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Excel data cleaning checklist

Use this checklist before every CRM, marketing, or ops import. It catches the issues that cause 90% of failed loads.

Use the Excel cleaner tool

Structure

One header row, no merged cells, no summary rows at the bottom of the data range.

Completeness

Required fields populated. Empty rows and empty columns removed.

Consistency

Dates, phones, and emails follow one format throughout the file.

Checklist

  • Single header row
  • No merged cells in data range
  • Trim whitespace on text columns
  • Validate email format
  • Normalize phone numbers
  • Remove duplicate rows
  • Consistent date format
  • Row count matches expectations
  • Spot-check 20 random rows
  • Keep original export as backup

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Related guides

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