How to Convert CSV to JSON
CSV is everywhere — every spreadsheet exports it — but code, APIs and config files want JSON. This converter bridges the two properly. It reads your CSV with a real RFC-4180 parser, so quoted fields, commas inside values, escaped quotes and line breaks are all handled correctly rather than naively split on commas. The first row supplies the keys and each remaining row becomes an object, giving you the array-of-objects shape most tools expect. Turn on type detection and numbers, booleans and null become real JSON values instead of strings; prefer positional data and you can switch to an array of arrays. Pick your delimiter, pretty-print or minify, then copy or download. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Paste your CSV
Paste your data or load the sample; it's parsed locally with nothing uploaded.
Choose the options
Set the delimiter and toggle types, output shape and formatting.
Copy or download
Grab the JSON with one tap or save it as a .json file.
CSV vs JSON — What's the Difference?
CSV — comma-separated values
A flat, universally supported table format where each line is a row and a delimiter separates columns. It's compact and spreadsheet-friendly, but it has no types and no nesting — everything is plain text.
JSON — JavaScript Object Notation
A lightweight data format of objects and arrays with real types, understood everywhere. Converting CSV to JSON gives you clean, typed records your code and APIs can use directly.
Common Use Cases
Feed an API or app
Turn a spreadsheet export into the array-of-objects JSON most APIs expect.
Data for JavaScript
Convert a CSV into a JSON array you can map over directly in code.
Seed & config data
Produce JSON fixtures and config from tabular data.
Import into NoSQL
Prepare CSV records as JSON documents for MongoDB and similar stores.
Spreadsheet to JSON
Export a sheet as CSV, then get clean JSON in seconds.
Testing fixtures
Generate JSON records from example CSV for automated tests.
Migrations
Move tabular data into JSON-based systems and pipelines.
Quick transforms
A fast, no-install way to turn CSV into JSON.
Tips & Best Practices
Keep a clean header row
Header names become JSON keys, so clear, simple names give the tidiest output.
Match the delimiter
Choose comma, semicolon or tab to match your source; European exports often use semicolons.
Use type detection for code
Keep it on so numbers and booleans are usable directly; turn it off to preserve exact strings.
Guard leading zeros
Turn off type detection if IDs like 007 or phone numbers must stay exact strings.
Objects vs arrays
Use objects for named fields; switch to arrays for compact positional data.
Minify for transport
Turn off pretty-print for compact JSON when sending to an API or storing it.
Troubleshooting
Columns split wrongly
Your file may use a different delimiter. Switch between comma, semicolon and tab to match the source.
Values with commas broke
They shouldn't — the RFC-4180 parser keeps quoted commas intact. Ensure such fields are wrapped in double quotes in the CSV.
Numbers stayed as strings
Enable type detection. Values with leading zeros or extra characters are kept as strings to avoid data loss.
Keys look like column1
The header option is off, or the first row was empty. Turn on the header option so the first row supplies the keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert CSV to JSON for free?
Paste your CSV above and JSON appears instantly as an array of objects. Copy it or download a .json file — free, no signup.
Does it handle quoted commas?
Yes. A real RFC-4180 parser keeps commas, quotes and line breaks inside quoted fields intact instead of naively splitting.
What JSON shape do I get?
By default an array of objects keyed by the header names. You can switch to an array of arrays for positional data.
Does it detect data types?
Yes. With type detection on, numbers, booleans and null become real JSON types instead of strings.
Can I keep values as strings?
Yes. Turn off type detection to preserve every value exactly as text, useful for IDs with leading zeros.
Which delimiters are supported?
Comma, semicolon and tab, so you can convert standard CSV, European semicolon files and TSV.
Can I convert without a header row?
Yes. Turn off the header option and keys like column1, column2 are generated automatically.
Can I minify the JSON?
Yes. Turn off pretty-print for compact JSON, ideal for sending to an API or storing.
What happens to empty fields?
They become empty strings, keeping every object's shape consistent.
Is the output valid JSON?
Yes. It's standards-compliant JSON that any parser, language or API will accept.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Everything happens inside your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Can I download the result?
Yes. Save the output as a .json file, or copy it straight to your clipboard.
How large a file can it handle?
It comfortably converts thousands of rows, all within your browser.
Can I convert JSON back to CSV?
Yes — use our JSON to CSV converter for the reverse direction.
Does it preserve Unicode?
Yes. Any Unicode characters in your data are preserved in the JSON output.
Can I convert TSV instead?
Yes — choose the tab delimiter, or use our dedicated TSV to JSON converter.
Does it work on phones?
Yes, in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Android or iPhone with nothing to install.
Is this converter really free?
Completely free, forever — no account, no ads and no premium wall.
100% free · No signup · Processed in your browser · Data never sent
Last updated: August 2026 · FlipMyFormat CSV to JSON Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser