Data Import & Export

How to Export Time-Scaled Microsoft Project Data to Excel

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to extract daily time-scaled allocation data from the right-hand grid of Microsoft Project's Task Usage view into Excel to create a data forecast.

Product: Microsoft Project / Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting daily task allocations and work hours from Microsoft Project to create forecasts or external reports in a spreadsheet.
Observed behavior: Standard Microsoft Project export wizards only transfer left-side task summary fields (like Task Name, Start Date, and Total Work) and completely omit the right-side time-scaled daily allocation columns.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft Project file open to the Task Usage view and a blank spreadsheet ready to receive the pasted data.

Solution 1Recommended

Copy and Paste Data from the Right-Hand Grid

A quick manual workaround to transfer time-scaled data into Excel without needing to write complex VBA code.

Since the default export tool in Microsoft Project ignores the daily breakdown grid, you can directly copy the visible grid cells. To make this easier to handle, you can condense the view first.

Reduce timescale resolution

In Microsoft Project, zoom out or reduce the timescale resolution so the daily columns in the right-hand grid become very narrow.

Copy the grid cells

Highlight the desired daily allocation cells in the right-hand grid and press Ctrl+C to copy them. Do not worry if the narrow cells currently display as ####.

Paste into Excel

Open a blank workbook in Microsoft Excel or WPS Spreadsheet, select cell A1, and press Ctrl+V to paste the copied grid.

Clean up the data

Press Ctrl+H to open the Find and Replace dialog. Type the unit marker (such as 'h' for hours) in the 'Find what' field, leave 'Replace with' blank, and click 'Replace All' to leave only numerical values.

Data Preservation: Even when Microsoft Project cells display as #### due to narrow column widths, the underlying numerical values are perfectly preserved when copied to your clipboard.

Solution 2

Automate Export Using VBA Macros

The most robust solution for recurring reports or when handling large volumes of daily work hours.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Analyze Project Data Seamlessly with WPS Office

While extracting time-scaled data from Microsoft Project can be complex, analyzing that data in a spreadsheet shouldn't be. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office. Once you've copied your project's time-scaled data, you can paste it directly into WPS Spreadsheet to build powerful forecasts, pivot tables, and charts without expensive subscription fees.

1. Download and install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and open the Spreadsheet application.
2. Paste project data: Paste your copied Microsoft Project time-scaled grid directly into a new WPS Spreadsheet.
3. Create your forecast: Use built-in functions, charts, and pivot tables to instantly turn your raw daily allocations into actionable project forecasts.

Perfect compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and CSV file formats.Powerful data cleaning features, including Find and Replace, text-to-columns, and advanced formatting.Familiar ribbon interface ensuring zero learning curve when migrating from Microsoft Office.Lightweight, all-in-one suite covering Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the standard MS Project export wizard include daily hours?

The built-in export mapping tool in Microsoft Project is designed to handle flat, task-level summary fields (like Start Date, Finish Date, and Total Work). It does not natively support exporting the multi-dimensional, time-scaled grid found in the Task Usage view.

Can I export time-scaled Microsoft Project data directly to a CSV file?

Not directly through the export wizard. To get time-scaled data into a CSV, you must first copy the right-hand grid manually, paste it into a spreadsheet program like Excel or WPS Spreadsheet, and then 'Save As' a CSV file. Alternatively, you can use a custom VBA macro to write the data to a CSV.

What does it mean when Microsoft Project cells show ####?

This simply indicates that the column width is too narrow to visually display the full number. The underlying data is completely intact. If you copy these cells and paste them into a spreadsheet, the actual numerical values will paste correctly.

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