
Copying tables from a PDF to Excel doesn’t need to be complicated. We’ve created a solution that makes this process fast and accurate.
No matter what you're handling, be it financial data, organizing charts, or simply exporting rows of information, our PDF to Excel converter is here to help.
Below, I’ll guide you step-by-step through how you can easily copy a table from a PDF into Excel (without losing formatting!). Let's get started.
Why Use Smallpdf to Copy Tables into Excel?
Manually copying a table from a PDF to Excel is time-consuming, not to mention prone to formatting errors. With Smallpdf’s PDF to Excel tool, you can:
- Save time with quick, automatic conversions.
- Retain original table formatting and structure.
- Work securely, with encryption ensuring your files remain private.
Now, here’s how you can transform a PDF table into an Excel sheet in just a few clicks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Copy a Table From PDF to Excel
Step 1. Visit Smallpdf’s PDF to Excel Converter
To get started, go to our PDF to Excel. The page is user-friendly, so whether you're a first-timer or an experienced user, you’ll feel right at home.
Step 2. Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF file into the converter box on the page. If you prefer, you can click “Choose File” and locate the PDF on your desktop. This tool supports all PDF types—including scanned PDFs or multi-page documents.
Pro Tip: If your file is too large, try using our Compress PDF first to reduce its size and ensure a smooth conversion process.

Compress Your PDF For Free
Step 3. Automatic Conversion to Excel
Once your file is uploaded, Smallpdf will automatically analyze the content and convert the table data into Excel format. Our state-of-the-art OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology ensures even scanned tables are accurately extracted.
This process takes seconds, regardless of the size or complexity of your data table.
Step 4. Download Your New Excel Sheet
When the conversion is complete, hit the ‘Download’ button to save your Excel file. Open it in Excel (or any spreadsheet software) to preview your data. The layout and formatting will mirror your original PDF, making your work seamless and stress-free.

Copy a Table From PDF to Excel
Step 5. Make Edits or Adjustments (Optional)
From here, you can easily tweak your data in Excel. Whether you're updating values, applying formulas, or rearranging rows, Excel’s robust features give you full control.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Large File Issues
If your PDF contains multiple tables or is especially bulky, use our Split PDF to extract only the specific pages you need. This way, you’ll streamline your conversion and avoid overloading your file.
Key Features That Make Smallpdf Stand Out
When you need to convert a table from PDF to Excel, here’s why Smallpdf is your go-to:
- Fast and Accurate Results: No more hours spent copying and pasting tables or reformatting data in Excel.
- Secure File Processing: We safeguard your files using advanced encryption. Plus, all files are deleted from our servers within one hour.
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: Convert PDFs to Excel on any device, whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or tablet.
- Comprehensive Tool Suite: Besides conversion, we offer tools for merging, editing, compressing, and even signing PDFs.
Use Smallpdf for Hassle-Free Conversions
With Smallpdf, you no longer need to struggle with how to copy a table from PDF to Excel. Our tools are trusted by millions of users globally, making document management simple, secure, and efficient.
And while you're there, feel free to explore our full suite of PDF tools to handle all your file management needs!
Frequently Asked Questions About PDF to Excel Conversion
How do I extract a table from PDF to Excel?
Using Smallpdf’s PDF to Excel converter is a piece of cake. Upload your file, let our tool process the data, and download the table as an Excel spreadsheet.
How do I copy a table from PDF to Word or Excel?
For copying to Excel, use the steps outlined in this guide. If you’d like to copy a table into Word, the easiest method is to first convert the PDF into Word using Smallpdf's PDF to Word tool.
Can you convert scanned PDF tables to Excel?
Yes! Our OCR feature makes it possible to detect text and tables in scanned PDFs, ensuring accurate Excel conversions.
How do I export from PDF to Excel without losing formatting?
Smallpdf preserves formatting during the conversion process to ensure your data structure remains intact. Tables, rows, and columns from the PDF are replicated in your Excel sheet.
