Excel to MATLAB Converter

Excel to MATLAB Converter

This online Excel to MATLAB converter transforms spreadsheet data into ready‑to‑use MATLAB code. It automatically generates numeric matrices or cell arrays, plus an optional headers vector for column names, so you can drop the result straight into your scripts or functions.

Key Features & Benefits

• Direct Excel import: Upload .xlsx or .xls files and convert the first worksheet into MATLAB data structures.
• Automatic type detection: If all cells are numeric, the tool outputs a standard MATLAB matrix. Mixed types are exported as a flexible cell array.
• Header support: When your first row contains labels, the converter builds a headers array with sanitized field names you can use in your code.
• Clean, documented code: Each export includes comments indicating the source Excel file and generation time, ideal for research and reproducibility.
• Local processing: Data never leaves your browser, making it safe for confidential experiments and business spreadsheets.

How to Convert Excel to MATLAB

1. Prepare your spreadsheet: Place the table you want to convert on the first sheet. Use one row per observation and one column per variable.
2. Upload your Excel file: Click the upload area or drag and drop your .xlsx or .xls file into the tool.
3. Toggle header detection: If the first row contains labels like Time, Voltage, or SubjectID, keep “First row is header” checked. Otherwise, uncheck it.
4. Review the generated MATLAB code: The right‑hand panel shows MATLAB code that declares data and, when applicable, headers.
5. Copy or download: Use the Copy button to copy the code into your script, or Download to save a .m file you can open directly in MATLAB.

Example: Numeric Matrix Export

Imagine an Excel sheet with numeric data only:

• Row 1 (header): Time | Temperature
• Row 2: 0 | 20.1
• Row 3: 1 | 21.3
• Row 4: 2 | 22.0

The converter will output something like:

%% Converted from experiment.xlsx
%% Generated on 2025-01-01T12:00:00Z

data = [
 0 20.1;
 1 21.3;
 2 22.0
];

%% Headers
headers = {'Time', 'Temperature'};

You can now access the first column as data(:,1) and second column as data(:,2), while using headers to keep track of variable names.

Example: Mixed Data as Cell Array

For mixed text and numeric data:

• Row 1: Subject | Age | Group
• Row 2: S01 | 29 | Control
• Row 3: S02 | 34 | Treatment

The tool generates a MATLAB cell array:

data = {
 'S01' 29 'Control';
 'S02' 34 'Treatment'
};

headers = {'Subject', 'Age', 'Group'};

This format is ideal when you need to keep labels and categories alongside numeric values.

Typical Use Cases

• Data import for analysis: Quickly move measurement data from Excel into MATLAB for plotting, statistics, and modeling.
• Signal processing and simulations: Load time series, sensor logs, or simulation inputs maintained by non‑technical teammates in spreadsheets.
• Research reproducibility: Attach the generated MATLAB code to papers, lab notebooks, or repositories so others can recreate your analysis.
• Teaching and coursework: Give students Excel templates and let them convert them into MATLAB matrices in seconds.

Privacy & Security

All Excel to MATLAB conversion runs entirely in your browser. The Excel file is read locally via JavaScript and is never uploaded to any server. This is especially important for confidential research, patient data, or proprietary business spreadsheets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Excel formats can I upload?

The tool accepts both .xlsx and .xls files. If the file type doesn't match a standard Excel workbook, you'll see a validation error.

How does the converter decide between matrix and cell array?

If every cell in your data range is numeric, the tool exports a numeric matrix. If there is any text or mixed content, it exports a cell array so all values are preserved.

What does the "First row is header" option do?

When enabled, the first row is used to build a headers array and is excluded from the data matrix/cell array. When disabled, all rows are treated as pure data with no separate headers.

Can I edit the generated MATLAB code?

Yes. After copying the code into MATLAB or your editor, you can rename variables, split the data into separate matrices, or integrate it into larger scripts and functions.

Is any of my spreadsheet data stored on your servers?

No. The converter is client‑side only. Your Excel file is handled entirely within your browser session, and we do not transmit or store its contents.