CSV to JSON Converter
Paste CSV data and instantly convert it to a JSON array of objects. Choose the input delimiter, then copy or download the result — everything runs in your browser.
- 01Convert CSV to a JSON array of objects instantly as you type.
- 02Choose the input delimiter: comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe.
- 03Copy the JSON or download it as a .json file in one click.
- 04The first CSV row becomes the keys for every JSON object.
- 05100% private — your CSV never leaves your browser.
CSV to JSON Converter
Load an example
3 rows × 3 columns
Why Use This CSV to JSON Converter
Instant, Live Conversion
The JSON updates as you type or paste — no Convert button to press, no waiting. Edit your CSV and watch the JSON array change in real time.
Header Row Becomes Keys
The first row of your CSV is treated as the header, and every value below it is mapped to that key. Each subsequent row becomes one JSON object, producing a clean array of objects ready for any API or script.
Choose Your Input Delimiter
CSV is not always comma-separated. Switch the input delimiter to semicolon (common in European locales), tab (TSV), or pipe so the converter splits your columns correctly.
RFC 4180 Aware Parsing
Quoted fields, embedded commas, line breaks inside quotes, and escaped double quotes ("") are all parsed correctly, so messy real-world CSV from Excel or databases turns into valid JSON.
Copy or Download
Copy the pretty-printed JSON to your clipboard with one click, or download it as a ready-to-use .json file. No account, no email, no limits.
Private and Offline-Friendly
All conversion happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your CSV is never uploaded to a server, so it is safe to use with confidential data.
Converting CSV to JSON
CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is the universal format for spreadsheets and exports, while JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the standard for APIs, config files, and modern web apps. Converting CSV to JSON lets you turn a spreadsheet, database export, or report into structured data you can feed into code, a REST API, or a NoSQL database.
Whether you are a developer importing a spreadsheet into an API or an analyst turning an export into structured data, this CSV to JSON converter gives you clean, valid JSON instantly.
- What Gets Converted
- A CSV with a header row becomes a JSON array of objects: the first row supplies the keys, and each following row becomes one object whose values are matched to those keys by column position.
- How Keys Are Built
- Every column name in the header row becomes a property name on each object. Rows are kept in their original order, so the resulting JSON array mirrors the order of records in your CSV file.
- Quoting and Escaping
- Fields wrapped in double quotes may contain the delimiter, line breaks, or escaped quotes. The parser follows the RFC 4180 standard, so a value like "Hello, world" stays a single field instead of being split across columns.
- Delimiters and Encoding
- Although CSV stands for comma-separated values, many files use semicolons or tabs. Pick the input delimiter your file actually uses. The converter reads UTF-8 text, so accented characters and non-Latin scripts are preserved in the JSON output.
How to Convert CSV to JSON
- 01
Paste your CSV
Paste or type CSV data with a header row into the input box on the left. You can also load one of the examples to see the expected shape.
- 02
Pick the input delimiter
Leave it on comma for a standard CSV, or choose semicolon, tab, or pipe if your file uses a different separator between columns.
- 03
Review the JSON
The JSON array appears instantly on the right, pretty-printed with the header row used as object keys. The row and column count is shown below the output.
- 04
Copy or download
Click Copy to put the JSON on your clipboard, or Download JSON to save it as a .json file ready to use in code or import into a tool.
Tips for CSV to JSON Conversion
Always Include a Header Row
The first row becomes the JSON keys, so make sure your CSV starts with clear column names like name,age,city. Without a header, your data values would be used as property names.
Match the Delimiter to Your File
If every record lands in one big property, your delimiter is wrong. European exports often use a semicolon and TSV files use a tab — switch the input delimiter to match how your columns are separated.
Quote Fields That Contain Commas
If a value contains the delimiter or a line break, wrap it in double quotes ("New York, NY"). The parser keeps quoted fields intact instead of splitting them into extra columns.
Use Unique Column Names
JSON objects cannot have two properties with the same name, so duplicate header columns will collide. Give each column a distinct name before converting.
Remember Values Are Strings
Cells in CSV have no type, so numbers and booleans are emitted as JSON strings. If you need real numbers or booleans, cast them in your code after parsing the JSON.
Keep UTF-8 in Mind
The converter reads UTF-8 text. If accented or non-Latin characters look wrong, re-save your CSV as UTF-8 before pasting it in.
CSV and JSON Reference
CSV vs JSON
CSV is a flat, untyped table format ideal for spreadsheets and bulk export. JSON is a hierarchical, typed format ideal for APIs and nested data. Converting CSV to JSON is a routine step when feeding spreadsheet data into code or web services.
When to convert CSV to JSON
- Import a spreadsheet or export into a REST API or web app.
- Seed a NoSQL or document database from tabular data.
- Turn a report into structured records for a script.
- Use a CSV dataset as JSON fixtures or test data.
RFC 4180 parsing
The CSV standard defines how fields are quoted and escaped: a field containing the delimiter, a double quote, or a line break is wrapped in double quotes, and embedded quotes are doubled. This converter follows those rules when reading your CSV.
Conversion Rules
Header row → keys
The first CSV row supplies the property name for every column.
name,age / Alice,30 → [{"name":"Alice","age":"30"}]
Each row → one object
Every data row becomes a single JSON object, matched by column position.
Rows keep their original order in the array.
Values stay strings
CSV has no types, so numbers and booleans are emitted as JSON strings.
30 → "30" (cast in code if you need a number).
Quoted fields
Double-quoted cells may contain the delimiter, newlines, or escaped quotes.
"Hello, world" → "Hello, world" (one value)
CSV to JSON Converter FAQ
Q01How do I convert CSV to JSON?
Paste your CSV data, including a header row, into the input box. The tool instantly converts it to a JSON array of objects: the header row becomes the keys and each following row becomes one object. Then click Copy or Download JSON. Everything happens in your browser.
Q02What CSV structure does it expect?
A header row followed by one row per record works best — for example name,age then Alice,30 and Bob,25. The first row supplies the property names and every other row becomes a JSON object in the array.
Q03Does the first row have to be a header?
Yes. The first row is always treated as the header and is used as the keys for every JSON object. If your file has no header, add one with column names before converting, otherwise your first record will be consumed as the keys.
Q04Can I convert a semicolon or tab-separated file?
Yes. Use the input delimiter selector to switch between comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe. This lets you convert European semicolon CSVs and TSV (tab-separated) files to JSON correctly.
Q05Are numbers converted to JSON numbers?
No. CSV cells have no data type, so every value is emitted as a JSON string. If you need real numbers or booleans, cast them in your code after parsing, or pre-process the data first.
Q06Is my CSV uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser with JavaScript. Your data is never sent or stored anywhere, so it is safe to convert private or sensitive CSV files.
Q07Does it handle quoted values with commas?
Yes. Following the RFC 4180 standard, fields wrapped in double quotes can contain the delimiter, line breaks, and escaped quotes (""). They are parsed as a single value rather than being split across columns.
Q08Is this CSV to JSON converter free?
Yes, completely free with no signup, no watermark, and no limits. Convert as much CSV as you like.