> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/metrics/how-to-use-manual-metrics-with-csv.md).

# How to use manual metrics with CSV

Manual is the source to reach for when your data isn't in a connected tool. It needs no integration setup, supports all three metric types, and lets you bring data in by CSV upload, by pasting from a spreadsheet, or by typing values directly. In the **Source** dropdown it's labelled **Manual (includes CSV upload)**.

{% hint style="warning" icon="list-check" %}

#### Prerequisites

You need an Editor role at the workspace level. No integration setup is required.
{% endhint %}

#### Add a manual metric

The full builder flow (both entry points, the preview, and the card options) is covered in [How to create and configure a metric](/metrics/how-to-create-and-configure-a-metric.md). The steps below focus on what's specific to the Manual source: choosing it and getting your data in.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open the metric builder and enter a Name**

Start a new metric and give it a **Name**. The **Name** unlocks the **Source** field. See [How to create and configure a metric](/metrics/how-to-create-and-configure-a-metric.md) for the two ways to open the builder.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Pick Source = Manual (includes CSV upload)**

In the **Source** dropdown, select **Manual (includes CSV upload)**. It's the first option and the only source that needs no connection.

<figure><img src="/files/dWYPzquO1YWgtr2YD7hQ" alt="The Source dropdown open in the metric builder, listing Manual (includes CSV upload) first, followed by Google Analytics, Power BI, Excel (Office 365), Google Sheet, and Qualtrics."><figcaption><p>Source dropdown, Manual selected</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Pick a Type**

Choose **Series**, **Number**, or **Comparison**. The type decides how you enter the data: Series uses a table you can fill by CSV, paste, or by hand; Number and Comparison take values you type inline. For help deciding, see [How to choose a metric type](/metrics/how-to-choose-a-metric-type.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Enter your data**

Fill in the data for the type you picked. See [Enter your data](#enter-your-data) below for the per-type detail.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Click Show Preview**

Click **Show Preview** to render the chart and reveal the full options panel.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Adjust the options and Save**

Set the chart heading, decimals, and any other display options, then click **Save**. The metric appears in the workspace **Metrics** list.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

#### Enter your data

How you enter data depends on the metric type.

For a **Series** metric, the **Series data** section gives you three interchangeable ways to fill the **Label** / **Value** table. Use whichever fits the data you have.

<figure><img src="/files/aKPIAUAtJyJ6AdFhVFjW" alt="The Series data section of the metric builder with Source set to Manual. An Upload CSV button sits top-right, a green tip explains pasting from a spreadsheet, and helper text links a downloadable example above an empty Label and Value table with an Add row link."><figcaption><p>Series data: Upload CSV, paste, or the Label / Value table</p></figcaption></figure>

* **Upload CSV** - Click **Upload CSV** and choose your file. The CSV has two columns, **Label** and **Value** (for example, `Jan,120`). The **download example** link in the helper text gives you a template to fill in.
* **Paste from a spreadsheet** - Copy a two-column range from Excel or Google Sheets, click into the table, and paste. The rows fill in automatically.
* **Type rows by hand** - Enter a **Label** and **Value**, then click **+ Add row** for each data point. Drag the handle to reorder rows, or use the per-row delete to remove one.

{% hint style="success" icon="lightbulb" %}

#### **Tip: Paste straight from a spreadsheet**

Copy a two-column range from Excel or Google Sheets, select a cell in the table, and paste. There's no need to format the data first or save it as a file.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### **Important: The CSV needs exactly two columns**

Use one column for the **Label** and one for the **Value** (`Jan,120`). The same two-column shape applies whether you upload a file or paste from a spreadsheet.
{% endhint %}

For a **Number** or **Comparison** metric, there's no table or CSV. You type the values directly into the builder:

* **Number** - Enter a **Prefix**, **Value**, and **Suffix** (for example, `$` `1,200` or `85` `%`).
* **Comparison** - Enter a **Prefix**, **Current** value, **Previous** value, and **Suffix**. The metric renders the two values with the percentage change between them.

***

#### Preview and save

Once your data is in, click **Show Preview** to render the card and open the display options. For a Series metric, the preview shows the chart you've built.

<figure><img src="/files/TlFhbsiuEEdexwL9GAVB" alt="A rendered metric card titled Website signups showing a bar chart of four increasing bars on a 0 to 350 axis."><figcaption><p>Series card preview</p></figcaption></figure>

After you click **Save**, the metric appears in the workspace **Metrics** list with its source shown as **Manual**, ready to add to a journey map.

<figure><img src="/files/uuC0UWhFHNNwUvik0nBs" alt="The workspace Metrics list with a saved metric named Website signups at the top, its Source column reading Manual and its Type column reading Series."><figcaption><p>The saved metric in the Metrics list</p></figcaption></figure>

To put the metric on a journey map, see [How to use metric cards](/journey-maps/cards/how-to-use-metric-cards.md).

***

#### Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary><strong>CSV won't import</strong> - File shape issue</summary>

The file needs exactly two columns, **Label** and **Value**, with one data point per row (`Jan,120`). If your export has extra columns, header rows the builder doesn't expect, or merged cells, trim it down to two columns first. Use the **download example** link as a reference for the expected shape.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Values aren't charting</strong> - Missing Label or Value</summary>

A Series chart needs a **Label** and a **Value** in each row. Rows with one cell filled and the other blank won't plot. Check that every row has both, then click **Show Preview** again to re-render.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Save is greyed out</strong> - Preview not generated yet</summary>

**Save** stays disabled until you click **Show Preview**. Generating the preview renders the chart and unlocks the rest of the options, including **Save**.

</details>

#### Related topics

<table data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Article</th><th>What it covers</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>How to create and configure a metric</strong></td><td>The full builder flow, both entry points, preview, and card options.</td><td><a href="/pages/UlZ0vwT23WaSlpB6ae7r">/pages/UlZ0vwT23WaSlpB6ae7r</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to choose a metric type</strong></td><td>When to use Series, Number, or Comparison, and how each one renders.</td><td><a href="/pages/exJ4wHPtNqRHjfhSG9Y1">/pages/exJ4wHPtNqRHjfhSG9Y1</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to use metric cards</strong></td><td>Add a saved metric to a journey map and choose how it displays.</td><td><a href="/pages/598LDg8aKf90gVjRC9GG">/pages/598LDg8aKf90gVjRC9GG</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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