Excel integration in Power BI offers users a range of options to analyze data efficiently while continuing to leverage the tools they already use. Whether you’re importing Power Pivot models, connecting Excel files as live data sources, or using Excel Online within the Power BI service, this guide covers all the key methods.
In this tutorial, we walk you through the most effective ways to connect Excel and Power BI based on your workflow and business needs.
1. Importing Power Pivot and Power Query Models
If your Excel workbook contains Power Pivot or Power Query models, you can import them directly into Power BI Desktop:
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Go to File > Import > Power Query, Power Pivot, Power View.
- Select your Excel file.
Power BI will extract Power Query steps and the Power Pivot model, creating a new dataset. Once imported, this dataset is disconnected from the Excel file. Any updates must now be handled in Power BI directly.
Use this method if you want to move away from Excel and manage your data models entirely in Power BI.
2. Connecting Excel as a Live Data Source
To maintain a live connection to your Excel data:
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Select Get Data > Excel Workbook.
- Load or transform your data using Power Query.
- Import it into the Power BI model.
This method supports ongoing changes in your Excel file. If your file is saved on OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online, it will automatically stay synced. On-premises files require a gateway for scheduled refreshes.
This option is ideal if you want to continue maintaining your data in Excel but visualize and analyze it using Power BI. 
3. Publishing Excel Workbooks to Power BI Service
You can publish Excel files directly to the Power BI Service using two approaches:
Option 1: Upload the Workbook
- In Excel, go to File > Publish > Upload to Power BI.
- This opens the file in Excel Online within Power BI.
- Suitable for teams who want to use Excel inside the Power BI interface.
Note: Files from OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online can only publish to My Workspace.
Option 2: Export Workbook Data as a Dataset
- Choose Export workbook data to Power BI.
- This creates a Power BI dataset from the Excel file.
- The Excel file itself is no longer needed by Power BI after the export.
Choose this when you’re ready to convert static Excel content into interactive Power BI reports.
4. Uploading Excel Files Through Power BI Service
Alternatively, upload Excel workbooks directly in Power BI:
- Go to the Power BI Service.
- Click Upload > Excel File.
- Choose between Import (creates a dataset) or Upload (opens in Excel Online).
Power BI handles Power Pivot models by converting them into datasets. Files with worksheets only are opened in Excel Online.
If your workbook includes both worksheets and Power Pivot models, Excel Online may fail to open it. Use the import method in those cases.
5. Analyzing Power BI Datasets in Excel
Even after you’ve moved your data into Power BI, you can still work with it in Excel:
- In Power BI, select Analyze in Excel.
- This generates an Excel file connected to your dataset.
- Use PivotTables and slicers to explore data from Power BI directly in Excel.
You can also use Get Data > From Power BI datasets in Excel to connect manually.
This approach provides a full circle experience, allowing users who prefer Excel to tap into the centralized Power BI datasets.
Summary: Excel Integration in Power BI Options
| Scenario | Integration Method | Excel Link | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Pivot or Query in Excel | Import to Power BI Desktop | No | Fully move to Power BI |
| Standard Excel Tables | Get Data in Power BI Desktop | Yes | Keep Excel as source |
| Publish from Excel | Upload or Export | Varies | Excel in the cloud |
| Use Power BI data in Excel | Analyze in Excel | Yes | Excel-based data analysis |
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