CSV Sample Files
CSV files are a very popular way of storing table formatted data. Usually a CSV file contains a number of columns and rows of data. CSV files are very easy for computers to generate, which makes them popular for data exports. We've included a number of sample CSV files below in various file sizes. They are all free to use.
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Example CSV document files
A CSV is a plain-text file that stores data in a table-like format. Think of it as a simple version of an Excel document, but just contains plain text, so no formatting, formulas, images or graphs.
CSV stands for "Comma Separated Values". The file is normally made up of rows of data, with each column separated by a comma. Each column is encased in quotes, which allows the column value to include a comma. There are lots of other very similar types of file, such as a TSV ("tab separated values") which uses a tab instead of a comma, and other CSVs that may use a semi-colon or other less-common character.
CSVs are popular because they are very small in file size (they only really contain the actual data, give or take a few bytes for the comma and new line characters) and they are very easy for developers to work with, making them an ideal formal for exporting data from one system to import into another.
You can use Microsoft Excel to open our sample CSV files, but there are lots of other options too. Check out the How to Geek article for more info on working with CSV files.