5 Excel Functions to Import Data Like Google Sheets

As businesses and individuals alike turn to data analysis tools like Google Sheets for their accessibility and user-friendly interfaces, Excel has not been left behind in the race for data import functionalities. Excel, with its robust features, offers several ways to import data into your spreadsheets effectively. Here are five Excel functions you can use to bring data from various sources into your Excel workbook, much like you would with Google Sheets.

1. Power Query (Get & Transform)

Power Query, also known as Get & Transform Data, is perhaps the most powerful and versatile tool for importing data into Excel.

• Step-by-Step Guide:
  - Open Excel and go to the ‘Data’ tab. - Click on ‘Get Data’ > ‘From Other Sources’ and choose the source you want to import from (e.g., Web, Database, File). - Follow the prompts in the Navigator to connect to your data source, preview, and then load it into Excel.
• Benefits:
  - Allows for data transformation before loading. - Supports a wide range of data sources including databases, online services, and files.

💡 Note: Power Query is available in Excel for Windows and is slowly being integrated into Excel for Mac.

2. Data from Web

This function enables users to import data directly from the internet into Excel.

• How to Use:
  - Click on ‘From Web’ under the ‘Get Data’ section in the ‘Data’ tab. - Enter the URL of the web page containing the data you want to import. - Navigate through the web content using the Power Query editor to select the desired table.
• Use Cases:
  - Importing live stock prices. - Pulling real-time weather data.

💡 Note: The data might not be static; it can change based on updates to the source website.

3. ODBC (Open Database Connectivity)

For those dealing with databases, ODBC connections are invaluable.

• Set Up ODBC:
  - Go to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Administrative Tools’ > ‘ODBC Data Source Administrator’. - Set up a new data source by selecting the appropriate driver and connecting to your database. - In Excel, under ‘Get Data’ > ‘From Other Sources’, select ‘From ODBC’ and then choose your previously set up data source.
• Advanced Import Options:
  - Can handle complex SQL queries for data retrieval.

4. Text/CSV Import

Excel’s native functionality allows for importing text or CSV files with ease.

• Direct Import:
  - Go to ‘Data’ > ‘Get External Data’ > ‘From Text’. - Follow the Text Import Wizard steps to set up your delimiters and data format.
• Power Query for CSV:
  - Use Power Query to load, transform, and then import CSV files into Excel.

💡 Note: Remember to adjust for different text delimiters like commas, tabs, or semicolons.

5. Excel Add-ins

External add-ins can expand Excel’s data import capabilities significantly.

• Installing Add-ins:
  - Navigate to the ‘Store’ under ‘Insert’ or ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Add-ins’. - Browse and install add-ins like ‘Microsoft Power BI Publisher for Excel’, which can import and refresh data from various sources.
• Examples of Add-ins:
  - Power BI Publisher - Data Everywhere for cloud data import

💡 Note: Some add-ins might require a subscription or purchase.

In summary, Excel offers a range of tools and functions that enable seamless data importation, similar to Google Sheets. From Power Query’s vast capabilities to ODBC connections and native text import features, Excel users have numerous options to efficiently bring in data for analysis, reporting, or visualization. By mastering these tools, you can transform raw data into actionable insights without the need for complex coding or external software.