What is IronXL used for in C#?

IronXL is used to read and manipulate CSV and Excel files in C#. It allows for efficient reading of CSV files line by line and converting them into Excel formats without the need for additional interop.

How can I read a CSV file line by line using IronXL?

To read a CSV file line by line using IronXL, you need to install the IronXL library and use the `LoadCSV` method with appropriate file format and delimiters in your C# project.

Can IronXL convert CSV data into a database format?

Yes, IronXL can convert CSV data into a database format using the `ToDataTable` method, which allows CSV contents to be stored in a data table structure.

What method in IronXL is used to export CSV data to an Excel file?

The `SaveAs` method in IronXL is used to export CSV data that has been converted to Excel, allowing it to be saved as an Excel file.

Does IronXL require Interop to read or convert CSV files?

No, IronXL does not require Interop to read or convert CSV files. It functions completely independently, making it easy and efficient to use.

How does IronXL handle custom delimiters in CSV files?

IronXL handles custom delimiters in CSV files using an optional parameter in the `LoadCSV` method, aiding in accurate parsing and loading of CSV contents.

What additional features does IronXL offer for Excel manipulation?

IronXL offers a range of features for Excel manipulation including converting formats, data formatting, merging cells, applying formulas, and integrating charts and images.

How can you iterate through CSV file data using IronXL?

You can iterate through CSV file data using IronXL by loading the data into a worksheet and then iterating through each row using a `foreach` loop in C#.

Is there a way to update Excel cell formulas using IronXL?

Yes, IronXL allows updating Excel cell formulas using worksheet cell references and the `Formula` property, followed by recalculating with `EvaluateAll`.

What does IronXL offer in terms of licensing and support?

IronXL offers licensing options starting at $liteLicense, which include one year of free support and updates. Trial licenses allow evaluation without watermarks.

The C# Excel Library

Explore IronXL Excel Spreadsheet Library for C# .NET Start Free Trial

Read Excel Files without Interop

See All Code Examples

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;
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);

PM >Install-Package IronXL.Excel

Install-Package IronXL.Excel

USING IRONXL

Read CSV File Using C# (Code Example Tutorial)

Curtis Chau

Updated: August 1, 2026

This tutorial demonstrates how to read a CSV file using the IronXL C# library without installing additional interop, in a highly efficient and effective manner.

How to Read CSV File Line By Line in C#

Install C# library to read CSV file line by line
Utilize advanced LoadCSV method to read CSV file
Catch loading a nonexistent file with Exists method in C#
Convert CSV data into database with ToDataTable method
Use SaveAs method to export Excel file, while CSV data converted to Excel automatically

How to read CSV Files in C#

You must first install IronXL before using it to read CSV files in MVC, ASP.NET, or .NET Core. Here's a basic rundown of the process.

Select the Project menu in Visual Studio, Manage NuGet Packages, and Search for IronXL.Excel, and Install.

Read CSV File Using C# (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 1: Install the IronXL package in the NuGet Package Manager Install the IronXL package in the NuGet Package Manager

IronXL is a great tool to use when you need to read CSV files in C#. The code example below shows that you can read a CSV file using commas or another delimiter.

// Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

// Get the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx");

// Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

// Get the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx");

' Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

' Get the default worksheet from the workbook
Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

' Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx")

' Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

' Get the default worksheet from the workbook
Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

' Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("Csv_To_Excel.xlsx")

Read CSV File Using C# (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 2: CSV data for this tutorial CSV data for this tutorial

The object WorkBook is created. The WorkBook object's LoadCSV method is then used to indicate the name of the CSV file, its format, and the delimiters used in the CSV file being read, which are stored as a string array. Commas are utilized as delimiters in this scenario.

