How to Export Excel to Google Sheets? Comprehensive Guide

Excel and Google Sheets are popular spreadsheet programs by Microsoft and Google Workspace, respectively. If you want your Excel files in Google Sheets. Then, it is a hard job as there is no direct option available. But I have workarounds that can help you. In this, I will explain how to transfer an Excel to Google Sheets without losing any formatting.

Both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are spreadsheet programs that are used to manage data, create reports, and perform many other tasks. But why is it that several people want to move their spreadsheet between Microsoft and Google? Below, I have mentioned common reasons of why transfer your files.

Why Users Want to Transfer Excel to Google Sheets?

The reason for transferring an Excel file to Google is that users prefer Google over Microsoft Excel. But, there are other causes, such as.

• Google Sheets offers real-time collaboration, which allows you to share your file with multiple users. This is beneficial when you have to collaborate with other team members.
• Your Microsoft storage is full. To reduce the space, you are converting your Excel file to Google Sheets.
• Organizations that use Google Workspace need their data in Google files. In that case, you have to change your XLS file before submitting it to your senior.
• Google Sheets is much easier to share with others by simply sharing the link to the file. On the other hand, you need to properly attach a complete file to share it.
• Google Sheets is free to use, but to use Excel, you need to purchase it. Many move from Microsoft to Google to cut their cost.
• As Google Sheets is a web tool, you can easily access your files. However, to get your XLS file, you have to use the software where it is stored.
• Google Sheets is easily integrated with other Google Workspace services. If you want to use the G Suite features, then you have to move your Excel file to Google Workspace.

There are several other reasons, but you understand why there is a need to move your Excel files. Before going through the methods, you must prepare yourself.

Tips Before Transferring from Excel Files to Google Sheets

• MS Excel VBA macros do not work in Google Sheets. So, you have to first rewrite them using Apps Script before the transition.
• In your local drive, if there are links to other Excel workbooks. Migrating your file may break those links. So, use the IMPORTRANGE function to link the separate Google Sheets.
• If your Excel file is protected by a password. You are not able to convert this in Google Sheets. You have to first remove the password from the Excel file.
• Tools like Power Query, Power Pivot, and 3D charts are exclusive to Excel. It will not appear in Google Sheets.
• Google Sheets is limited to 10 million cells. So, if you are moving the large Excel files, split the data into multiple XLS files.
• Basic formatting is easy to transfer, like bold, colors, borders, etc., but the complex elements like Pivot Table, layouts, custom themes, etc. will change into default Google styles.
• Google Sheets supports common formulas like SUM, VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and XLOOKUP.
• Make sure you first create a backup of your Excel file in case something happens.
  Remove any unnecessary formatting and duplicate data to clean the file.

Properly follow these tips, and then carefully follow the methods.

Export Excel Files to Google Sheets Manually

To convert Excel files into a Sheets file, you have to first download the XLS file to your local machine. Then, upload it to Google Drive.

1. First, save your Excel file to your desktop.
2. Then, open the Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet or open an existing one.
3. Click on the File option and select the Import button.
4. A Google Drive window will appear. Browse where your Excel spreadsheet is saved.
5. Choose an option from Create new spreadsheet, Insert new sheet(s), and Replace spreadsheet.
6. Click on Import data and then the Open Now button after transferring the file.

This is a simple method, but you face compatibility issues as some of the Excel features do not work in Google. Other than that, formatting can be changed after moving your files.

Copy and Paste Excel Data to Google Sheets

Simply uploading can cause you problems. You can copy and paste the data from an MS Excel file to Google Sheets.

1. Run the Microsoft Excel program on your computer.
2. Open the file that you want to move. Also, launch Google Sheets in the browser.
3. You can create a new file or open an existing file to save the Excel data.
4. In Excel, copy the data and paste it into Google Sheets.
5. After moving the data, save the file.

This method is time-consuming as you are going to manually move your Excel file data to Google Sheets. So, this method only moves selective data. Manually, it is difficult to move bulk files as there is a risk of losing your data and formatting issues. That’s why many admins and experts use professional tools to export an Excel file to Google Sheets.

Transfer Excel to Google Sheets via OneDrive

Those whose Excel file is in OneDrive, use the SysTools OneDrive to Google Drive Migration Tool. A reliable software to move your complete OneDrive documents, including Excel sheets. Many professionals use this utility because it is much easier to directly move their files from OneDrive into the Google Cloud program. From there, you can open the file by simply double-clicking it.

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How to Manage Data in Google Sheets After Transferring?

When you open the file in Google Sheets for the first time after moving it. Some of you may see that all the data is jumbled or not properly structured like the original. Don’t worry, this is pretty common among users. So, to help you, I have some tips that you can use.

• Remove duplicate or unused rows or columns from your files.
• For readability, adjust column widths, merged cells, and wrapped text.
• Check that all formulas have been converted correctly. If not, then fix your formulas.
• Make sure the version history is enabled. to track your changes and restore the older versions anytime.
• Dropdowns, number limits, date validators, and custom rules are used to clean your data.
• Creating filter views helps your team members to analyze data without altering the original layout.
• Use an advanced filter to organize large datasets.
• To prevent any accidental edits, lock your important cells like formulas, headers, totals, etc.
• Make sure you create a backup of your spreadsheet. Google Sheets provides you with the option to download your Google Sheets files in VCF, PDF, or CSV.

Concluding Words

If you are having a problem with converting Excel files to Google Sheets. Then, read this article to the end. Here, I have provided three accurate methods to transfer Excel to Google Sheets. All the solutions are simple and free, so you can easily change the Spreadsheet. I also provide you with a way when you have to move your Excel files from OneDrive in just a few minutes. To help you manage your data after converting it. Follow the tips that I have mentioned.