EU CSV import
Amount column 1.234,56 imports as text until you split and convert to numeric with locale-aware cleanup.
What are locale separators in Google Sheets?
Locale controls whether function arguments separate with commas or semicolons and whether decimals use dot or comma. A sheet set to France may expect =SUM(A1;A10) while US expects =SUM(A1,A10). CSV imports and array literals also clash when decimal commas meet comma separators. File > Settings > Locale sets the default behavior for new formulas in that file.
When to use it
Watch locale when sharing files internationally, parsing European CSV amounts, writing ARRAY literals, or pasting formulas from Excel templates built in another region.
When to skip it
Do not change locale casually on production models mid-year without retesting every formula and import pipeline that assumed the old separators.
How it works
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1
Open File > Settings and note Locale for the spreadsheet file.
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2
Use the separator the locale expects between function arguments in new formulas you type.
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3
Import CSV with correct separator detection or use Data > Split text to columns after import.
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4
Store numbers as true numeric cells, not text with locale-specific decimal commas, before math.
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5
ARRAY literal row vs column separators follow locale rules paired with argument separators.
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6
When collaborating across regions, document locale on README tab and avoid mixed formula paste.
Examples in Google Sheets
Pasted US formula in DE file
Replace commas between args with semicolons or switch locale temporarily while converting batch.
ARRAY literal in UK sheet
Verify whether semicolon separates rows in array literal per locale before MMULT test fails.
Build this without starting from a blank cell
Use a Better Sheets tool for Locale separators, then watch a walkthrough when you want the full pattern.
Better Sheets resources
Common mistakes
- SUM with comma args in semicolon locale showing
- {:"Double conversion"=>"text to number then locale display breaks again on export."}
- Teaching ARRAYFORMULA tutorials from US blogs on EU student sheets without separator note.
- Assuming browser language equals sheet locale; they can differ.
- QUERY strings with wrong quote or semicolon placement for regional parser.
Frequently asked questions
- Change locale for one file?
- File > Settings > Locale affects this spreadsheet. Other files keep their own setting.
- Decimal comma vs point?
- Locale sets display and how typed numbers parse in many cases. Use plain number format for exports.
- Formula comma error after paste?
- Find-replace argument commas to semicolons or vice versa per target locale carefully inside functions only.
- CSV semicolon separated?
- Some EU CSVs use semicolon field delimiter. Choose correct import options on upload.
- Locale and dates?
- Date parsing follows locale; 01/02/2024 may mean Feb 1 or Jan 2 depending on setting.
- Google account locale vs sheet?
- Sheet file locale in Settings wins for formula typing in that file.
- Apps Script locale?
- Script often uses JavaScript dot decimals; convert carefully when writing to localized sheets.
- ARRAYFORMULA locale?
- Inner function args still follow sheet locale separator rules.
Related Tutorials
Watch how Locale separators works
Every Locale Listed in Google Sheets and a Tool to Save Your Sanity
Related blog posts
Guides that explain Locale separators in more depth.
Google Sheets Locales. What are they?
Hello, Better Sheet members and non-Better Sheet members! This tutorial is about every locale listed in Google Sheets. If you live in a country that is not well represented with blog posts or someone makes a blog post about a Google Sheets issue, they create a Google Sheet formula and then you copy and paste it into your sheet and it has the wrong delimiter. How do you resolve that? I'm going to show you how you can fix that and how you can know if there's a problem. Locales. What are the...
Read post →Every Locale Listed in Google Sheets and a Tool to Save Your Sanity
If you live in a country that is not well represented with blog posts or someone makes a blog post about a Google Sheets issue, they create a Google Sheet formula and then you copy and paste it into your sheet and it has the wrong delimiter. How do you resolve that?
Read post →Related glossary terms
Google Sheets formula syntax
Every formula starts with = followed by a function name and arguments in parentheses. Ranges use A1 notation, text sits in quotes, and operators like + and & combine values. Sheets recalculates when inputs change, so syntax errors show as #NAME? or #ERROR! in the cell.
Read guide →CSV and Google Sheets
CSV (comma-separated values) is a plain-text table format Sheets opens, imports, and exports easily. Use File > Import for controlled uploads or File > Download > CSV for handoffs to other tools. Watch encoding, delimiters, and date formats because CSV does not store types the way a native sheet does.
Read guide →importing data into Sheets
Importing means pulling external data into a spreadsheet tab: from a file upload, another Google Sheet, a published CSV URL, or a function like IMPORTRANGE. The import dialog controls separator, locale, and whether new rows replace or append existing data.
Read guide →#VALUE! error
#VALUE! means Google Sheets cannot interpret an argument as the type the function expects. Common causes include text in a math formula, invalid dates, wrong delimiter locale, or passing a range where a scalar is required.
Read guide →Done reading about Locale separators?
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