After that, a WorkSheet object is created; this is where the CSV file contents will be stored. The file is then renamed and stored in a new format. The CSV file data is then arranged in the worksheet in a tabular form. The output will look something like this:

Read CSV File Using C# (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 3: Data converted into Excel file Data converted into Excel file

CSV parsing in C# .NET

CSVs have several issues with how line breaks are handled in fields, and how fields might be enclosed in quotes, which prevents a simple string-split technique from working Split("'"). Instead, IronXL offers to customize delimiter using optional parameter from LoadCSV method, check the API documentation of LoadCSV for more details.

C# Records - Reading CSV Data

In the example below, the foreach loop is used to iterate over the rows in the CSV file, and the Console is used to write the data in a record.

// Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

// Get the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Convert the worksheet data into a DataTable
DataTable dt = ws.ToDataTable(true); // The argument true indicates the first row is header

// Iterate through each row in the DataTable
foreach (DataRow row in dt.Rows)
{
    // Iterate through each column in the current row
    for (int i = 0; i < dt.Columns.Count; i++)
    {
        // Output each cell value to the console
        Console.Write(row[i] + "  ");
    }
    // New line after each row
    Console.WriteLine();
}

// Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

// Get the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Convert the worksheet data into a DataTable
DataTable dt = ws.ToDataTable(true); // The argument true indicates the first row is header

// Iterate through each row in the DataTable
foreach (DataRow row in dt.Rows)
{
    // Iterate through each column in the current row
    for (int i = 0; i < dt.Columns.Count; i++)
    {
        // Output each cell value to the console
        Console.Write(row[i] + "  ");
    }
    // New line after each row
    Console.WriteLine();
}

' Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

' Get the default worksheet from the workbook
Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

' Convert the worksheet data into a DataTable
Dim dt As DataTable = ws.ToDataTable(True) ' The argument true indicates the first row is header

' Iterate through each row in the DataTable
For Each row As DataRow In dt.Rows
	' Iterate through each column in the current row
	For i As Integer = 0 To dt.Columns.Count - 1
		' Output each cell value to the console
		Console.Write(row(i) & "  ")
	Next i
	' New line after each row
	Console.WriteLine()
Next row

' Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("Weather.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

' Get the default worksheet from the workbook
Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

' Convert the worksheet data into a DataTable
Dim dt As DataTable = ws.ToDataTable(True) ' The argument true indicates the first row is header

' Iterate through each row in the DataTable
For Each row As DataRow In dt.Rows
	' Iterate through each column in the current row
	For i As Integer = 0 To dt.Columns.Count - 1
		' Output each cell value to the console
		Console.Write(row(i) & "  ")
	Next i
	' New line after each row
	Console.WriteLine()
Next row

Read CSV File Using C# (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 4: Accessing data from CSV file and display into the Console Accessing data from CSV file and display into the Console

Converting a CSV File string line to Excel Format

The procedure is straightforward: loading a CSV file and saving it as an Excel file.

// Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("test.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

// Get the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("CsvToExcelConversion.xlsx");

// Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
WorkBook workbook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("test.csv", fileFormat: ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter: ",");

// Get the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("CsvToExcelConversion.xlsx");

' Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("test.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

' Get the default worksheet from the workbook
Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

' Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("CsvToExcelConversion.xlsx")

' Load a CSV file into a WorkBook object specifying file format and delimiters
Dim workbook As WorkBook = WorkBook.LoadCSV("test.csv", fileFormat:= ExcelFileFormat.XLSX, ListDelimiter:= ",")

' Get the default worksheet from the workbook
Dim ws As WorkSheet = workbook.DefaultWorkSheet

' Save the workbook as an Excel file
workbook.SaveAs("CsvToExcelConversion.xlsx")

Read and Manipulate Converted CSV Files using IronXL

The IronXL WorkBook class represents an Excel sheet and uses this class to open an Excel file in C#. The code examples below will load the desired Excel file into a WorkBook object:

// Load WorkBook from a .xlsx file
var workbook = WorkBook.Load(@"Spreadsheets\\sample.xlsx");

// Load WorkBook from a .xlsx file
var workbook = WorkBook.Load(@"Spreadsheets\\sample.xlsx");

