How to Keep Leading Zeros in Excel CSV Import

In this video I demonstrate how to successfully import CSV data where values contain leading zeros. By default leading zeros are omitted from the import unless the values are recognised as text.

Firstly, I show you how to import the CSV file using Power Query then secondly using the Text Import Wizard which is available in older versions of Excel.

This video will be useful if you have the following queries:

How do I stop Excel from dropping the leading zeros?
How do I keep text format in CSV?
How to preserve leading zeros in Excel CSV import?
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[bahmansalman]

Thank you so much. You explained clearly

[vineetharamesh]

Thank you so much. I was checking with many other videos.But you explained clearly

[bridgeroadmarketing]

This method does not work after save. When you reopen the document in excel the leading zeros are gone.

[kateleighhobbs]

Thank you! How do you keep the leading zeros when you save to upload?

[r_c]

I was able to convert it but then when i go to save as .csv the leading zeros are all gone again... Is there no way to save the file with leading zeros saved?

[salvadorepozzi]

Thank You! I've been struggling with this for years

[vishaltiware]

This worked, Thank you man, your smile is cute ❤😊

[kembunheang]

Really appreciate sir. This is the exact information that I need.

[praveenpatil]

Millions of thanks man to you. Great job🙏

[michellemathey]

Thanks - Exactly the information that I needed!

[edgeacution]

I click text, it does not prompt replace current

[ahmadsaleem]

Hi Chester,
Really a good video. Can you tell me which tool did you use for recording and editing the video

[jamster]

What if we want to keeo ending 0 for example 72.20

It keeps removing the ending 0

[mania]

@Chester Tugwell Hi, how can we keep + for country codes?

[renevandenbrink]

What if my column has text and numbers and I only need 1 number that starts with a 0 ?

[HonestlyNowReal]

Why must Excel "help" us against our will??? I mean, Excel could simply open the CSV file and load it as is - as text! Then, if someone wants to cast a column as numeric data of some kind, fine. But as found in a CSV, it IS text! Please pass my rant on to your contacts at Microsoft, so they can do as I ask! ;-)