How to Import Excel to SharePoint List – Full Tutorial

Managing large data in Excel sheets can become cumbersome due to the unavailability of advanced features and limited online access. That’s why most of the users ask us if it is possible to import Excel to SharePoint list. The reason behind this is list allows users for real-time collaboration, automation, and integration with Microsoft 365.

So, after a huge number of requests, we created this step-by-step guide to import Excel to existing SharePoint list, or a new one, in a few minutes. Additionally, some users mail us some common issues related to this and SharePoint Online permissions, which we will discuss in this detailed write-up. 

Overview – Export Excel to SharePoint List

Importing Excel data into a SharePoint list is a smart move to centralize and manage data online. It poses various benefits, including collaboration, versioning, and integration with Microsoft 365 tools. 

SharePoint offers multiple methods to import Excel to SharePoint list, i.e.

• Import Spreadsheet App (Classic Experience)
• Use Quick Edit or Grid View (Modern SharePoint)
• Power Automate 
• Use List from Excel Feature (Modern SharePoint)

We tried all these methods, and now we are here to explain to you in simple and clear language, so that even a non-technical user can perform this task effectively. Additionally, there are numerous advantages to importing Excel sheet into SharePoint list. In the next section, we will understand what they are to help you make a confident decision.  

Why Import Excel to SharePoint List – Benefits

Here’s why this move is a smart one:

• SharePoint lists can be accessed and edited by multiple users simultaneously in real time.
• SharePoint list tracks changes automatically(every single minute), even when multiple users are editing the same project simultaneously.
• SharePoint data can be easily linked with Power Automate, Power Apps, Microsoft Teams, and M365 apps.
• SharePoint lists offer different column types, which help to manage and organize even large data effectively. 

The main reason is the centralized location where we can manage, store, and access data in real time. Next, we will show how to export Excel to SharePoint list step-by-step.

Things to Remember!

• Make sure the Excel file is not password-protected.
• Save the Excel file in a supported format (.xlsx or .xls).
• Ensure enough space in SharePoint lists to store Excel data.
• Match column names and formats before import.
• After impoort, use SharePoint Duplicate Analysis Tool, to find and remove unnecessarily data.

How to Import Excel to SharePoint List?

Migrating Excel sheets to SharePoint can enhance visibility and control over large data, like inventories or employee records. To do so, in the following sections, we will learn all the tried and tested methods, i.e. 

Solution 1. Export Excel to SharePoint List Using the “List from Excel” Feature (Modern SharePoint)

This is the most straightforward solution to import Excel to SharePoint Online, and the steps to make it more seamless are as follows:

• Format your data as a table (Ctrl + T).
• Use clear column headers without special characters.
• Within SharePoint Online, click New > List > From Excel.
• Now wait, SharePoint automatically detects the table in your spreadsheet.
• Optional: Adjust column types if needed (e.g., Date, Number).
• Click Create to import.

Our experts found this quick and simple method. Still, there are more methods for the same, which are listed below. 

Solution 2. Use “Quick Edit” to Import Excel to SharePoint List (Modern SharePoint)

You can import Excel to existing SharePoint list via copy-paste:

1. Open the SharePoint list and click Edit in grid view.
2. Copy rows from the Excel table.
3. Paste directly into the list.

This is also quick, but you have to ensure that column names and formats match to avoid errors, which can become time-consuming. So, let’s move to the automated solution. 

Solution 3. Use Power Automate to Export Excel to SharePoint List

With Power Automate, we can easily import Excel into a SharePoint Online list automatically, one time, or regularly. Using this, we can export SharePoint Group Members to Excel. Despite that, for importing Excel into SharePoint list, follow the steps:

1. 1. Host the Excel file in OneDrive or SharePoint.
   2. Use Power Automate to create a flow:
      • Trigger: Manually or when the file is updated.

• Actions:

1. • • Excel: List rows in the table.
     • SharePoint: Create an item in the list.

This method is great for repetitive and large data imports. However, it can be complex for non-technical users. 

Solution 4. Import Excel to SharePoint List Via “Import Spreadsheet” App (Classic Experience)

Those who are working on classic experience can opt for this. This solution is easy to proceed with:

1. Open a classic experience SharePoint site.
2. Go to Site Contents > New > App.
3. Search and select Import Spreadsheet.
4. Enter a name & description.
5. Upload an Excel file, and click Import.

After following these points, you will see a new list created in your SharePoint. That lists automatically map the Excel columns to SharePoint columns. 

When to Import Excel to Existing SharePoint List?

Use this when:

• Already have a list with customized views, workflows, or permissions.
• Want to replace content in an existing SharePoint list.
• Use grid view or Power Automate for this scenario.

What If We Need to Export SharePoint List to Excel?

Sometimes, when users import Excel to SharePoint list, they realize that they need to access that data offline. In such cases, you can export the list back to Excel using the “Export to Excel” option. Before exporting, it is suggested to backup SharePoint Online to local storage. Here are the steps for the same:

1. Open the SharePoint list.
2. Click Export > Export to Excel on the command bar.
3. The output comes in an .iqy file, which can be accessed in Excel and connects live to SharePoint data.

Troubleshooting: Unable to Export SharePoint List to Excel?

Many users faced this issue, and this occurs due to several reasons. Here are the tips to resolve:

• Use Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
• Ensure you have the required access to export.
• Simplify the list view before exporting, as custom views or filters can create hassles.
• Missing “Export” button: Check if the list is modern or classic.
• Check if SharePoint Online Storage Quota Exceeded. This can also create a hassle in exporting.

These steps will help to resolve the issue in minutes. 

Author’s Verdict

Whether you want to import Excel to SharePoint list or export SharePoint list to Excel, this guide will help you to easily complete these tasks. In this write-up, we discussed all the practical methods to export Excel to SharePoint List and on-premises simultaneously. So, opt for any of them, and proceed to import Excel to existing SharePoint list or in new one today!