Exporting Excel to Word Made Easy
If you need to transfer data from an Excel spreadsheet to a Word document, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. You can do it quickly and efficiently by copying the range of cells you want from Excel and pasting them into Word. Follow the steps below to make your data look professional and organized.
How to Export Excel to Word
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to export data from an Excel spreadsheet to a Word document. Follow these steps, and by the end, you’ll have your data neatly transferred.
Step 1: Open Excel and Word
First, open both your Excel spreadsheet and the Word document where you want to transfer the data.
Having both programs open simultaneously will make it easier to switch back and forth and ensure that everything gets copied over accurately.
Step 2: Select the Data in Excel
In Excel, click and drag to highlight the range of cells you want to export to Word.
Make sure you’re selecting all the necessary data. If your selection includes headings or formatted cells, those will carry over to Word as well.
Step 3: Copy the Selected Data
Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy the selected data.
When you copy the data, Excel stores it on your clipboard, ready to be pasted into another program.
Step 4: Paste the Data into Word
Switch to your Word document and place your cursor where you want the data to go. Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste.
Your data should now appear in Word, maintaining most of its original formatting from Excel.
Step 5: Adjust the Formatting in Word
If necessary, adjust the formatting of the pasted data in Word to match the rest of your document.
You might need to tweak the table’s size, font, or alignment to make everything look just right.
Once you complete these steps, your Excel data will be transferred into Word, ready for any further editing or formatting you need to do.
Tips for Exporting Excel to Word
- Check Your Data: Ensure all necessary data is selected in Excel before copying.
- Preserve Formatting: Use the “Keep Source Formatting” option when pasting if you want to maintain the original look from Excel.
- Table Layout: Adjust the table layout in Word for better readability.
- Use Paste Special: For more control over how your data appears, use the “Paste Special” option in Word.
- Update Links: You can link to the original Excel file from Word, allowing your data to update automatically if it changes in Excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the Excel formatting when pasting into Word?
You can use the "Keep Source Formatting" option when pasting to maintain the original style from Excel.
Can I export charts from Excel to Word?
Yes, highlight the chart in Excel, copy it, and paste it into Word just like you would with data.
What if my table looks weird in Word?
Adjust the table’s layout and style in Word to improve its appearance. You can resize columns and rows as needed.
How do I update the pasted data if it changes in Excel?
Use the "Paste Link" option to create a link to the original Excel file. This way, any changes in Excel will reflect in Word.
Can I export multiple ranges from Excel to Word?
Yes, but you must copy and paste each range individually. Be sure to place your cursor correctly in Word before pasting each one.
Summary
- Open Excel and Word.
- Select the data in Excel.
- Copy the selected data.
- Paste the data into Word.
- Adjust the formatting in Word.
Conclusion
Exporting Excel to Word is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort when you need to present data neatly. Following the steps and tips provided will help ensure your data transfers accurately and looks professional.
Remember, the key is to start with clean, well-organized data in Excel and take the time to adjust formatting in Word as needed. Each step, from opening your documents to tweaking the final layout, is important for a polished result. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the "Paste Special" options in Word to get the exact look you want.
Ready to give it a try? Open your Excel and Word documents and start exporting your data today. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.