While working with CSV files is common in data processing, Excel (XLSX) often provides more advantages when it comes to data sharing, visualization, and large-scale analysis. In this guide, you’ll learn how to convert CSV to Excel in Python, including both single file and batch conversion methods. Whether you're automating reports or preparing data for further analysis, this guide will help you handle the conversion efficiently.
- Why Convert CSV to Excel
- Install Required Python Libraries
- Convert Single CSV to Excel
- Batch Convert CSV to XLSX
- FAQs
Why Convert CSV to Excel?
While CSV files are widely used for data storage and exchange due to their simplicity, they come with several limitations—especially when it comes to formatting, presentation, and usability. Converting CSV to Excel can bring several advantages:
Benefits of Converting CSV to Excel
- Better formatting support: Excel allows rich formatting options like fonts, colors, borders, and cell merging, making your data easier to read and present.
- Multiple worksheets: Unlike CSV files that support only a single sheet, Excel files can store multiple worksheets in one file, which is better for large datasets.
- Built-in formulas and charts: You can apply Excel formulas, pivot tables, and charts to analyze and visualize your data.
- Improved compatibility for business users: Excel is the preferred tool for many non-technical users, making it easier to share and collaborate on data.
Limitations of CSV Files
- No styling or formatting (plain text only)
- Single-sheet structure only
- Encoding issues (e.g., with non-English characters)
- Not ideal for large datasets or advanced reporting If your workflow involves reporting, data analysis, or sharing data with others, converting CSV to Excel is often a more practical and flexible choice.
Install Required Python Libraries
This guide demonstrates how to effortlessly convert CSV to Excel using Spire.XLS for Python. Spire.XLS is a powerful and professional Python Excel library that allows you to read, edit, and convert Excel files (both .xlsx and .xls) without relying on Microsoft Excel. Installing this CSV to Excel converter on your device is simple — just run the following command:
pip install Spire.XLS
Alternatively, you can download the Spire.XLS package manually for custom installation.
How to Convert CSV to Excel in Python: Single File
Now let’s get to the main part — how to convert a single CSV file to Excel using Python. With the help of Spire.XLS, this task becomes incredibly simple. All it takes is three easy steps: create a new workbook, load the CSV file, and save it as an Excel (.xlsx) file. Below is a detailed walkthrough along with a complete code example — let’s take a look!
Steps to convert a single CSV to Excel in Python:
- Create a Workbook instance.
- Load a sample CSV file using Workbook.LoadFromFile() method.
- Save the CSV file as Excel through Workbook.SaveToFile() method.
Below is the Python code to convert a CSV file to Excel. It also ignores parsing errors and automatically adjusts the column widths for better readability.
from spire.xls import *
from spire.xls.common import *
# Create a workbook
workbook = Workbook()
# Load a csv file
workbook.LoadFromFile("/sample csv.csv", ",", 1, 1)
# Set ignore error options
sheet = workbook.Worksheets[0]
sheet.Range["D2:E19"].IgnoreErrorOptions = IgnoreErrorType.NumberAsText
sheet.AllocatedRange.AutoFitColumns()
# Save the document and launch it
workbook.SaveToFile("/CSVToExcel1.xlsx", ExcelVersion.Version2013)
Warm Note: If you're only working with small files or doing some light testing, you can also use the free Spire.XLS. It's a great option for getting started quickly.
How to Batch Convert CSV to XLSX in Python
Another common scenario is when you need to convert multiple CSV files to Excel. Instead of manually replacing the file path and name for each one, there's a much more efficient approach. Simply place all the CSV files in the same folder, then use Python to loop through each file and convert them to Excel using the Workbook.SaveToFile() method. Let’s walk through the detailed steps below!
Steps to batch convert CSVs to Excel files in Python:
- Specify the file paths of input and output folders.
- Loop through all CSV files in the input folder.
- Create an object of Workbook class.
- Load each CSV file from the input folder with Workbook.LoadFromFile() method.
- Save the current CSV as an Excel file through Workbook.SaveToFile() method.
Here's the Python code to batch convert CSV to Excel (.XLSX):
import os
from spire.xls import *
input_folder = r"E:input\New folder"
output_folder = r"output\New folder"
# Loop through each CSV file
for csv_file in os.listdir(input_folder):
if csv_file.endswith(".csv"):
input_path = os.path.join(input_folder, csv_file)
output_name = os.path.splitext(csv_file)[0] + ".xlsx"
output_path = os.path.join(output_folder, output_name)
# Create a Workbook instance and load CSV files
workbook = Workbook()
workbook.LoadFromFile(input_path, ",", 1, 1)
# Save each CSV file as an Excel file
workbook.SaveToFile(output_path, ExcelVersion.Version2013)
The Conclusion
This guide showed you how to convert CSV to Excel in Python with step-by-step instructions and complete code examples. Whether you're working with a single CSV file or multiple files, Spire.XLS makes the process simple, fast, and hassle-free. Need help with more advanced scenarios or other Excel-related tasks? Feel free to contact us anytime!
FAQs about Converting CSV to Excel
Q1: How to convert CSV to Excel in Python without pandas?
A: You can use libraries like Spire.XLS, openpyxl, or xlsxwriter to convert CSV files without relying on pandas. These tools provide simple APIs to load .csv files and export them as xlsx—no Microsoft Excel installation required.
Q2: What is the easiest way to convert multiple CSV files to Excel in Python?
A: Just place all CSV files in one folder, then loop through them in Python and convert each using Workbook.SaveToFile(). This approach is ideal for batch processing. Alternatively, online converters can be a quick fix for occasional use.
Q3: How to auto-adjust column width when converting CSV to Excel in Python?
A: After loading the CSV, call worksheet.autoFitColumns() in Spire.XLS to automatically resize columns based on content before saving the Excel file.
