Getting data from sources in Excel - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Getting data from sources lets you bring information from outside files or databases into Excel. This helps you work with up-to-date data without typing it all manually.

When you want to import sales data from a CSV file into your workbook

When you need to connect Excel to an online database to analyze live data

When you want to combine data from multiple Excel files into one sheet

When you receive monthly reports in different formats and want to update your dashboard automatically

When you want to pull data from a website or online service into Excel

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Data tab on the ribbon

The Data tools and options appear below the ribbon

Step 2: Click

- Get Data button in the Get & Transform Data group

A menu with different data source options appears

Step 3: Select

- From File > From Workbook (or From Text/CSV, From Web, etc.)

A file picker window opens to choose the source file

Step 4: Choose

- The file you want to import and click Import

The Navigator window shows available tables or sheets in the file

Step 5: Select

- The table or sheet you want to load

A preview of the data appears on the right side

Step 6: Click

- Load button

The data is imported into a new worksheet in your workbook

Before vs After

Before

Workbook has no external data; all data is typed manually

After

Workbook contains a new worksheet with data imported from an external file or source

Settings Reference

Data Source Type

📍 Get Data menu under Data tab

Choose the type of external data you want to import

Default: None

Load To

📍 Load button dropdown in Navigator window

Decide how the imported data will appear in your workbook

Default: Table

Data Refresh

📍 Queries & Connections pane > Properties

Control when Excel updates the imported data from the source

Default: Manual refresh

Common Mistakes

Selecting the wrong file type in Get Data menu

Excel cannot import data if the source type does not match the actual file

Always choose the correct source type like From Text/CSV for CSV files or From Workbook for Excel files

Not clicking Load after previewing data

Data will not appear in the workbook until you confirm loading

After previewing, always click Load to import the data

Forgetting to refresh data after source changes

Imported data stays the same unless refreshed manually or automatically

Use the Refresh button or set automatic refresh options to keep data updated

Summary

Getting data from sources imports external information into Excel automatically.

Use the Data tab and Get Data menu to select and load your source file or database.

Remember to refresh imported data to keep it current with the source.