How to Import JSON & API Data into Excel (No VBA Required)

💡 Tired of manual data entry? Learn how to automatically pull live data (exchange rates, stock prices, weather, and more) directly into Excel—without writing a single line of code!

🚀 Step-by-Step Guide: Connect Excel to Any API

1️⃣ Open Power Query

Go to:
Data tab → Get Data → From Other Sources → From Web

2️⃣ Enter Your API Endpoint

Example: Live USD exchange rates from a public API:

https://api.exchangerate-api.com/v4/latest/USD

3️⃣ Parse the JSON Response

• Power Query automatically converts JSON to tables
• Click ↗ Expand icons to unnest complex data structures
• Use Transform tab to clean/reshape data

4️⃣ Load & Automate

• Close & Load to import into Excel
• Set auto-refresh intervals (Data → Queries & Connections → Refresh settings)

💼 Real-World API Use Cases

⚠️ Pro Tips for Reliable API Connections

✅ Handle API Keys Securely

• Store keys in Power Query parameters (not hardcoded)
• Use environment variables for sensitive data

✅ Optimize Performance

• Enable “Faster background refresh” in Query Options
• Filter data at API level (e.g., ?date=2024-01-01) vs. loading everything

✅ Error Handling

• Set up try-catch alternatives in Power Query:

= try Json.Document(Web.Contents(api_url)) otherwise null

📌 Live Example: Import Bitcoin Prices

1. Use CoinGecko API:
   https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/simple/price?ids=bitcoin&vs_currencies=usd

2. In Power Query:
   • Expand bitcoin → usd
   • Add timestamp column: = DateTime.LocalNow()
3. Schedule hourly refreshes

Read also: 10 Excel Secrets That Will Save You Hours of Work

🚨 Common Pitfalls & Fixes

❌ 429 Too Many Requests

• Implement delay between calls:
  = Function.InvokeAfter(() => YourAPICall, #duration(0,0,0,2))

❌ CORS Errors

• Use proxy services like allorigins.win for public APIs
• For work APIs, whitelist domains with IT

❌ Authentication Failures

• Always check API docs for required headers (e.g., Authorization: Bearer token)

📈 Next-Level Automation

🔹 Combine Multiple APIs

• Merge stock prices + currency rates + news sentiment analysis

🔹 Build Live Dashboards

• Connect to Power BI with DirectQuery for real-time visuals

🔹 Trigger Refresh on Open

• VBA-free method:
  File → Options → Data → Check "Refresh data when opening the file"

💬 Your Turn!
What data would YOU automate? Share your use case below!