How to unpivot wide excel sales data to long format for power bi import
- Step 1Open your wide-format Excel file — Identify the ID columns (e.g. Region, Product) and the value columns (e.g. 2021, 2022, 2023).
- Step 2Configure ID and value columns — Enter ID column names as comma-separated list. Enter value column names (the year columns).
- Step 3Import long-format output into Power BI — Download the unpivoted file. In Power BI, Get Data → Excel. The Year column is now date-filterable.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I just unpivot in Power Query?+
You can — but Power Query requires a Power BI or Excel desktop install, plus knowledge of the UI. This tool runs in any browser with no install.
What should I name the variable column?+
Name it to match your Power BI date field — for example 'Year' or 'Period'. Power BI will recognise it for date intelligence if formatted correctly.
Does it handle monthly columns (Jan, Feb, ..., Dec) too?+
Yes. Any set of value columns can be unpivoted into rows. Month names as column headers become values in the variable column.
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Every JAD Excel tool runs entirely in your browser using SheetJS and ExcelJS. Your spreadsheets, formulas, and data never leave your device — verified by zero outbound network requests during processing.