How to Convert CSV to SQL
Loading a CSV into a database usually means writing a schema and a stack of INSERT statements by hand. This converter does both for you. It reads your CSV with a real RFC-4180 parser, so quoted fields, commas inside values and escaped quotes are handled correctly rather than naively split. Each column is then scanned across every row to infer a sensible type — INTEGER, DECIMAL, BOOLEAN or TEXT — and it emits a CREATE TABLE statement followed by INSERT statements, with text safely single-quoted, inner apostrophes doubled, and empty values written as NULL. Set your table name, choose one INSERT per row or a single fast multi-row INSERT, 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.
Set the options
Name the table, pick the delimiter, and toggle multi-row inserts.
Copy or download
Grab the SQL with one tap or save it as a .sql file.
CSV vs SQL — What's the Difference?
CSV — comma-separated values
A flat, spreadsheet-friendly table format where each line is a row and a delimiter separates columns. It holds data but a database can't run it directly — there's no schema and no types.
SQL — structured statements
Statements a database runs to build tables and add rows. Converting CSV to SQL turns a flat file into an explicit, typed table with a CREATE TABLE and INSERTs your engine can execute.
Common Use Cases
Import a spreadsheet
Turn an exported CSV into a table plus inserts for your database.
Seed a database
Generate schema and data from a CSV to seed a dev database.
Bulk loading
Use a multi-row INSERT to load many CSV rows quickly.
Prototyping
Spin up a realistic table from a CSV in seconds.
Migrations
Move tabular data into a relational database from flat files.
Test fixtures
Produce repeatable INSERTs from CSV for automated tests.
Data exchange
Convert partner CSV into loadable SQL for your warehouse.
Quick imports
A fast, no-install way to get CSV data into any SQL database.
Tips & Best Practices
Keep clean headers
Column headers become identifiers, so simple names avoid sanitising and read best.
Check the inferred types
Types are guessed from the data; review the CREATE TABLE and adjust if a column needs a different type.
Match the delimiter
Choose comma, semicolon or tab to match your source file's separator.
Batch inserts for big loads
A single multi-row INSERT is much faster than one statement per row for large datasets.
Review before running
Always sanity-check generated SQL against your database's dialect before executing it.
Watch identifier columns
IDs with leading zeros become INTEGER and lose the zeros; keep them TEXT if that matters.
Troubleshooting
Columns split wrongly
Your file may use a different delimiter. Switch between comma, semicolon and tab to match the source.
A number became TEXT
If any value in that column isn't purely numeric — even one — the whole column is typed as TEXT to stay safe.
Need a header row
This converter uses the first row as column names, so include a header row above your data.
A column name changed
Headers with spaces or special characters are sanitised into valid SQL identifiers automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert CSV to SQL for free?
Paste your CSV above and SQL appears instantly — a CREATE TABLE plus INSERT statements. Copy it or download a .sql file, free and 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.
Does it create the table too?
Yes. You get a full CREATE TABLE statement with inferred column types, not just the inserts.
How are column types decided?
Each column is scanned across all rows and typed as INTEGER, DECIMAL, BOOLEAN or TEXT based on its values.
Are apostrophes handled safely?
Yes. Text is single-quoted and any inner apostrophe is doubled, so values like O'Brien don't break the SQL.
What happens to empty values?
They're written as NULL rather than empty strings, which is usually what a database expects.
Can I choose the table name?
Yes. Set any table name; it's sanitised into a valid SQL identifier automatically.
What is a multi-row INSERT?
All rows go into a single INSERT ... VALUES statement, which loads much faster for big datasets than one statement per row.
Which databases does it work with?
The output uses standard SQL that works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite and more; you may tweak type names for your dialect.
Which delimiters are supported?
Comma, semicolon and tab, so you can convert standard CSV, European semicolon files and TSV.
Do I need a header row?
Yes. The first row supplies the column names, so include a header above your data.
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 .sql 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 or XML instead?
Yes — use our JSON to SQL or XML to SQL converters for those inputs.
Will leading zeros survive?
Numeric-looking IDs become INTEGER and lose leading zeros. If that matters, keep the column as text in your schema.
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 SQL Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser