Import CSV into SPSS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Need to analyze data in SPSS but your data's trapped in a CSV file? This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to import your CSV data into SPSS quickly and efficiently. We'll walk you through the entire process, from opening SPSS to verifying your data is correctly imported. No prior SPSS experience is needed – let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open SPSS and the Import Dialog

    • Open SPSS software.
    • Go to 'File' and then click 'Open'.
    • Select 'Data' under the 'Open' menu.
    Select 'Data' under the 'Open' menu. Select 'Data' under the 'Open' menu. Select 'Data' under the 'Open' menu.
    Open SPSS and the Import Dialog

  2. Select CSV File

    • Choose 'CSV' from the file type dropdown menu.
    • Locate and select your CSV file.
    • Click 'Open'.
    Click 'Open'. Click 'Open'. Click 'Open'.
    Select CSV File

  3. Configure Text Import Wizard

    • In the 'Text Import Wizard', select 'No' if your file doesn't match a predefined format.
    • Choose 'Delimited' to indicate variables are separated by characters.
    • Select 'Yes' if your file includes variable names in the first row.
    • Choose 'Each line represents a case'.
    Choose 'Each line represents a case'. Choose 'Each line represents a case'. Choose 'Each line represents a case'. Choose 'Each line represents a case'.
    Configure Text Import Wizard

  4. Review and Finish Import

    • Review the delimiters (usually commas) and confirm the data preview is correct.
    • Click 'Next' until you reach the final screen, then click 'Finish'.
    Click 'Next' until you reach the final screen, then click 'Finish'. Click 'Next' until you reach the final screen, then click 'Finish'.
    Review and Finish Import
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Tips

  • Ensure your CSV file is properly formatted with consistent delimiters (usually commas).
  • Double-check that the variable names are correctly identified in the import wizard.
  • Verify the data preview to ensure your data is correctly imported into the respective columns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect File Encoding

Reason: SPSS might not recognize the character encoding of your CSV file (e.g., UTF-8, Latin-1), leading to garbled or missing data.
Solution: Specify the correct encoding during the import process in SPSS's 'Read Text Data' wizard.

2. Missing or Inconsistent Delimiters

Reason: If your CSV file uses a delimiter other than a comma (e.g., semicolon, tab), or if the delimiter is inconsistently used, SPSS might misinterpret the data columns.
Solution: Carefully check your CSV file for the delimiter and correctly specify it in SPSS's import options.

3. Incorrect Variable Types

Reason: SPSS might automatically assign the wrong variable type (e.g., numeric, string) to a column, causing errors in analysis.
Solution: After importing, manually check and adjust the variable types in SPSS's Variable View.

FAQs

What if my CSV file has a different delimiter than a comma?
SPSS allows you to specify the delimiter during the import process. Look for options to change the delimiter to a semicolon (;), tab ( ), or other character used in your file.
My data isn't showing up correctly after import. What should I do?
Double-check your CSV file for any inconsistencies, like extra spaces or unexpected characters. Also, verify that you've selected the correct variable types (e.g., numeric, string) during the import process in SPSS. Incorrectly identifying the variable type may lead to unexpected results.
How do I handle missing data in my CSV file?
SPSS often represents missing data as blanks or specific characters (e.g., '.' or '?'). During the import process, SPSS might automatically recognize and handle these. If not, you may need to define missing values in SPSS after the import using the 'Variable View' to ensure accurate analysis.