How to Convert JSON to CSV for Excel (With Example)

APIs and modern applications usually return data in JSON format, but tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets work much better with CSV files.

If you’ve ever tried opening raw JSON inside Excel…
you already know what happens.

You get one giant unreadable cell 😅

This guide shows exactly how to convert JSON into a clean spreadsheet — with a working example.

What is JSON and CSV?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

JSON is a structured data format used by APIs and web applications to exchange data.

Developers love it because:

• It supports nested data

• It’s readable in code

• Works perfectly for web apps

But spreadsheets don’t understand nested structures.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

CSV is a flat tabular format supported by:

• Microsoft Excel

• Google Sheets

• Airtable

• Data analysis tools

Each line = a row
Each comma = a column

Which makes it perfect for spreadsheets.

Example JSON Data

Here is a simple API-style JSON response:

[
  {
    "id": 1,
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "john@example.com",
    "skills": ["JavaScript","React"]
  },
  {
    "id": 2,
    "name": "Jane Smith",
    "email": "jane@example.com",
    "skills": ["Java","Spring"]
  }
]

Try opening that in Excel and you’ll see the problem immediately.

Converted CSV Output

After conversion, the same data becomes:

id,name,email,skills
1,John Doe,john@example.com,"JavaScript|React"
2,Jane Smith,jane@example.com,"Java|Spring"

Now Excel instantly understands it.

Columns are separated

Rows are clean

Data is usable

Why Excel Cannot Read JSON Properly

JSON supports:

• nested objects

• arrays

• hierarchical structures

Excel only supports:

• rows

• columns

• flat tables

So before importing into Excel, JSON must be flattened → that’s exactly what converting to CSV does.

Ways to Convert JSON to CSV

There are three main approaches:

1) Writing a Script (Flexible but Time-Consuming)

You can write a script in Python or JavaScript.

Example (JavaScript / Node.js):

const fs = require("fs");

const data = JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync("data.json"));

let csv = "id,name,email,skills\n";

data.forEach(user => {
  csv += `\({user.id},\){user.name},\({user.email},"\){user.skills.join("|")}"\n`;
});

fs.writeFileSync("output.csv", csv);

Best for:

• automation

• pipelines

• developers

Not ideal if you just need a quick conversion.

2) Excel Power Query (Powerful but Complex)

Excel actually can import JSON using Power Query:

Excel → Data → Get Data → From File → From JSON

The issue:

You must manually expand nested arrays and objects.

Good for analysts.

Confusing for most users.

3) Using an Online Tool (Fastest & Easiest)

The simplest method is a browser-based converter.

You can use this free tool:

https://alljsontools.com/json-to-csv?ref=hashnode

Steps:

1. Paste JSON

2. Click Convert

3. Download CSV

4. Open in Excel

Takes about 5 seconds.

Why Client-Side Tools Matter

Some datasets contain:

• customer lists

• API exports

• internal analytics

A client-side converter processes data inside your browser — not on a server.

That means:

• no uploads

• no storage

• better privacy

• safer for sensitive data

When You’ll Need This

This conversion is commonly required when:

• Exporting API data to Excel

• Preparing CRM imports

• Analyzing logs

• Creating reports

• Handling webhook data

• Working with no-code tools (Zapier, Make, Airtable)

Basically:

Developers produce JSON. Businesses use spreadsheets.

You’re bridging the gap.

Final Thoughts

JSON is perfect for applications.

CSV is perfect for humans.

Whenever you need to analyze, share, or report data in Excel — converting JSON to CSV is the simplest step that makes the data usable.

Instead of manually cleaning raw API responses, a quick conversion turns unreadable code into an organized spreadsheet in seconds.

(Optional Tip)

If you frequently work with APIs, bookmark a converter.

You’ll end up using it far more often than expected.