Read a CSV File in C#

ByChaknith Bin

May 31, 2025

Updated June 22, 2025

When you need to read CSV files in C#, IronXL is an easy answer. You can read a CSV file with commas, or any other delimiter, as seen in the code segments below.

How to Read a CSV File in C#

Download and install the C# CSV reading library
Create a C# or VB project
Add the code example from this page to your project
In the code, specify the path to the CSV, and the output name & file format
Run the C# project to view the document

Reading CSV Files in .NET Applications

Install a C# library for Reading CSV Files (IronXL)
Read CSV files in C#
Specify file format and delimiter

Step 1

1. Install the IronXL Library

Before you can make use of IronXL to read CSV files in MVC or ASP or dotnet core, you need to install it first. Here is a quick walk-through.

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

Figure 1 - IronXL.Excel NuGet Package

Or Download from the Iron Software website, here: https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/excel/packages/IronXL.zip

How to Tutorial

2. Read CSV Files Programmatically

Now for the project!

Add the IronXL Namespace

// This namespace is required to access the IronXL functionalities
using IronXL;

// This namespace is required to access the IronXL functionalities
using IronXL;

' This namespace is required to access the IronXL functionalities
Imports IronXL

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Add code to read a CSV file programmatically with IronXL and C#

// Method to handle the button click event for reading a CSV file
private void button2_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    // Load the CSV file into a WorkBook object, specifying the file path, format, and delimiter
    WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Read_CSV_Ex.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

    // Access the default worksheet within the loaded workbook
    WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

    // Save the workbook as an Excel file with a specified name
    workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx");
}

// Method to handle the button click event for reading a CSV file
private void button2_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    // Load the CSV file into a WorkBook object, specifying the file path, format, and delimiter
    WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Read_CSV_Ex.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

    // Access the default worksheet within the loaded workbook
    WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

    // Save the workbook as an Excel file with a specified name
    workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx");
}

' Method to handle the button click event for reading a CSV file
Private Sub button2_Click(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArgs)
	' Load the CSV file into a WorkBook object, specifying the file path, format, and delimiter
	Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Read_CSV_Ex.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

	' Access the default worksheet within the loaded workbook
	Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

	' Save the workbook as an Excel file with a specified name
	workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx")
End Sub

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Figure 2 - A CSV file opened in Notepad

A Workbook object is created. The LoadCSV method of the Workbook object is then used to specify the name of the CSV file to be read, the format to read it into, and what the delimiter is for the file. In this case, a comma is used as a separator.

A Worksheet object is then created. This is where the contents of the CSV file will be placed. Then the file is saved under a new name and format.

Figure 3 - The CSV file opened in Excel

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 do I install a library for CSV reading in C#?

To install the IronXL library in C#, open Visual Studio, select the Project menu, then Manage NuGet Packages. Search for IronXL.Excel and install it.

Can I read CSV files with delimiters other than commas?

Yes, IronXL allows you to specify any delimiter for reading CSV files, not just commas.

What is the first step to read a CSV file programmatically in C#?

The first step is to download and install the IronXL library for C#.

How do I specify the file format when reading a CSV file?

You can specify the file format by using the WorkBook.LoadCSV method and setting the fileFormat parameter, such as ExcelFileFormat.XLSX.

What namespace is required for accessing library functionalities in C#?

You need to add the 'using IronXL;' namespace to access IronXL functionalities in your C# project.

How can I save a CSV file as another format in C#?

After loading the CSV file into a WorkBook object, you can use the SaveAs method to save it as an Excel file with a specified name.

Where can I find API Reference Documentation for library use in C#?

The IronXL API Reference Documentation is available on the Iron Software website, where you can learn about merging, unmerging, and working with cells in Excel spreadsheets.

What is the purpose of a WorkSheet object in C#?

The WorkSheet object is used to access and manipulate the contents of the CSV file once it is loaded into a WorkBook.

Is it possible to use a CSV reading library in ASP.NET or .NET Core applications?

Yes, IronXL can be used to read CSV files in MVC, ASP.NET, and .NET Core applications after installation.

How do I handle CSV file reading events in a C# application?

You can handle CSV file reading events using methods like button click events, where you specify file paths, formats, and delimiters to load and manipulate the CSV data.

Chaknith Bin

Chat with engineering team now

Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.