Improved file importing in Google Sheets with tables and linked pivot tables

Ashwani Kumar — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:08:30 +0000

Improved file importing in Google Sheets with tables and linked pivot tables

Google introducing two key improvements in Google Sheets that preserve formatting and linked data when converting files from Microsoft Excel. First, Excel tables will now seamlessly import as Sheets tables. Second, Sheets now fully supports importing Excel pivot tables that are backed by table ranges.

Previously, when converting Excel files, Excel tables did not import as Sheets tables, causing users to miss out on the structural and formatting benefits of tables, and pivot tables linked to tables were replaced with static grids. These updates ensure your data structures remain intact and beautifully formatted upon import. Most importantly, your imported spreadsheets will be ready to use right away, no manual reconstruction needed.

Table with linked pivot table imported into Google Sheets

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for both features.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using tables in Google Sheets or using pivot tables in Google Sheets.

Rollout pace

Table imports

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Linked pivot table imports

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 11, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Docs Editors Help: Use tables in Google Sheets
Google Docs Editors Help: Create & use pivot tables

Google Sheets seamlessly preserves formatting and data integrity when importing Microsoft Excel files containing native tables and linked pivot tables. Announced by Google, this update fixes a long-standing cross-platform friction point for spreadsheet workflows. [1, 2]

The Improvements Breakdown

Seamless Table Conversion: Excel tables automatically convert into native Sheets tables upon import. This preserves structural metadata, header styles, alternating row banding, filter states, and named ranges. [1, 2]
Interactive Pivot Tables: Pivot tables backed by table ranges remain fully operational. Previously, Google Sheets stripped the logic and replaced pivot tables with un-editable, static grids of numbers. Now, the pivot tables stay connected to their source ranges, allowing you to filters rows, shift dimensions, or refresh data seamlessly. [1, 2, 3]

How to Use the Feature

You do not need to change settings or toggle any features. The structural preservation triggers automatically through standard workflows: [2, 3]

Direct Import: Go to File > Import inside Google Sheets and select your .xlsx file.
Drive Conversion: Upload the file directly to Google Drive and open it as a Google Sheet. [2, 4]