using IronXL; using System; using System.Linq; // Supported for XLSX, XLS, XLSM, XLTX, CSV and TSV WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("sample.xlsx"); // Select worksheet at index 0 WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets[0]; // Get any existing worksheet WorkSheet firstSheet = workBook.DefaultWorkSheet; // Select a cell and return the converted value int cellValue = workSheet["A2"].IntValue; // Read from ranges of cells elegantly. foreach (var cell in workSheet["A2:A10"]) { Console.WriteLine("Cell {0} has value '{1}'", cell.AddressString, cell.Text); } // Calculate aggregate values such as Min, Max and Sum decimal sum = workSheet["A2:A10"].Sum(); // Linq compatible decimal max = workSheet["A2:A10"].Max(c => c.DecimalValue);

USING IRONXL

How to Use a CSV Parser in C#

Q: How do I export an Excel file to CSV in C#?

To export an Excel file to CSV in C#, you can use IronXL's SaveAs method. This method allows you to save each sheet of an Excel workbook as a separate CSV file.

Regan Pun

Updated:July 28, 2025

It's simple to create a CSV parser. With only two lines of code you can load a CSV document, convert and export it to Excel.

[c# csv parser] Please help check correctness of this article if the code example is accurate. The article is old.
How to use CSV Parser in C#

How to use CSV Parser in C#

Install C# library to parse CSV file
Use Load method to parse various file formats including CSV
Inspect and modify the data in C#
Export the data into a new CSV file
Each Excel sheet will be exported into a separate CSV file

Create CSV Parser for .NET

Download IronXL Free
Create an Excel C# Project
Load your CSV file into Excel
Parse and export the file

Step 1

1. Download IronXL

Before I show you how to create a CSV parser, we'll first install IronXL to your project (free in development and debugging environment).

You can download directly from the Iron Software website by using the following link: https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/excel/docs/

In Visual Studio select the Project menu
Click Manage NuGet Packages
Search for IronXL.Excel
Click Install

Alternatively, you can also use the Developer Command Prompt:

dotnet add package IronXL.Excel

Figure 1 - IronXL.Excel NuGet Package

How to Tutorial

2. Create a New Project

After you have installed IronXL, create a new C# project and add the IronXL namespace to access its functionality:

using IronXL;

using IronXL;

Imports IronXL

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3. Load an Excel into CSV File

The following code uses the WorkBook object’s Load method to load a CSV file into Excel. This file is then parsed. Lastly, it uses the SaveAs method to save the file in the CSV format.

private void button4_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    // Import various Excel file formats, such as XLSX, XLS, XLSM, XLTX, and CSV
    WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("Normal_Excel_File.xlsx");

    // Export the loaded workbook to a CSV file named Parsed_CSV.csv
    workBook.SaveAs("Parsed_CSV.csv");
}

private void button4_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    // Import various Excel file formats, such as XLSX, XLS, XLSM, XLTX, and CSV
    WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("Normal_Excel_File.xlsx");

    // Export the loaded workbook to a CSV file named Parsed_CSV.csv
    workBook.SaveAs("Parsed_CSV.csv");
}

Private Sub button4_Click(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArgs)
	' Import various Excel file formats, such as XLSX, XLS, XLSM, XLTX, and CSV
	Dim workBook As WorkBook = WorkBook.Load("Normal_Excel_File.xlsx")

	' Export the loaded workbook to a CSV file named Parsed_CSV.csv
	workBook.SaveAs("Parsed_CSV.csv")
End Sub

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Don’t forget to create an Excel Workbook named Normal_Excel_File.xlsx containing the following data:

Figure 2 - Excel data to be converted to CSV

4. Export the Parsed CSV

Interestingly, the exported CSV file will be saved as Parsed_CSV.Sheet1.csv because the data is on Sheet1 inside of the Excel Workbook. Below is what the file would look like in File Explorer when selected.

Figure 3 - Parsed_CSV.Sheet1.csv in File Explorer

Library Quick Access

IronXL API Reference Documentation

Learn more and share how to merge, unmerge, and work with cells in Excel spreadsheets using the handy IronXL API Reference Documentation.

IronXL API Reference Documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I parse a CSV file in C# without using Interop?

You can parse a CSV file in C# without using Interop by utilizing the IronXL library. Simply use the WorkBook.Load method to load the CSV file and then handle the data within your application.

What are the benefits of using IronXL for CSV parsing in C#?

IronXL simplifies the process of CSV parsing by allowing you to work with Excel files directly in C#. It eliminates the need for complex Interop code and provides straightforward methods like Load and SaveAs for importing and exporting data.

How do I export an Excel file to CSV in C#?

To export an Excel file to CSV in C#, you can use IronXL's SaveAs method. This method allows you to save each sheet of an Excel workbook as a separate CSV file.

What is the process to install the IronXL library in a C# project?

You can install the IronXL library in your C# project through the NuGet Package Manager in Visual Studio by searching for 'IronXL.Excel' or using the command dotnet add package IronXL.Excel in the Developer Command Prompt.

Can I work with multiple Excel file formats using IronXL?

Yes, IronXL supports multiple Excel file formats including XLSX, XLS, XLSM, XLTX, and CSV, allowing you to load and manipulate these files seamlessly in C#.

Is there a free version of IronXL available for developers?

IronXL offers a free version that developers can use in development and debugging environments, enabling them to test the library's functionality before purchasing a full license.

Where can I access the IronXL API Reference Documentation?

The IronXL API Reference Documentation is available on Iron Software's website, providing detailed information and guidance on utilizing the library's comprehensive features.

How does IronXL handle multiple worksheets when converting Excel to CSV?

When converting an Excel workbook with multiple worksheets to CSV, IronXL will save each worksheet as a separate CSV file using the SaveAs method.

Is it possible to parse and manipulate CSV data with minimal code in C#?

Yes, using IronXL, you can parse and manipulate CSV data with minimal code. The library simplifies the process with methods like Load and SaveAs, enabling efficient data handling in just a few lines of code.

Regan Pun

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Software Engineer

Regan graduated from the University of Reading, with a BA in Electronic Engineering. Before joining Iron Software, his previous job roles had him laser-focused on single tasks; and what he most enjoys at Iron Software is the spectrum of work he gets to undertake, whether it’s adding value to ...Read More