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How to Convert a Word Document to Excel

If you have information in a Word document that you need to import into an Excel spreadsheet, MS Excel has conversion functionality.

What to Know

  • Open any version of Word and Excel.
  • Select the File > Save As option.
  • Then convert your Word document to plain text format and import the converted file into Excel.
How to Convert a Word Document to Excel

Note: You must use Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel desktop applications to convert Word document to Excel. You cannot convert a Microsoft Word Online (the web version) document to a Microsoft Excel Online spreadsheet, as the necessary capabilities are not supported.

How to Convert a Word Document to an Excel Spreadsheet

Whether you’re engaged in academic pursuits, a seasoned professional, or someone with a penchant for streamlined data handling, possessing the skill to convert a Word document into an Excel spreadsheet can be a valuable time-saving technique and unlock endless prospects.

Newer Versions (Microsoft 365, Office 2021, Office 2019)

1. In Word, open the document you want to convert to Excel.

2. In the Ribbon, click the File > Save As option.

3. Choose where to save the plain text file, This PC, or Browse to a different location.

4. Change the file name and file type to Plain Text. The Word file in this example is named “Personal Data Form for Trip,” and the plain text file is called “Data Form for Trip.” Once done, click Save.

5. A File Conversion dialog box appears. Leave Windows (default) option selected, and click OK to confirm.

6. You can now close the Word program.

7. Open Excel and select New > Blank Workbook.

8. In the Ribbon, select Data > From Text/CSV.

9. Locate the plain text file, select it, and click Import.

10. Excel displays a blank pop-up box in which you must provide the File OriginDelimiter, and Data Type Detection parameters. Check that the default information is correct, then click Load. If any information is incorrect, make the necessary modifications, then click the Load button. The imported data is now correctly formatted in an Excel spreadsheet.

11. Save the Excel spreadsheet. Select File > Save.

Microsoft Office 2016 and earlier versions

1. Within Word, open the document you want to convert to Excel.

2. In the Ribbon at the top left, click the File > Save As option.

3. Choose where to save the plain text file on your computer, such as This PC, or select a different location.

4. Change the file name and file type to Plain Text. The Word file in this example is named “Personal Data Form for Trip,” and the plain text file is called “Data Form for Trip.” Once done, click the Save button.

5. A File Conversion dialog box appears. Keep the Windows (default) option checked, and click OK.

6. You can now close the Word program.

7. Launch Excel and select New > Blank Workbook.

8. In the Ribbon menu, select Data > From Text. It opens an Import Text File window.

9. Locate the plain text file, select the file, and click Import.

10. In the Text Import Wizard, do the following:

  • Step 1 of 3: Select Delimited, and click Next.
  • Step 2 of 3: Select the desired delimiters data box (space, comma, tab, etc.), and then click Next.
  • Step 3 of 3: Review that all information is correct, make any required adjustments, and click Finish. It opens an Import Data dialog box.

11. If you selected the Existing Worksheet box, choose which cell to put the data in.

12. Select OK. The imported data is now correctly formatted in Excel.

13. Save the Excel spreadsheet. Press Ctrl+S and select Save.

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