Converting JSON Files to Excel Spreadsheets Made Easy – 2025

Converting JSON Files to Excel Spreadsheets Made Easy

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a popular data format widely used in web applications, APIs, and data exchange between servers and clients. While JSON is great for storing and transferring structured data, it can be difficult to read or analyze for non-technical users. In many cases, converting JSON into an Excel spreadsheet makes the data easier to work with, visualize, and manipulate.

This guide will walk you through different methods to convert JSON to Excel, covering both manual and automated approaches.

What Is JSON?

JSON is a lightweight, text-based format for storing and transmitting data. It uses a structure of key-value pairs and arrays, making it easy for machines to parse and generate. Here’s a simple example:

While JSON is easy for developers to read, it’s not the most user-friendly format for business analysts or end-users who prefer Excel spreadsheets.

Why Convert JSON to Excel?

There are several reasons why converting JSON to Excel can be useful:

• Data Analysis – Excel provides powerful tools for filtering, sorting, and analyzing data.

• Reporting – Many companies rely on Excel for creating reports and charts.

• Collaboration – Excel files are easy to share with team members who may not be familiar with JSON.

• Visualization – Once in Excel, you can use charts, pivot tables, and conditional formatting to make the data more understandable.

Methods to Convert JSON to Excel

There are multiple ways to convert JSON to Excel, depending on your tools, skills, and preferences. Below are the most common methods.

1. Using Excel’s Built-in Power Query

Power Query is a powerful data import and transformation tool built into modern versions of Excel (Excel 2016 and later).

Steps:

1. Open Excel and go to the Data tab.

2. Click Get Data > From File > From JSON.

3. Browse to your JSON file and select it.

4. The Power Query Editor will open, displaying your JSON data.

5. Expand and transform the data as needed by clicking the small expand icons.

6. Click Close & Load to load the data into an Excel worksheet.

Advantages:

• No coding required.

• Direct integration within Excel.

• Can refresh the data automatically if the source changes.

2. Using Online JSON to Excel Converters

Several online tools allow you to upload a JSON file and download it as an Excel (.xlsx or .csv) file.

Popular options:

• ConvertCSV.com

• JSON-CSV.com

• AConvert.com

Steps:

1. Visit the website of your chosen converter.

2. Upload your JSON file.

3. Choose the output format (Excel or CSV).

4. Download the converted file and open it in Excel.

Advantages:

• No installation required.

• Quick and easy for one-time conversions.

Disadvantages:

• May not be suitable for sensitive data due to privacy concerns.

• Limited customization options.

3. Using Python for JSON to Excel Conversion

If you’re comfortable with programming, Python offers excellent libraries such as pandas to convert JSON to Excel programmatically.

Example code:

Advantages:

• Highly customizable.

• Suitable for large datasets and automation.

• Can be integrated into scripts and workflows.

Disadvantages:

• Requires programming knowledge.

4. Using Microsoft Power Automate

Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) can automate the conversion of JSON data to Excel, especially when dealing with API data.

Steps:

1. Create a new flow in Power Automate.

2. Add a trigger for receiving JSON data (e.g., HTTP request or scheduled retrieval).

3. Parse the JSON data.

4. Add an action to create an Excel table and populate it with the parsed data.

Advantages:

• Fully automated workflow.

• Ideal for repeated or scheduled conversions.

Disadvantages:

• Requires a Power Automate subscription.

• Initial setup can be complex.

Tips for a Smooth JSON to Excel Conversion

• Validate Your JSON – Make sure your JSON file is properly formatted using tools like JSONLint.

• Understand the Data Structure – Nested arrays and objects may require multiple expansion steps in Power Query or custom scripting.

• Choose the Right Tool – For small one-time jobs, online converters are fine; for large or frequent tasks, automation is better.

• Preserve Data Types – Ensure numbers, dates, and text fields are interpreted correctly during conversion.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Problem: Data Appears in a Single Column

This usually happens if you open a JSON file directly in Excel without parsing it. Use Power Query or a proper converter instead.

Problem: Nested JSON Data Is Missing

Nested objects need to be expanded manually in Power Query or handled in your code before saving to Excel.

Problem: Special Characters Not Displaying Correctly

Ensure you use UTF-8 encoding when saving or exporting JSON data.

Best Practices After Converting JSON to Excel

Once you’ve converted your JSON to Excel:

• Apply Formatting – Use cell formatting and conditional formatting to improve readability.

• Create Pivot Tables – Summarize large datasets quickly.

• Use Charts – Visualize trends and relationships in your data.

• Save in the Right Format – Save as .xlsx for full Excel features or .csv for compatibility.

Conclusion

Converting JSON to Excel is a valuable skill for anyone who works with data regularly. Whether you use Excel’s built-in Power Query, an online converter, Python scripts, or automated workflows, the key is choosing the method that fits your needs.

By transforming JSON into Excel, you unlock the ability to analyze, share, and visualize data with ease. With the techniques in this guide, you can handle both simple and complex JSON datasets efficiently, ensuring your data is always ready for meaningful insights and decision-making.