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ChatGPT for Merging Dozens of CSVs into a Single Master Sheet

Hand-merging CSVs is slow and error-prone.
ChatGPT can auto-generate a pandas script to merge all files locally.
Its Advanced Data Analysis sandbox ingests and merges uploaded CSVs in-chat.
ChatGPT also guides no-code merges via Excel Power Query or Google Sheets Apps Script.

In this article, we’ll explore three realistic, beginner-friendly ways to leverage ChatGPT in your workflow: generating a Python script, using ChatGPT’s built-in file-upload sandbox (Advanced Data Analysis), or guiding you through spreadsheet tools like Excel’s Power Query or Google Sheets.


1. Python Script via ChatGPT

How It Works

Ask ChatGPT to write a simple Python script using pandas that reads every CSV in a folder, concatenates them, and exports a master file.


Why Use It?

  • Full control: You run the script locally, so you can inspect the DataFrame, handle missing columns (.fillna()), or apply transformations.

  • Proven pattern: users confirm that ChatGPT-generated pandas snippets reliably merge 25+ CSVs with minimal tweaks.


Getting Started

  1. Install Python and pandas:

  2. Copy the script into a file (e.g., merge_csvs.py).

  3. Place all your .csv files in a folder named data.

  4. Run:

    python merge_csvs.py

  5. Open master.csv in any spreadsheet tool.


2. Using ChatGPT’s File-Upload & Python Sandbox


What It Is

ChatGPT’s Advanced Data Analysis (formerly Code Interpreter) allows you to upload files directly and execute Python code in a secure sandbox.

  • Upload: Drag and drop dozens of CSVs into the chat.

  • Prompt: “Please merge all uploaded CSVs into one sheet and show me the first 10 rows.”

ChatGPT will run the merge server-side and return the consolidated DataFrame preview, plus an export link.


Limitations & Availability

  • Plan requirement: You need ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise with Advanced Data Analysis enabled and select the appropriate model mode.

  • File-size cap: Typically around 50 MB total across all uploads.

  • No local setup: Ideal for non-developers who want “zero-install” automation.


3. Spreadsheet Automation Guided by ChatGPT

If you prefer no code, leverage built-in spreadsheet features:


Excel Power Query

  1. In Excel: Data → Get Data → From Folder.

  2. Select the folder with your CSVs.

  3. Power Query previews all files—click Combine & Transform Data.

  4. Use the Query Editor to filter, rename columns, or remove headers.

  5. Close & Load to pull the merged table into your workbook.


Google Sheets + Apps Script

  1. Create a new Google Sheet and open Extensions → Apps Script.

  2. Paste a ChatGPT-generated script that:

    • Loops through a list of CSV URLs or attachments.

    • Uses Utilities.parseCsv() to read each file.

    • Appends rows to your master sheet.

  3. Run the script—Sheets does the rest.

ChatGPT can walk you through the exact menu clicks or write the Apps Script for you.


_____________

Which Method Is Right for You?

Approach

Technical Skill

Setup Time

Scalability

Python script

Low–Medium

~5 minutes

Very high

ChatGPT sandbox (ADA)

None

Instant

Limited by size

Excel Power Query / Google Sheets

None

~2 minutes

Moderate

  • Beginners who want no-install automation: try Power Query or the ChatGPT sandbox.

  • Aspiring data enthusiasts comfortable with basic scripting: go with the Python script approach for total flexibility.

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