' Load WorkBook from a .xlsx file
Dim workbook = WorkBook.Load("Spreadsheets\\sample.xlsx")

' Load WorkBook from a .xlsx file
Dim workbook = WorkBook.Load("Spreadsheets\\sample.xlsx")

WorkSheet objects can be found in numerous WorkBooks. These are the Excel document's worksheets. If the workbook has worksheets, you can get them by name by doing the following:

// Open a specific worksheet for reading by its name
var worksheet = workbook.GetWorkSheet("sheetnamegoeshere");

// Open a specific worksheet for reading by its name
var worksheet = workbook.GetWorkSheet("sheetnamegoeshere");

' Open a specific worksheet for reading by its name
Dim worksheet = workbook.GetWorkSheet("sheetnamegoeshere")

' Open a specific worksheet for reading by its name
Dim worksheet = workbook.GetWorkSheet("sheetnamegoeshere")

Code for reading the cell values:

// Read and output values from a range of cells elegantly
foreach (var cell in worksheet["A2:A10"])
{
    Console.WriteLine("Cell {0} has value '{1}'", cell.AddressString, cell.Text);
}

// Read and output values from a range of cells elegantly
foreach (var cell in worksheet["A2:A10"])
{
    Console.WriteLine("Cell {0} has value '{1}'", cell.AddressString, cell.Text);
}

' Read and output values from a range of cells elegantly
For Each cell In worksheet("A2:A10")
	Console.WriteLine("Cell {0} has value '{1}'", cell.AddressString, cell.Text)
Next cell

' Read and output values from a range of cells elegantly
For Each cell In worksheet("A2:A10")
	Console.WriteLine("Cell {0} has value '{1}'", cell.AddressString, cell.Text)
Next cell

The following code sample can update formulas or apply them to specific cells after loading and reading the workbook and worksheet. The following is the code:

// Set formulas for specific cells
worksheet["A1"].Formula = "Sum(B8:C12)";
worksheet["B8"].Formula = "=C9/C11";
worksheet["G30"].Formula = "Max(C3:C7)";

// Force recalculate all formula values in all sheets
workbook.EvaluateAll();

// Set formulas for specific cells
worksheet["A1"].Formula = "Sum(B8:C12)";
worksheet["B8"].Formula = "=C9/C11";
worksheet["G30"].Formula = "Max(C3:C7)";

// Force recalculate all formula values in all sheets
workbook.EvaluateAll();

' Set formulas for specific cells
worksheet("A1").Formula = "Sum(B8:C12)"
worksheet("B8").Formula = "=C9/C11"
worksheet("G30").Formula = "Max(C3:C7)"

' Force recalculate all formula values in all sheets
workbook.EvaluateAll()

' Set formulas for specific cells
worksheet("A1").Formula = "Sum(B8:C12)"
worksheet("B8").Formula = "=C9/C11"
worksheet("G30").Formula = "Max(C3:C7)"

' Force recalculate all formula values in all sheets
workbook.EvaluateAll()

Conclusion and IronXL Special Offer

IronXL transforms CSVs to Excel with just two lines of code, in addition to CSV processing in C#.

Without the need for Interop, using IronXL's Excel API is a breeze. Furthermore, IronXL also offers a wide range of features to interact with Excel WorkBook, WorkSheet and Cells level such as converting between popular formats, cell data formatting, merging cells, inserting math functions, and even managing charts and adding images.

You can launch without a watermark using IronXL trial licensing keys.

Licenses start at $999 and include one year of free support and updates.

IronPDF, IronXL, IronOCR, IronBarcode, and the IronWebScraper are all part of the Iron Software suite. Iron Software allows you to purchase their entire package for a reduced price. You can use all those tools at the price of two.

This is definitely an option worth exploring.

Curtis Chau

Chat with engineering team now

Technical Writer

Curtis Chau holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Carleton University) and specializes in front-end development with expertise in Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, and React. Passionate about crafting intuitive and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, Curtis enjoys working with modern frameworks and creating well-structured, visually appealing manuals.

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