Converting Excel to Google Sheets is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. First, open Google Drive and upload your Excel file. Then, right-click on the file, select ‘Open with’, and choose ‘Google Sheets’. Google Drive will automatically convert the file to a Google Sheets format, allowing you to edit and collaborate on the document online.
Step by Step Tutorial: Convert Excel to Google Sheets
Before we dive into the step-by-step tutorial, it’s important to understand what we’re aiming to achieve. By following these steps, we’ll be converting an Excel file into a Google Sheets file, which will enable us to take advantage of the cloud-based features of Google Sheets such as real-time collaboration and easy sharing.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Open Google Drive in your web browser by navigating to drive.google.com.
When you open Google Drive, make sure you’re logged into your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one to proceed. Google Drive is where all your Google Sheets files are stored, so it’s the starting point for our conversion process.
Step 2: Upload your Excel file
Click on ‘New’ on the top left corner and then select ‘File upload’ to upload your Excel file from your computer.
Once you click ‘File upload’, a window will pop up, allowing you to select the Excel file you want to convert from your computer’s files. It’s important to know that Google Drive supports various Excel file formats, including .xls, .xlsx, and .xlsm.
Step 3: Locate the uploaded Excel file
After the upload is complete, locate the Excel file in your Google Drive.
The uploaded Excel file will appear in the ‘My Drive’ section of your Google Drive. If you have a lot of files, you can use the search bar at the top to find your file quickly.
Step 4: Open the file with Google Sheets
Right-click on the uploaded file and select ‘Open with’ followed by ‘Google Sheets’.
When you open the file with Google Sheets, Google Drive will automatically convert it to the Google Sheets format. Note that the original Excel file will remain unchanged and can still be accessed in its original format.
After you’ve completed the conversion, your Excel file will now be a Google Sheets document. You can edit it, share it, and collaborate with others in real time, just like any other Google Sheets file.
Tips for Convert Excel to Google Sheets
- Double-check that your Excel file doesn’t contain any macros or complex formulas that might not be compatible with Google Sheets.
- Before converting, ensure that your Excel file is not password-protected, as this can prevent conversion.
- If you have multiple sheets within your Excel file, Google Sheets will preserve them as separate tabs within a single Sheets file.
- After conversion, review your Google Sheets file to make sure all of your data transferred correctly and is displaying as expected.
- Take advantage of Google Sheets’ sharing and collaboration features by inviting others to view or edit your newly converted file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert multiple Excel files at once?
Yes, you can upload and convert multiple Excel files to Google Sheets simultaneously by selecting more than one file during the upload process.
Will my Excel file’s formatting be preserved?
Most formatting will be preserved, but some features such as certain types of conditional formatting or data validation may not transfer over perfectly.
Can I convert an Excel file that has macros?
Google Sheets does not support Excel macros. If your Excel file has macros, they will not be carried over during the conversion, and you may need to recreate them using Google Sheets’ scripting language, Google Apps Script.
What happens to my original Excel file after conversion?
Your original Excel file will remain unchanged in your Google Drive. You can still access and download it in its original format.
Is there a file size limit for converting Excel to Google Sheets?
Google Drive has a size limit for uploads, which is currently 5 TB. As long as your Excel file is under this limit, you should be able to convert it without any issues.
Summary
- Open Google Drive.
- Upload your Excel file.
- Locate the uploaded Excel file.
- Open the file with Google Sheets.
Conclusion
Converting Excel to Google Sheets can unlock a world of cloud-based possibilities for your spreadsheets. Whether you’re looking to collaborate with a team in real-time, access your files from anywhere, or just appreciate the convenience of Google’s suite of productivity tools, the conversion process is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your Excel files into versatile Google Sheets. Just remember to check for any compatibility issues with formulas or macros and to review the formatting after conversion. Happy converting, and enjoy the benefits of having your data on the cloud!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.