Data Import & Export

How to Create One Data Entry Form for Excel and Microsoft Lists

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to enter data once using a single form and have it simultaneously populate both an Excel workbook and a Microsoft List.

How to Create One Data Entry Form for Excel and Microsoft Lists

Product: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Lists, Power Automate
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Entering routine data (such as sleep and activity logs) seamlessly across multiple Microsoft 365 data tracking tools.
Observed behavior: There is no built-in, out-of-the-box form feature that simultaneously writes to an existing Excel workbook and a Microsoft List.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription with access to Power Automate, Microsoft Lists, and Excel Online, as these tools are required to build a custom dual-entry workflow.

Solution 1Recommended

Build a Custom Workflow using Power Automate

Since there is no built-in dual-entry form, you can use Microsoft Forms (or Power Apps) as your frontend and link it to Power Automate to write the submitted data to both Excel and Lists simultaneously.

Power Automate acts as a bridge between your data entry form and your databases. When a user submits a form, Power Automate captures the data and executes sequential actions to populate your target Excel file and Microsoft List.

Set up your target databases

Create your Microsoft List with the required columns. Next, create your Excel workbook, ensure your data range is formatted as a Table (Insert > Table), and save it to OneDrive or SharePoint.

Create the data entry form

Open Microsoft Forms and create a new form with fields that correspond exactly to the columns in your Excel Table and Microsoft List.

Initialize a new Flow in Power Automate

Log in to Power Automate, click 'Create', and select 'Automated cloud flow'. Choose 'When a new response is submitted' (Microsoft Forms) as your trigger.

Add the Excel action

Add a new step, search for 'Excel Online (Business)', and select 'Add a row into a table'. Select your saved Excel file and map the dynamic content from your form to the corresponding Excel table columns.

Add the Microsoft Lists action

Add another new step, search for 'SharePoint' (which powers Lists), and select 'Create item'. Select your List's site address and name, then map the same form dynamic content to your List columns. Save and test the flow.

Build a Custom Workflow using Power Automate

Community Support: Designing automated workflows can sometimes be complex. If you encounter errors mapping your fields, the Microsoft Power Automate Community forum is an excellent resource for detailed troubleshooting.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

While building complex automated workflows across Microsoft Lists requires a paid Microsoft 365 ecosystem, WPS Office offers a completely free, lightweight alternative for all your core spreadsheet, document, and presentation needs. It provides high compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats, allowing you to manage your data effortlessly without expensive subscriptions.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and easily open any existing .xlsx data entry files.
3. Manage Data Efficiently: Utilize built-in data validation and form tools within WPS to streamline your daily data entry tasks.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), Word, and PowerPoint formats.Create and manage complex spreadsheets without expensive monthly subscriptions.Lightweight design ensures fast loading and smooth data entry.Familiar tabbed user interface makes migration from Microsoft Office completely seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Microsoft Forms to populate both Excel and Microsoft Lists?

Yes, but they do not connect automatically out-of-the-box. You must use Power Automate to set the Microsoft Form as a trigger, which then passes the submitted data to both an Excel Online table and a Microsoft List via automated actions.

Why isn't there a built-in dual-entry form in Excel?

Excel and Microsoft Lists serve different data management purposes within the Microsoft ecosystem. Built-in forms are typically designed for a 1:1 relationship with a specific database or spreadsheet. Writing to two distinct platforms requires an external integration tool like Power Apps or Power Automate.

Does Power Automate require a premium license for Excel and Lists integration?

Generally, no. The standard connectors for Microsoft Forms, SharePoint (which acts as the backend for Microsoft Lists), and Excel Online (Business) are included in most basic enterprise and business Microsoft 365 subscriptions, so a premium Power Automate license is usually not required for this specific dual-entry flow.

Excel & Data Problems