How to Import Excel or Google Sheets Data into an Existing Notion Database

How to import Excel or Google Sheets into existing Notion database
Import Google Sheet or Excel Data into Notion

Notion is a powerful tool for organizing and managing information, and importing data from Excel or Google Sheets can help you streamline your workflow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to successfully import data into an existing Notion database using the “Merge with CSV” feature.

🔍 Key Considerations Before Importing

Before you begin the import process, keep the following points in mind:

1. Database Relationships

If your Notion database includes relationships (e.g., Payments linked to Rentals or Customers linked to Projects), make sure your CSV data matches the corresponding values. Import related data in a logical order—Customers first, then Rentals, and so on.

2. Select and Multi-Select Fields

Notion requires exact matches for Select and Multi-Select field values. If the values in your CSV don’t align with the existing options, the field will remain empty.

Example:

Select and MultiSelect Notion Field values

3. Headers and Field Names

The first row of your CSV file should contain column headers that exactly match the field names in your Notion database. Any small mismatches can cause issues during the import process.

First row header excel google sheet

4. Common Issues

  • Ensure your CSV file is well-structured with correct column names.

  • Large files may fail to upload.

  • Notion does not support importing complex fields like images directly.

5. Database Templates

Imported records do not automatically apply database templates. You’ll need to manually assign templates after the import.

6. Importing Images

If you are importing images using URLs, ensure the URLs include file extensions (e.g., .jpg, .png). This helps Notion display images correctly.

URL and extension images

7. Post-Import Adjustments

After importing, check for mismatches, verify relationships, and apply templates as needed.

 

📌 Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Inventory Data to the "Equipment" Database in Equipment Rental Management

For this example, we’ll demonstrate how to import inventory data into the Equipment database of an Equipment Rental Management system. However, these same steps can be applied to import data into other databases or templates in Notion, as long as you follow the considerations outlined earlier in this guide.

Step 1: Prepare Your Excel or Google Sheets File

  • Organize your data with headers that match your Notion database fields.

  • Include image URLs with correct file extensions (if applicable).

Example:

Excel or Google Sheet Data

Step 2: Open Notion

Navigate to your Notion workspace and open the Equipment database.

Step 3: Click the Three Dots Menu

In the top-right corner of the database, click the three dots (…) to open the options menu, then select “Merge with CSV.”

Merge with CSV Notion

Step 4: Upload Your File

Select the CSV or Excel file to import.

Step 5: Confirm the Import

Once confirmed, your data will populate the database.

Step 6: Review and Adjust

  • Verify that all data has been imported correctly.

  • Apply templates to the imported records manually.

  • Check and fix any mismatches in relationships or field values.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you can seamlessly import your Excel or Google Sheets data into an existing Notion database. If you have a separate Notion account for testing, consider making a copy of your template and testing the import before applying it to your main database. Happy organizing!

 

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