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Google Calendar CSV import: format, template and fixes
Everything Google Calendar expects in a CSV file, a template you can download, and what to check when the import fails or the events come out wrong.
The format
Headers must be in English, exactly as below. Only Subject and Start Date are required (Google Calendar Help).
| Header | Required | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Yes | Final exam |
| Start Date | Yes | 05/30/2020 |
| Start Time | No | 10:00 AM |
| End Date | No | 05/30/2020 |
| End Time | No | 1:00 PM |
| All Day Event | No | True or False |
| Description | No | 50 multiple choice questions |
| Location | No | "Columbia, Schermerhorn 614" |
| Private | No | True or False |
Wrap any value that contains a comma in double quotes. Save the file with a .csv extension.
How to import
- On a computer, open Google Calendar → Settings (gear icon) → Import & export.
- Choose the CSV file, pick the calendar under Add to calendar, and click Import.
Import not working? Check these in order
1. The headers aren't exact
"Title" instead of "Subject", "Date" instead of "Start Date", or headers in another language make Google reject the file or drop data. Rename them exactly, or let the converter write them.
2. Events land on the wrong day
Day-first dates (07/12/2026 for 7 December) get read month-first. Use MM/DD/YYYY like Google's example. In Sheets, format the column with Format → Number → Custom date and time, or convert with the tool and choose "Day first".
3. Events are at the wrong time
A CSV has no time zone. Google uses the time zone of the calendar you import into, so check that calendar's settings before importing. More causes: events from Sheets show the wrong time.
4. Times are in the wrong format
Use times like 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM, as in Google's example. Sheets sometimes exports times as decimals or with seconds; format the column as time first.
5. Every event appears twice
Importing the same file again creates every event again. There's no update. Delete the duplicates (or the whole calendar if you imported into a separate one) and import once.
6. Repeating events became single events
That's expected: Google imports repeating events from a CSV as separate one-time events.
7. You're on a phone
Importing only works on a computer.
Launching on the Google Workspace Marketplace in November 2026.
Questions
What columns does a Google Calendar CSV need?
Only Subject and Start Date are required. The optional columns are Start Time, End Date, End Time, All Day Event, Description, Location and Private. The headers must be in English, spelled exactly like that.
What date format does Google Calendar CSV import use?
Google's own example uses MM/DD/YYYY (05/30/2020) and times like 10:00 AM. Day-first dates such as 07/12/2026 are a common reason events land on the wrong day.
Can I import recurring events from a CSV?
No. Google says repeating events in a CSV import as separate one-time events. List each occurrence as its own row.
How do I undo a CSV import?
There is no undo button. If you imported into a calendar of its own, delete that calendar. Otherwise you have to delete the imported events one by one, so importing into a new calendar first is the safest habit.
Can I import on my phone?
No. Google Calendar imports files only on a computer, through Settings → Import & export.