your daily SQL workflow. It includes viewing data and uploading it into database table.

For example:

INSERT INTO dbo.OfficeData
SELECT *
FROM OPENROWSET(
    BULK 'C:\CSV\office.csv',
    FORMAT = 'CSV',
    FIRSTROW = 2
) AS CSVData;

Users can directly copy and paste this command into their SQL Server by changing its values and file. Also, it might depend on your SQL version and its configured settings.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered how to import large CSV file into SQL Server using effective solutions. If one needs to load CSV file into SQL table, then it is recommended to break it into smaller batches. For that, we have also listed an automated approach, which is useful for those who want to process their large CSV data file into SQL Server while preserving integrity. If anyone is still encountering errors, then contact our support team via 24/7 live chat.