# Excel Import

This article explains how to import data from Excel workbooks into Model Reef and how Excel import differs from PDF and CSV import.

You will learn how to:

* Choose the right Excel sources for import.
* Select sheets and ranges.
* Map rows and columns to variables, categories and branches.
* Combine Excel imports with other data sources.

***

## When to use Excel import

Excel is often the cleanest source for import when:

* You have direct access to management reports or exports from accounting and BI systems.
* You can control or edit the layout of the workbook.
* PDF versions of the same report are messy or poorly structured.
* You are consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets into a single model.

If you only have PDFs, use the PDF import. If you have neat, tabular data with a simple structure, CSV import may be even simpler than Excel.

***

## Supported Excel formats

Model Reef supports:

* `.xlsx` workbooks.
* `.xls` files in many cases, though converting to `.xlsx` is recommended where possible.

Workbooks can contain:

* Multiple sheets.
* Multiple tables per sheet.

You will decide which tables to import during the mapping step.

***

## Uploading the workbook

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Upload the workbook

In the import interface:

* Choose **Import from Excel**.
* Upload one or more Excel workbooks.
* Wait for Model Reef to analyse the sheets and identify candidate tables.

You will see a list of sheets and previewed tables to work with.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Selecting sheets and ranges

For each workbook you can:

* Pick one or more sheets that contain data you want to import.
* Let Model Reef detect table ranges automatically.
* Or manually define ranges if the sheet is complex.

Automatic detection works best for sheets where tables:

* Have clear headers and contiguous data.
* Do not contain large gaps, charts or heavy formatting inside the table.

For messy or multi-purpose sheets, it can be easier to define a named range in Excel and then import just that range.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Mapping columns and rows

Once a table or range is selected, the mapping and cleaning workflow is similar to PDF import:

* Confirm or adjust **date columns** and **frequency**.
* Confirm **units**.
* Clean **row labels** and remove non-data rows.
* Map each row to a **variable type**, **category**, **subcategory** and **branch**.

If the workbook already uses consistent headings and labels, this step is often faster and more accurate than PDF mapping.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Creating variables and Data Library entries

As with PDF import, completing the mapping step causes Model Reef to:

* Create Data Library entries for each imported series.
* Create variables linked to those entries with the chosen type and structure.
* Recalculate model outputs immediately.

You can then adjust timing, drivers and other logic on imported variables as needed.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Updating data from Excel

If you receive updated versions of the same Excel file over time, you have two options:

* **Repeat the import** for the updated ranges and replace or update existing Data Library entries.
* Use a consistent workbook layout and keep mapping templates so that re-import is quick.

For highly recurring data flows, you may later prefer to move to a direct integration or API-based feed where available.

***

{% hint style="info" %}

### Practical tips

* Where you control the workbook, design sheets with clean, simple tables and clear headers for easier import.
* Use one sheet per logical statement or data set if possible.
* Avoid mixing unrelated tables on a single sheet unless necessary.
* Use named ranges in Excel to make targeting specific tables easier.
  {% endhint %}

***

## Related articles

* [Commodity Price Sensitivity](/use-cases/mining-energy-and-natural-resources/commodity-price-sensitivity.md)
* [Build a Cash Waterfall Model](/how-tos/core-modelling/build-a-cash-waterfall-model.md)
* [Actuals Import](/help/xero-integration/actuals-import.md)
* [Viewing Scenario Differences](/syntax/scenario-syntax/viewing-scenario-differences.md)


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