---
title: "How to Import Excel Data to PostgreSQL: 5 Easy Methods (2026)"
description: "Key Takeaways Moving Excel data to PostgreSQL comes down to picking the right method for your team's technical level, import frequency, and data volume. Here is what to know before you start: PostgreSQL 13 and earlier are end-of-life and no longer receive security patches. Upgrade to version 14 or l"
canonical_url: https://hevodata.com/learn/excel-to-postgresql/
published_at: 2023-05-10T13:48:00+05:30
updated_at: 2026-08-08T19:02:34+05:30
author: "Harsh Varshney"
tags: ["Excel", "PostgreSQL"]
categories: ["Data Integration", "PostgreSQL"]
word_count: 3082
content_type: post
---
# How to Import Excel Data to PostgreSQL: 5 Easy Methods (2026)

> Key Takeaways Moving Excel data to PostgreSQL comes down to picking the right method for your team's technical level, import frequency, and data volume. Here is what to know before you start: PostgreSQL 13 and earlier are end-of-life and no longer receive security patches. Upgrade to version 14 or l

![Summary Icon](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1784274857/hevo-website/blog-assets/sparkling-fill_bzvg3x.svg)**Key Takeaways**

Moving Excel data to PostgreSQL comes down to picking the right method for your team's technical level, import frequency, and data volume. Here is what to know before you start:

- **PostgreSQL 13 and earlier are end-of-life** and no longer receive security patches. Upgrade to version 14 or later before setting up any new pipeline
- **PostgreSQL does not read Excel files natively.** You need to either convert to CSV first or use a tool that handles the conversion automatically
- **There are five methods covered in this guide:** Hevo for automated pipelines, ODBC drivers for live Excel connections, CSV via DBeaver for one-off GUI imports, pgAdmin for quick manual imports, and Microsoft Query for pulling PostgreSQL data into Excel
- **Hevo Data** is the only method that works for both one-time and recurring imports without manual intervention, connecting to Excel files stored in Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, and Amazon S3
- **For one-time imports**, pgAdmin is the fastest option with the least setup. DBeaver is better if you need more control over the transfer and column mapping
- **For recurring imports**, ODBC and Microsoft Query keep Excel connected to PostgreSQL with a refreshable connection, while Hevo automates the entire pipeline without any manual steps after setup
- **Microsoft Query is now under Legacy Wizards** in Excel 365. The path is Data > Get Data > Legacy Wizards > From Microsoft Query (Legacy)

"People couldn't make sense of numbers before, and now everybody can." [Satya Nadella](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/satya-nadella-cannot-imagine-world-001751155.html) said that about Excel. He was right. Excel made data accessible to everyone, not just analysts or engineers.

The problem is that accessible is not the same as scalable. Excel breaks under concurrent access. It struggles with large datasets. It was never built for the kind of relational querying that production applications need. PostgreSQL was.

For teams that have outgrown their spreadsheets, the next step is moving that data somewhere it can actually be queried, joined, and relied on. That means getting it into PostgreSQL.

There are five ways to do that. Some take minutes. Some require technical setup. The right one depends on how often you need to move data, how technical your team is, and whether you need a one-time import or an automated recurring[data pipeline](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-pipeline/). This guide covers all five, with enough detail to execute whichever method fits your situation.

![Summary Icon](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1784274857/hevo-website/blog-assets/sparkling-fill_bzvg3x.svg)**Stop moving Excel data to PostgreSQL by hand.**

Hevo automates the entire pipeline from your Excel files to PostgreSQL, with no code, no manual uploads, and no maintenance required.

- No-code pipeline setup, live in minutes with no scripting or infrastructure management
- Auto schema mapping that adjusts to source changes without breaking your pipeline
- Full pipeline visibility with unified dashboards, detailed logs, and anomaly detection

Trusted by 2,000+ data teams. Rated 4.3/5 on G2.[**Try Hevo for Free**](https://hevodata.com/signup/?step=email)

## Prerequisites for Importing Excel Data to PostgreSQL

Before you begin, make sure the following are in place across all five methods.

