CSV File Format: What It Is, When to Use It and Its Limits

What is CSV?

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a plain-text representation of tabular data. Each line normally represents a row, while a delimiter separates fields. Although commas are common, CSV-like files can use other delimiters and quoting rules.

Common uses

• Moving simple tables between applications
• Importing or exporting data from databases and business systems
• Data interchange where human-readable plain text is useful

Advantages

• Simple and portable
• Readable as plain text
• Supported by spreadsheets, databases and programming tools
• Usually much smaller than a formatted workbook

Limitations

• No native workbook, formatting or chart structure
• Multiple sheets cannot be represented as a normal CSV workbook
• Delimiter, quoting and character-encoding choices can cause import problems
• Formula and cell-style information is not part of ordinary CSV data

Compatible software

CSV can be opened by spreadsheet applications, text editors, databases and programming libraries. Import settings may be needed for delimiter or encoding differences.

When should you use it?

Choose CSV for simple tabular data exchange and system imports.

Consider another format: Use XLSX when you need formulas, formatting, charts or multiple worksheets.