IMPORTDATA Function: Import External Web Data into Google Sheets

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About the IMPORTDATA Function

Overview of IMPORTDATA

Import CSV or TSV FilesGoogle Sheets Function

=IMPORTDATA( URL )

Summary The IMPORTDATA function retrieves data from a specified URL in CSV or TSV format and displays it in your Google Sheet.

  • Automates data entry by fetching real-time updates directly from a source.
  • Useful for analytics, reporting, and data integration tasks.
  • The target file must be in CSV or TSV format.

When to Use IMPORTDATA

  • When you need to use CSV or TSV data provided by an external system in your spreadsheet.
  • To manage regularly updated data such as weather, currency rates, or stock prices.
  • To save time by automating data import instead of manual entry.

How to Use IMPORTDATA

The following example demonstrates the basic usage of the IMPORTDATA function:

  A B C
1 Description Formula Result
2 Fetch CSV data =IMPORTDATA(“https://example.com/data.csv”) Displays CSV data
3 Fetch TSV data =IMPORTDATA(“https://example.com/data.tsv”) Displays TSV data

Results

  • Cell B2 fetches CSV data from the specified URL and displays it in the sheet.
  • Cell B3 fetches TSV data from the specified URL and displays it in the sheet.

Advanced IMPORTDATA Examples

IMPORTDATA allows for automated data retrieval. Below are some examples:

  A B C
1 Use Case Formula Result
2 Fetch currency exchange rates =IMPORTDATA(“https://example.com/forex.csv”) Displays current exchange rates
3 Fetch product list =IMPORTDATA(“https://example.com/products.tsv”) Displays product details

Points to Note

  • The URL must use HTTPS; HTTP URLs are not supported.
  • Files must be in CSV or TSV format; other formats will result in errors.
  • If the URL lacks proper access permissions or the file format is incorrect, data retrieval will fail.
  • Ensure compliance with external system policies regarding data updates and usage.

Conclusion

  • The IMPORTDATA function simplifies the process of importing CSV or TSV data into Google Sheets.
  • It enables automatic updates for external data, making data management more efficient.
  • Verify URL format and access permissions to ensure successful use of the function.