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How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets? [4 easy ways]

How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets? [4 easy ways]

Whether you are new to Google Spreadsheets or looking forward to switching platforms, this comprehensive guide on How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets will help. Students, professionals, or any individual searching for this is often trying to move files to the cloud for collaboration or seeking a flexible alternative to Microsoft Excel. We’ll take you through step-by-step instructions alongside discussing limitations and FAQs for better understanding. 

Why will you need to convert Excel files to Google Sheets?

Before proceeding to our major point of discussion, let’s see some of the common reasons for “why would you want to convert Excel to Google ?”
    1. Collaboration or Team-Share: It is easier to share and collaborate on Google Sheets than Excel in real time, particularly when you are working with your teammates. 
    2. Ease of accessibility: You can directly store your sheets online (in the cloud), which offers extensive accessibility across devices and locations.
    3. Automated features: Choosing add-ons automation with integrations like AlphaSheet helps in streamlining data workflows.
    4. Cost-free use: Google Sheets are available to use cost-free, while you must have a Microsoft subscription to legally access the Spreadsheet. If caught using cracked versions, the penalty will cost you heavily.
    5. Version control: You don’t need to worry about Save Excel file in Google Sheets as it does the job pretty well. All of your changes are saved automatically for you and others to access the updated version, always.

Above all, people consider converting an Excel file to Google Sheets for simplifying workflow, thus saving time & effort.

How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets?

Most people think the task “convert Excel to spreadsheet” demands expertise. The truth is – it is among the easiest things to do! It depends on the approach you find more suitable:

  • Manually importing Excel files
  • Setting up auto-conversion for future uploads
  • Using add-ons like AlphaSheet to enhance the experience

We’ll also highlight tools and tips to help you edit Excel in Google Sheets seamlessly.

Excel to Google Sheets Converter: Top Recommendations

Exploring this section will help you with “How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets?” with different methods:

  1. Using Add-ons for Importing an Excel File

Add-ons or plugins like AlphaSheet ease your lives with on-the-go functions related to files or any requirement. You can import and automate your Excel file conversions following these steps:

  • Go to Extensions > Add-ons > Get Add-ons in Google Sheets
  • Search for “AlphaSheet”
  • Follow the prompts for installation & connect to the same
  • Setup Your Connection to Google Drive
  • Now "Add Collection" in Search Options just select the folder and Select the Excel file from your Drive
  • Now "Refresh" and then Select your columns
  • Save the Collection
  • Now run the Collection from Plugin Screen
  • It will bring all the data from Google Drive - Excel File
  • Save your Google Sheets Document

Now this way you can just put your file to Google Drive Folder and Import from AlphaSheet Free Google Sheet Plugin and Save your document in just 1 min.

2. Google Drive

You can say it is one of the most preferred methods for converting an Excel file. Do it this way:

  • Access Google Drive
  • Click the “New” button > Select “File Upload”
  • Choose the respective “.xlsx” file
  • Once uploaded, right-click the file > Open with Google Sheets

That was all that needed to be done, and your file is now converted to Google Sheets.

3. Setting up Automatic Conversion

Do you want to automate Excel to Google Sheet conversions in future? Here are the steps:

  • Open Google Drive
  • Click “Settings” visible as a Gear Icon in the top-right corner
  • Select “Settings” from the dropdown
  • Check the box: “Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format”

Doing this will ensure all of your future conversions without your manual tweaks every time.

4. Using Google Sheets Itself

It is also possible to convert Excel files from within a Google Spreadsheet, this way:

  • Open a new Google Sheet
  • Click on File > Import > Upload
  • You can either drag and drop your Excel file into the window or click “Select a file from your device”
  • Select “Replace Spreadsheet” or “Import New Sheet” as required.

This method works best when you are willing to merge Excel data with an existing Google Sheet.

Convert Excel to Google Sheet: Simple & Easy Steps

These steps will help you convert Excel to Google Sheets without much effort:

  1. Access Google Drive
  2. Upload the respective Microsoft Excel File
  3. Right-click > Open file > Google Sheets
  4. To save the converted file permanently, click File > Save as Google Sheets

You can now locate this converted file as a native Google Sheet, which can be used further for editing, sharing, or collaborating like any other Google Document.

You shall follow these steps to convert XLSX to Google Sheets.

Pros and Cons of Converting Excel to Google Sheets
Pros

Cons

Easy to collaborate in real time
Some complex Excel formulas or macros may not work
Accessible from any device with internet
Limited number of rows and cells compared to Excel
Automatic saving and version history
Slight formatting differences may appear
Free to use, no software installation required
Requires internet for full functionality
Dynamic formulas are available in AlphaSheet
Dynamic formulas are not supported in Google Sheets
Seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools
No native support for Excel VBA scripts

How to convert a Google Sheet back to Excel?

Loving your Excel to Google Sheet transition, but need to convert it back to Excel for some reason? We got you! Follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the respective Google Sheet
  2. Click File > Download > Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
  3. Your file is ready to download in Excel Format. Use it offline or share it right away.

The Takeaway

We hope you found this blog on “How to convert Excel to Google Sheets?” insightful. If you choose to convert your Microsoft Excel files to Google Sheets, your familiarity with spreadsheets will make it work smoothly. In addition, you’ll benefit from collaboration and cloud storage features that are otherwise missing with Excel. 

Over the top, if you integrate plugins like AlphaSheet, then your productivity and accessibility are polished like never before. From spreadsheet automation to cleanup and cross-platform compatibility, AlphaSheet bridges the gap tactfully. 

Choose a smarter way to spreadsheet management, choose AlphaSheet. Try it out today?

FAQs on How to Convert Excel to Google Sheets

Yes, you can access any Excel file in Google Sheets if it is uploaded to Google Drive first. It can then be edited directly.

Excel vs Google Sheets is often confusing, but clarifying your intent helps you choose the best of the two. 

If you are working remotely and don’t need frequent online file sharing, then you may continue with Microsoft Excel. When seeking advanced features and working in collaboration with a team accessing the same Spreadsheet, Google Sheets would fit best.

Here’s the simplest way to convert Excel to spreadsheet in Google:

  1. Upload your file to Google Drive
  2. Right Click > Open with > Google Sheets
  3. Locate “File” > Save as Google Sheets

This will keep your Excel file in Sheets format.

Most of the time, your data will be converted smoothly, including formulas and formatting. Some exceptions remain, such as Excel Macros or any advanced formatting features.

You can easily & efficiently Import Excel Files into Google Sheets, manage, and automate them using AlphaSheet. It also allows converting complex or large datasheets swiftly.

Most users can replace Excel with Google Sheets as the latter covers almost all Excel functions. Also, it adds collaboration and cloud storage beyond automated saving. However, if you have a heavy reliance on advanced VBA macros, then you may want both of these tools in your toolkit.