Overview
ChatGPT can analyze uploaded files, answer questions about the data, and create tables or charts when the output benefits from a structured view.
For best results, upload structured data with clear column names and one record per row. Tell ChatGPT what you want to learn from the file, and specify any columns, calculations, groupings, or chart types you want it to use.
Supported files and connected sources
ChatGPT supports common file types for data analysis, including:
Spreadsheets, such as .xls, .xlsx, and .csv files
PDFs
Text and data files, such as .json, .xml, .yaml, .txt, and .md files
Available file types can vary by model, plan, workspace settings, and account capabilities.
When connectors are available for your account or workspace, you can also attach files from connected sources such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Preparing spreadsheets
Use:
Descriptive column headers in the first row
One row per record
Plain-language column names
Avoid:
Multiple unrelated tables in one sheet
Empty rows or columns that split the data
Images that contain values ChatGPT needs to analyze
Analyzing data
ChatGPT can help with:
Summarizing rows, columns, trends, and outliers
Creating tables for row-by-row review
Creating charts from uploaded data
Running Python-based calculations, transformations, and statistical analysis
Explaining assumptions, results, and possible next steps
For some data-analysis tasks, ChatGPT writes and runs Python code in a stateful Jupyter notebook environment. The environment can use files made available to the session and can display pandas DataFrames as interactive tables when that format is useful.
Reviewing analysis details
When ChatGPT uses Python for analysis, review the generated code, outputs, and assumptions before relying on the result. If the answer depends on a specific method, ask ChatGPT to show or adjust that method.
Using charts
ChatGPT can create static charts as image outputs. Some charts can also be shown as interactive charts.
When an interactive chart is available, select Switch to interactive chart. To return to the image version, select Switch to static chart.
Interactive charts are supported for bar, line, pie, and scatter charts. Other chart types may be returned as static images.
File limits
The exact limit of files per conversation can vary by upload type, model, plan, workspace settings, and remaining file-upload allowance. For more information, see: File uploads FAQ.
Project and GPT knowledge-file limits are separate from conversation upload limits and may be configured differently.
Privacy and uploaded files
For more information about how uploaded files are stored, retained, and deleted, see: Chat and File Retention Policies in ChatGPT.
To learn how your content may be used to improve model performance and how to manage your data settings, see: How your data is used to improve model performance and Data Controls FAQ.
Constraints
The Python environment used for data analysis cannot make external web requests or API calls. If analysis depends on external data, upload the data or connect an available source before asking ChatGPT to analyze it.
ChatGPT may choose an analysis method or chart type that does not match your intent on the first try. Ask it to use a specific method, chart type, grouping, or column when you need a particular approach.
FAQ
Can ChatGPT analyze scanned PDFs or images that contain tables?
ChatGPT may not reliably extract exact values from image-based tables, scanned files, or files with complex visual layouts. When exact values matter, upload a spreadsheet or text-based file instead.
Why might ChatGPT not analyze the full file?
A file may upload successfully but still be too large, complex, image-heavy, or poorly structured for complete analysis. If the result seems incomplete, ask ChatGPT to inspect specific sheets, rows, columns, or sections, or split the file into smaller files.
Can ChatGPT access connected-source files I do not have permission to view?
When using connected apps, ChatGPT uses the connected account and app permissions. Workspace admins may also control which apps are available. For more information, see: Apps in ChatGPT.