How to convert PDF tables to Excel

Before you start

Choose a PDF with selectable table text. Check whether the table spans pages and whether headers repeat.

How to do it, step by step

1. Open a PDF containing readable table text. Identify repeated headers and tables that continue onto another page.
2. Convert the file and open the downloaded workbook in your spreadsheet app.
3. Compare rows and columns against the PDF. Correct decimals, minus signs and misplaced cells before using formulas.

Check the saved file

Verify row alignment, decimals, negative signs and totals before using formulas.

Fix shifted columns after PDF to Excel

PDF tables may be positioned text rather than genuine spreadsheet cells. Wrapped descriptions and merged headers can confuse column boundaries. Compare the workbook to the original table row by row. Separate headings from data and check numeric cells before sorting or calculating totals.