How to Import a CSV File with Python using pandas

In this short tutorial, you will read a CSV file using Python and pandas.

import pandas as pd

df = pd.read_csv("path-to-file/file-name.csv")

Step-by-Step Example

Step 1: Install the pandas Package

If you don't have pandas already installed, execute the following command in your terminal:

pip install pandas

Step 2: Have a CSV File Ready

Let's say, you have a CSV saved on your desktop with the following content:

Fish,Size_inch,Size_cm
salmon,30,76
pufferfish,4,10
shark,60,152

Step 3: Create a Python Script

Let's create a Python script that imports the CSV file on your desktop and prints its content to your terminal:

import os
import pandas as pd

desktop_path = os.path.expanduser("~/Desktop")

df = pd.read_csv(desktop_path + "/fish_size.csv")

print(df)

Create a new file using a text editor of your choice, copy-paste the above Python code into it, and save it as import_csv.py on your desktop.

Verify that it works by navigating your terminal to your desktop and running the script:

cd Desktop
python import_csv.py

You should see the following output in your terminal:

         Fish  Size_inch  Size_cm
0      salmon         30       76
1  pufferfish          4       10
2       shark         60      152

Optional Step: Select a Subset of Columns

Sometimes you only want to read a subset of columns of CSV file, e.g., when it is large. In that case, add the usecols option to your script:

import os
import pandas as pd

desktop_path = os.path.expanduser("~/Desktop")

df = pd.read_csv(desktop_path + "/fish_size.csv", 
                  usecols=['Fish', 'Size_cm'])

print(df)

The output of the adjusted script is as follows:

         Fish  Size_cm
0      salmon       76
1  pufferfish       10
2       shark      152

That's it! You just learned how to import a CSV file with Python and pandas.