Importing Data from Excel into PlanGuru
If your accounting system does not integrate directly with PlanGuru, you can use Excel to import your Chart of Accounts and historical data.
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The Excel import utility can be run an unlimited number of times per scenario.
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Use it for the initial setup after creating a scenario, and for monthly updates (e.g., importing actuals or month-to-date numbers).
1️⃣ Preparing Your Excel File
Your Excel file must meet the following requirements:
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All data must be on the first tab of the workbook.
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Column 1 = Account Numbers (if using them).
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Column 2 = Account Descriptions.
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Remaining columns = Trial Balance values (historical data).
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Income Statement and Balance Sheet can be stacked together in one sheet.
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Section headers and totals are optional (PlanGuru has these built in).
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You can include multiple years of monthly data (e.g., 24 columns for 2 years).
2️⃣ Starting the Import
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Expand the navigation bar.
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Click Import → Financial Statements.
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A new browser tab will open.
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Select Import from Excel.
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Drag and drop your file, or click Choose a File → Upload.
3️⃣ Setting Up the Import (First Time Only)
On your first import, select Set Up an Import.
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Choose Discrete Month format.
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Drag column tags to match your file:
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Account Number (if applicable).
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Account Description.
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Date (Month) → assign to first month column.
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Select the range of months to import:
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Check individually OR select the first month → hold Shift → select last month.
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(Optional) Import budget or forecast data from Excel if transitioning from a prior budgeting tool.
4️⃣ Mapping Accounts
The Account Mapping window shows:
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Left side: Accounts from your Excel file.
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Right side: PlanGuru’s Income Statement & Balance Sheet structure.
To map an account:
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Drag an account from the left.
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Drop it under the correct section on the right.
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Assign an Account Type (determines projection method options later).
⚡ Pro Tips:
Map multiple accounts at once: Select a range with Shift + click, then drag and drop.
Leave section headers and totals unmapped (already in PlanGuru).
Cash and Retained Earnings accounts are special — PlanGuru projects them automatically.
To unmap: Click the X next to an account.
✅ Note: This mapping only needs to be done once. PlanGuru remembers mappings for future imports.
New accounts will appear in the Unmapped section → simply drag and assign.
5️⃣ Adjusting Account Order (First Import Only)
After mapping, you’ll see the Account Order window:
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Adjust order by drag and drop.
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If no account numbers are used, PlanGuru defaults to alphabetical order.
💡 After the first import, accounts can also be reordered later using Utilities → Reorder Accounts.
6️⃣ Completing the Import
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Click Import to finalize.
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Depending on file size, loading may take about a minute.
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Once loaded, review your Chart of Accounts:
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Use Show Previous Years and the Actuals tab to confirm data.
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Organize accounts by creating Groups within each section (for roll-up totals).
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7️⃣ Next Steps
After importing your Chart of Accounts and data:
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Create Groups for organization and subtotaling.
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Select Projection Methods for each account.
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Begin building your budgets and forecasts.