### 1. A running PostgreSQL instance

You need access to a PostgreSQL database server. The current stable release is[PostgreSQL 18.4](https://www.postgresql.org/), released May 14, 2026. Supported versions include 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. If you are running PostgreSQL 13 or earlier, note that these versions are now end-of-life and no longer receive security patches. You will need the following details to connect:

- Host or IP address of the PostgreSQL server
- Port number (default is 5432)
- Database name
- Username and password with write access to the target database

### 2. Your Excel file in the right format

Most methods in this guide require your Excel data to be structured with column headers in the first row and no merged cells, blank rows, or formatting-only rows. The accepted file formats are:

- .xlsx (Excel 2007 and later, recommended)
- .xls (older Excel format, supported by most tools)
- .csv (comma-separated, required for Methods 3 and 4)

If your file has multiple sheets, identify which sheet contains the data you want to import before you begin. Most tools require you to specify the sheet name during setup.

### 3. A target table in PostgreSQL (for manual methods)

Methods 3, 4, and 5 require a table to already exist in your PostgreSQL database before you import data. The table columns must match the column names and data types in your Excel file. If the table does not exist, you will need to create it first using a CREATE TABLE statement or pgAdmin's table creation interface.

### 4. Admin or write access to your PostgreSQL database

You need sufficient permissions to connect to the database and write data to the target table. If you are working in a shared or production environment, confirm with your database administrator that your user account has INSERT and COPY privileges on the target table.

Good[data management](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-management-tools/) practices recommend keeping a record of which users have write access to production tables.

## Method 1: Using Hevo

[Hevo Data](https://hevodata.com/) is a fully managed, no-code ELT platform that makes moving Excel data to PostgreSQL simple, reliable, and transparent. It connects to Excel files stored in Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, and Amazon S3, and loads them into PostgreSQL automatically with schema mapping, error handling, and full[data integration](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-integration/) visibility built in. 

This is the only method on this list that works for both one-time imports and recurring automated pipelines without any manual intervention after setup.

### Step 1. Create a New Pipeline

- Log in to Hevo.
- Click **“+ Create Pipeline”**.
- Choose **File Storage** as the **source**.

### Step 2. Choose Your Excel File Source

Select **File Storage** as the source type. Hevo supports the following file storage sources for Excel files:

- Amazon S3
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Box
- OneDrive

Select your source → Authenticate → Select your Excel file(s).

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/images/f_webp,q_auto:best/v1757919091/hevo-learn-1/Google-Drive-Source-Configuration-excel/Google-Drive-Source-Configuration-excel.png?_i=AA)

### Step 3. Configure File Format

Set the file type to **Excel**. Specify the sheet name and confirm whether the first row contains column headers. Choose your sync frequency: one-time import or a recurring schedule. Hevo auto-detects data types from your file. You can review and adjust them manually before the pipeline runs.

### Step 4. Set PostgreSQL as Destination

Click **Add Destination** and select **PostgreSQL**. Enter your connection details:

- Database host
- Port (default 5432)
- Database name
- Username and password

Click **Test Connection**, then **Save and Continue**. Hevo automatically creates the target table in PostgreSQL if it does not already exist.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/images/f_webp,q_auto:best/v1757919168/hevo-learn-1/PostgreSQL_23118865db4/PostgreSQL_23118865db4.png?_i=AA)

### Step 5. Mapping & Transformation (Optional)

Review the column mapping between your Excel file and the PostgreSQL destination.Apply[data transformation](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-transformation/) logic if needed using Hevo's drag-and-drop Visual Flow or Python-based scripting for more complex cases. This step is optional. Hevo handles standard mapping automatically.

### Step 6. Activate the Pipeline

Click **Activate** to start the pipeline. Monitor the run from your Hevo dashboard. You will see row-level logs, sync status,[data lineage](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-lineage-in-etl/), and any anomalies flagged in real time.

_"We had numerous files that needed rapid ingestion and a pipeline established without being hindered by server infrastructure or schema complexities. Hevo enabled us to achieve this efficiently."_

 _~_[___Mike C., SVP of Technology_](https://www.g2.com/products/hevo-data/reviews/hevo-data-review-11164550)_(G2 Review)_

| See how Hevo moves Excel data to PostgreSQL automatically, without a single manual step.[**See Hevo in Action**](https://hevodata.com/pipeline/) |
| --- |

## Method 2: Using ODBC Drivers to Import Excel to PostgreSQL

Get & Transform (Power Query) can be used to set up an Excel PostgreSQL connection using ODBC. This approach presupposes you've installed a [PostgreSQL **ODBC Driver**](https://hevodata.com/learn/postgresql-odbc-driver/).

### Step 1: Install ODBC Drivers for PostgreSQL

- The first step in Excel to PostgreSQL data transfer is to install the "ODBC Driver." The [**PostgreSQL ODBC 64-bit driver** is available for download](https://www.postgresql.org/ftp/odbc/versions/). On the machine where the Secure Agent is installed, install the **[PostgreSQL ODBC driver](https://odbc.postgresql.org/)**.

### Step 2: Configure the Postgres ODBC Driver in Excel

- Expand the "Get Data" drop-down box after clicking "Data" in Excel. Select "From Other Sources > From ODBC"****from the drop-down menu.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Configuring ODBC driver in excel](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599906/Configuring_ODBC_driver_in_excel_pmkxk7.png)
*Configuring ODBC driver in excel*

### Step 3: Authorize Connection With PostgreSQL

- Choose your data source name in the "From ODBC dialogue (DSN)." You can expand the "Advanced Options" dialogue box and input the connection string for your data source if you haven't yet established your ODBC Driver (without credentials, which are defined in the credentials dialogue box in the next step).
- You can also enter a SQL query that will be performed immediately after connecting to the data source. Click the "OK" button.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Setting up the ODBC connection ](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599908/Setting_up_the_ODBC_connection_j5iucl.png)
*Setting up the ODBC connection*

- Select the database and input your credentials in the dialog box, then click "Connect" if you're using a database "Username" or "Password". Select "Default" or "Custom" and connect if your database is not password-protected or if you've previously entered your credentials in the ODBC Data Source settings.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Connecting to Database](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599905/Connecting_to_database_hpz0hw.png)
*Connecting to Database*

### Step 4: Load Data in Microsoft Excel

- Select the table from which you wish to retrieve data in the pop-up box and click "Load."

![Excel to POstgreSQL: Select the Required Table](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599908/Select_the_required_table_nmsuqt.png)
*Select the Required Table*

- The table's data will be displayed in an Excel spreadsheet, where you can interact with it further.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Table Data Loaded in Excel sheet](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599909/Table_s_data_is_loaded_to_the_excel_sheet_nijrz2.png)
*Table Data Loaded in Excel sheet*

- You have successfully completed the data transfer via ODBC Driver.

_Learn more about - How to [import Excel into MySQL](https://hevodata.com/learn/import-excel-into-mysql/) and [import Excel into Bigquery](https://hevodata.com/learn/excel-to-bigquery/)_.

## Method 3: Integrating Excel and PostgreSQL via CSV Files Using DBeaver

DBeaver is a free, open-source database tool that can transfer data from a CSV file directly into PostgreSQL using its Data Transfer wizard. This method requires DBeaver to be installed and connected to your PostgreSQL instance.

#### **Step 1: Save Your Excel File as CSV**

Open your Excel file. Click File, then Save As. In the format dropdown, select CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (*.csv) and click Save. Note the folder where you saved the file as you will need it in the next step.

#### **Step 2: Connect to CSV as a Data Source in DBeaver**

Open DBeaver. Click the New Database Connection button or go to Database > New Database Connection. In the Connect to a database dialog, scroll through the list or type CSV in the filter box. Select CSV and click Next. Browse to the folder where your CSV file is saved and complete the connection setup. Each CSV file in the folder will appear as a table in DBeaver's Database Navigator.

#### **Step 3: Export Data from the CSV Source to PostgreSQL**

In the Database Navigator panel, expand your CSV connection and locate the table corresponding to your Excel file. Right-click the table and select Export Data from the context menu.

In the Data Transfer wizard that opens, set the target as your PostgreSQL connection. On the Tables mapping screen, confirm that the source table maps to the correct target table in PostgreSQL. The Mapping column will show "create" if the table does not yet exist in PostgreSQL, or "existing" if it does. Click Next to proceed through the Extraction settings and Data load settings screens, then click Proceed to start the transfer.

#### **Step 4: Verify the Data in PostgreSQL**

Once the transfer completes, open a new SQL editor in DBeaver connected to your PostgreSQL instance and run:

sql

SELECT * FROM your_table_name;

Your Excel data is now loaded into PostgreSQL.

## Method 4: Transfer data from Excel to a PostgreSQL Database Using pgAdmin

### Step 1: Save as CSV

- Convert your Excel spreadsheet into a CSV file. To do this, click on "File," then save as. In the drop-down bar that appears, pick "CSV (Comma delimited)," and then hit "Save."

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Select the CSV file format after clicking on Save As](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599908/Select_the_CSV_file_format_after_clicking_on_Save_As_twcplz.png)
*Select the CSV file format after clicking on Save As*

### Step 2: Create an empty table in pgAdmin

- Create an empty table in PostgreSQL with identical column names, data types, and column constraints as your Excel sheet's columns.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Create a blank table in postgresql with the same schema as the source table](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599906/Create_a_blank_table_in_postgresql_with_the_same_schema_as_the_source_table_xdrucz.png)

### Step 3: Use “Import/Export”

- In PostgreSQL, right-click on the newly formed table; a selection of choices will display; select the "import/export" option.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Select import/export option ](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599908/Select_importexport_option_brd6w2.png)
*Select import/export option*

- At this stage, a dropdown menu displays. Here's how to use the dropdown box:

- Choose the "Import" option.
- On the file name tab, pick your excel sheet from your PC by clicking the select file "(…)" button.
- Choose "yes" for the header choice.
- Choose the "comma (,) delimiter" as the delimiter choice.
- Click "OK."

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Enter the filename of the csv file to be imported](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599907/Enter_the_filename_of_the_csv_file_to_be_imported_tvo7gq.png)
*Enter the filename of the csv file to be imported*

### Step 4: Point to your CSV

- If all rules are followed correctly, an import task is produced. A process observer appears to assist you in keeping track of what's going on.

![Excel to PostgreSQL: Process to import the data from CSV file](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599907/Process_to_import_the_data_from_CSV_file_wmd6go.png)
*Process to import the data from CSV file*

- You've successfully loaded the table into your [relational database management system](https://hevodata.com/learn/relational-database-vs-nosql/).

![Successfully imported the data from the CSV file](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1715599909/Successfully_imported_the_data_from_the_CSV_file_hndnzj.png)
*Excel to PostgreSQL: Successfully imported the data from the CSV file*

## Method 5: Move Data From PostgreSQL to Excel Using Microsoft Query

Microsoft Query is a legacy Excel feature that allows you to pull data from external sources including PostgreSQL directly into an Excel sheet. This is useful for reporting and analysis workflows where you need live or periodically refreshed PostgreSQL data inside Excel.

Note: Microsoft moved this feature to the Legacy Wizards section in Microsoft 365. The navigation path has changed from previous versions.

#### **Step 1: Open Microsoft Query from Excel**

Open the Excel sheet where you want to import PostgreSQL data. Click the Data tab in the ribbon. Click Get Data, then hover over Legacy Wizards, and select From Microsoft Query (Legacy) from the submenu.

#### **Step 2: Select Your PostgreSQL Data Source**

In the Choose Data Source dialog, select your PostgreSQL DSN from the list. Make sure the option "Use the Query Wizard to create/edit queries" is checked. Click OK.

#### **Step 3: Enter Your Database Connection Details**

Enter your PostgreSQL database name, username, and password when prompted. Click OK to establish the connection.

#### **Step 4: Select Tables and Import Data**

In the Query Wizard, select the tables you want to import into Excel. Use the arrow button to add columns to your query. You can optionally apply filters or sort data before importing. Click Finish to load the data into your Excel sheet.

Once complete, your PostgreSQL data will appear in the Excel sheet. You can refresh it at any time by going to Data > Refresh All to pull the latest data from your PostgreSQL database.

You can also use additional features under the Get Data tab, including Power Pivot for importing and filtering data from PostgreSQL with advanced[data modeling](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-modeling-and-visualization/) capabilities, and the Query Wizard for building and modifying queries to retrieve specific records from your database.

## Comparing the 5 Methods: Which Excel to PostgreSQL Approach Is Right for You?

Here is a side-by-side comparison of all five methods to help you pick the right one for your situation.

