How to Import Data from Webpages into Google Sheets

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to import data from webpages into Google Sheets using the IMPORTHTML function. This method allows you to quickly bring in tables and lists from the web, customize your data import, and apply filters for more specific results. This tutorial is particularly useful for anyone looking to analyze data from online sources or maintain a live dataset in Google Sheets.

Step 1: Import a Table from a Webpage into Google Sheets

To start importing a table, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Sheets.

2. Choose the cell where you want to import the data.

3. Use the IMPORTHTML function with the following syntax:

   =IMPORTHTML("URL", "query", index)
   

   • Replace "URL" with the actual web address of the page (e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_Netflix_original_films).
   • Set "query" to "table" to specify you want to import a table.
   • Set index to the number of the table on the webpage (e.g., 1 for the first table).

4. Example formula:

   =IMPORTHTML("https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_Netflix_original_films", "table", 1)
   

Step 2: Import a List from a Webpage into Google Sheets

To import a list instead of a table:

1. Follow the same steps as in Step 1.

2. Change the query from "table" to "list".

3. Use the following syntax:

   =IMPORTHTML("URL", "list", index)
   

4. Example formula:

   =IMPORTHTML("https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_Netflix_original_films", "list", 1)
   

Step 3: Limit Columns from the Imported Table

If you want to limit the number of columns you import:

1. Wrap the IMPORTHTML function within the QUERY function.

2. Use the following syntax:

   =QUERY(IMPORTHTML("URL", "table", index), "SELECT Col1, Col2")
   

   • Replace Col1, Col2 with the columns you want to keep.

3. Example formula:

   =QUERY(IMPORTHTML("https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_Netflix_original_films", "table", 1), "SELECT Col1, Col3")
   

Step 4: Filter Data from the Imported Table

To filter the imported data further:

1. Continue using the QUERY function and specify conditions in your query.

2. For example, if you want to filter rows where a specific column meets a condition:

   =QUERY(IMPORTHTML("URL", "table", index), "SELECT * WHERE Col2 > 2020")
   

3. Example formula to show only films released after 2020:

   =QUERY(IMPORTHTML("https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_Netflix_original_films", "table", 1), "SELECT * WHERE Col2 > 2020")
   

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered how to import tables and lists from webpages into Google Sheets using the IMPORTHTML function, along with how to limit and filter the imported data using the QUERY function. This powerful combination allows you to create dynamic and customized datasets from online sources.

Next steps could include exploring more complex queries or integrating other Google Sheets functions to enhance your data analysis capabilities.