How to Import Data from Word to Excel (3 Easy Methods)

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Often while working with Excel, we need to import data from different sources. These sources may include Word files which is another commonly used software for storing data or making tables. So for convenience, often we need to import the Word file data into excel. In this article, we will learn how to import data from Word to Excel.


Import Data from Word to Excel: 3 Easy Methods

There are several methods through which we can import data from Word to Excel. The most common one is the copy-paste method, which is widely used. The other method is using the default ‘From Text’ option. All of these methods are described in the proper steps below.


1. Import Only One Cell

This is the most common method that we use ]to import data from Word to Excel. For this method, let’s say we have Word data like the below image.

import data from word to excel

So here we can simply copy these data from the Word file and then paste them to our expected cell in Excel. Let’s say we want to paste in cell B4. So we will select the B4 cell and right-click to get the paste button. Or we can simply press Ctrl+V to paste the values.

In this way, we will copy-paste the entire data set and customize it to complete the excel worksheet like the below image.

import only one cell data from word to excel

Read More: How to Copy from Word to Excel into Multiple Cells


2. Import Data for Multiple Cells

We can import the entire dataset if they are in a table or sorted as a table in Word. Excel will automatically sort them as different column data and we will get our expected data. The steps with proper illustrations are below.

Steps:

  • First, we need to sort the data in the Word file or keep the data in the structure. So here, we will keep the data in a table or table-like structure like the below image.

  • Second, select the entire table or table-like structured data in the Word file. Right-click and select copy or just press Ctrl+C to copy all the data at once.
  • Third, select the cell where we want to start pasting our data. In our case the cell is B4.

Import Data for Multiple Cells from word to excel

  • At last, right click on the selected cell and click on Paste. Or you can just press Ctrl+V to do the same.

Import Data for Multiple Cells from word to excel

Read More: How to Convert Word Table to Excel Spreadsheet


3. Using the From Text/CSV Option

When we are importing a very large amount of data, making a table-like structure or making a table is very inefficient and may consume a lot more memory than usual. So for importing a large amount of data, this excel provided method is the most reliable.

Steps:

  • Firstly we need to save the Word file as a text file. So we will go to the Save As section of the Word file and save it as a .txt We can do the same by accessing the file properties as well.

Using the ‘From Text/CSV’ Option

  • Secondly, we will go to the Data tab in the Ribbon and go to the Get & Transform section.

  • Thirdly we will select the From Text/CSV option on the top left side. We can also find the option in the Get Data and From Files options.

Import data from word to excel using the ‘From Text/CSV’ Option

  • Next, a selection box will appear. Select the file by finding its path.

Using the ‘From Text/CSV’ Option

  • Then selecting the file will trigger a window naming the text file’s name. In this window, we can see the preview of our table. Here we can also edit our fields and even delete them by choosing the Transform Data option.

Import data from word to excel using the ‘From Text/CSV’ Option

  • After that, we will click on the Load option at the bottom. This will immediately open a new worksheet named the text file’s name.

  • Finally, edit the worksheet to get the desired table look.


Things to Remember

  • If your data is too large to be in one cell of Excel, try merging multiple cells or increasing cell size. We can also enable Text Wrap to keep things within one cell.
  • The entire demonstration was done with Microsoft 365 so the interface may vary with different versions.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here.


Conclusion

This is how we transform data from Word to Excel. Hope this article will help you. If you’re still having trouble with any of these methods, let us know in the comments. Our team is ready to answer all of your questions.


Import Word to Excel: Knowledge Hub

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Zhiping Yan
Zhiping Yan

I am from China and this photo was taken in a classical garden. There are many similar gardens in China, attracting a lot of visitors every year, especially in spring and summer. I was major in Biotechnology. But I took a job as a SAS programmer because I prefer programming. Besides SAS, I also learned Excel VBA in my spare time. It is fantastic to be able to manipulate data, files and even to interact with the internet... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Hello Zhiping,

    Great post. You helped me a lot.

    Can you please explain me how can I import the first line of the text (title) from every single Word page (I have about 250 pages) into Excel (separate sheets for every single title)?

    Kindest regards!

    • Thanks for your comment. We are very pleased to know that you find this article useful for you. As far as I know, Excel doesn’t have any built-in feature which can resolve your problem.
      I recommend that you can set the first line of every MS Word page as a heading. This feature will help you see the text in the Navigation Panel of MS Word. As a result, you don’t need to scroll down all pages. You will just click on each text, then select the text and manually copy that into your Excel workbook.

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