If you are new to how data moves between systems, this guide to[ETL data modeling](https://hevodata.com/learn/what-is-etl-data-modeling/) provides useful context before you begin.

| **Method** | **Technical Level** | **Best For** | **One-Time or Recurring** | **Setup Time** | **Cost** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hevo Data | None | Teams needing automated, recurring pipelines from Excel to PostgreSQL without writing code | Both | Minutes | Free tier available; paid plans from $399/month |
| ODBC Driver | Intermediate | Analysts who need a live, refreshable connection between Excel and PostgreSQL | Recurring | 30 to 60 minutes | Free (driver) |
| CSV via DBeaver | Beginner to Intermediate | Developers or analysts comfortable with a GUI database tool for one-off imports | One-time | 15 to 30 minutes | Free |
| pgAdmin | Beginner | DBAs and developers already using pgAdmin who need a quick one-off import | One-time | 10 to 20 minutes | Free |
| Microsoft Query | Intermediate | Excel users who need to pull PostgreSQL data into Excel for reporting without leaving Excel | Recurring | 30 to 60 minutes | Free (requires ODBC driver) |

**How to choose:**

- Need it done once and fast with no setup: use pgAdmin or DBeaver. Both are free[open-source ETL tools](https://hevodata.com/learn/open-source-etl-tools/) that work without any licensing cost.
- Need a live, refreshable connection inside Excel: use ODBC or Microsoft Query
- Need recurring automated imports without manual steps: use Hevo

| Not sure which method fits your team? See how Hevo handles Excel to PostgreSQL without any technical setup.[**Schedule a Demo**](https://hevodata.com/schedule-demo/?step=email) |
| --- |

## Conclusion

This article teaches you about Excel to PostgreSQL. It provides in-depth knowledge about the concepts behind every step to help you understand and implement them efficiently. PostgreSQL is a great tool for storing your business data. However, at times, you need to transfer this data from multiple sources to your PostgreSQL account for further analysis.

If you want to transfer data into your desired database/destination like PostgreSQL, then Hevo Data is the right choice!

Hevo Data is a no-code data pipeline solution that can help you import data from a vast sea of sources like Google Sheets to your desired destination such as PostgreSQL, data warehouses, or BI tools.

Try Hevo and see the magic for yourself. **[Sign up for a free 14-day trial](https://hevodata.com/signup/?set=6&step=email)** to streamline your data integration process. You may examine Hevo’s [pricing](https://hevodata.com/pricing/pipeline/) plans and decide on the best plan for your business needs.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### **1. Can Excel connect to PostgreSQL?**

Yes. Excel can connect to PostgreSQL using five methods: Hevo for automated no-code pipelines, ODBC drivers for a live refreshable connection, CSV export and import via DBeaver, pgAdmin's Import/Export tool for one-off imports, and Microsoft Query (Legacy) for pulling PostgreSQL data directly into Excel.

### **2. How do I run a PostgreSQL query in Excel?**

Install a PostgreSQL ODBC driver, then go to Data > Get Data > From Other Sources > From ODBC in Excel. Select your PostgreSQL DSN, enter your credentials, and use the Navigator to select tables or write a custom SQL query. You can also use Data > Get Data > Legacy Wizards > From Microsoft Query (Legacy) to build and run queries against your PostgreSQL database from within Excel.

### **3. Can PostgreSQL read an Excel file?**

No. PostgreSQL does not natively read .xlsx or .xls files. You need to convert your Excel file to CSV first, then import it using the COPY command, pgAdmin's Import/Export tool, or a pipeline tool like Hevo that handles the conversion automatically.

### **4. How do I extract data from PostgreSQL and convert it to Excel?**

In pgAdmin, right-click your table, select Import/Export Data, choose Export, set the format to CSV, and open the exported file in Excel. You can also use Microsoft Query in Excel to pull PostgreSQL data directly into a spreadsheet, or use Hevo to automate recurring exports from PostgreSQL to a[data warehouse](https://hevodata.com/learn/data-warehouse/) your team can access.

### **5. Can you add Excel CSV data to PostgreSQL?**

Yes. Convert your Excel file to CSV using File > Save As > CSV UTF-8 in Excel. Then use pgAdmin's Import/Export tool, the PostgreSQL COPY command in psql, or DBeaver's Data Transfer wizard to load the CSV into your target PostgreSQL table.

### **6. Why is my Excel to PostgreSQL import failing?**

The most common causes are mismatched column data types, missing or extra columns, date format inconsistencies, and encoding issues with special characters. Check that your table schema matches the Excel column structure exactly. For CSV-based imports, verify that the delimiter, encoding, and header settings match the actual file format.

### **7. Can I automate recurring Excel to PostgreSQL imports?**

Yes. Hevo supports scheduled and real-time syncing from Excel files stored in cloud storage including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3. Once the pipeline is set up, it runs automatically without manual steps, using[change data capture](https://hevodata.com/learn/change-data-capture/) to track updates and handle schema changes in the background.

https://youtu.be/p0XGLDgvCo8