# Import BigQuery data into Geckoboard using Google Sheets

Import BigQuery data into Google Sheets, then use our Google Sheets data source to display it in Geckoboard.

April 30, 2025

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Import your BigQuery data onto Google Sheets using Connected Sheets, then connect it to Geckoboard using our Google Sheets data source.

### Steps to Import BigQuery Data

1. Open a new file in Google Sheets.
2. In the menu at the top, click **Data** > **Data connectors** > **Connect to BigQuery**.
3. Select your BigQuery project.
   - If you're unable to access your project, you'll need to [meet these requirements](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/9702507?hl=en&ref_topic=9699960#whatyouneed).
4. Choose a table or view.
   - You can pick from any company table you have access to or from public datasets.
5. Click **Connect.**
   - By default, Connected Sheets shows you a preview of 500 rows of raw data in BigQuery.
   - As dashboards typically require a smaller sample of numbers, you might choose to [extract a subset of the raw data directly into a new sheet](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6577410-import-bigquery-data-into-geckoboard-using-google-sheets#h_cf3d8a8ede).
   - You can also create functions and [column calculations](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6577410-import-bigquery-data-into-geckoboard-using-google-sheets#h_5ecb6813b2), as well as [automatically refreshing your dataset](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6577410-import-bigquery-data-into-geckoboard-using-google-sheets#h_df720ba312).
6. Switch to Geckoboard, then [connect your sheet using our Google Sheets data source](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055517-connect-your-google-sheet-to-geckoboard) and begin visualizing your data.

## Calculate new columns in your BigQuery dataset

Create new columns in your dataset that transform or combine other columns. These calculated numbers can then be displayed on your dashboards.

1. Click **Add Calculated Column** from the preview sheet.
2. Use the column on the right to view the available columns and the various functions you can use in your formula.
3. Give your calculated column a name and write your formula.
   - You can see some example calculated columns by clicking the question mark at the top.
4. Click **Add** to see the column added to the preview sheet.

## Extract only the numbers you need from your BigQuery dataset

Creating a new sheet specifically to power your dashboard widgets is useful when your source dataset is large. Use the Extract feature to extract smaller tables from a larger BigQuery dataset.

1. Click on **Extract** from the preview sheet.
   - By default it will insert the data in a new sheet.
2. Choose whether to sync all columns from BigQuery or choose the columns you want to import.
3. Specify any filters and also how you want to sort it.
4. Set the row limit.
   - Consider how many rows of data you need to build your dashboard widgets.
5. Hit **Apply** to import the raw data from BigQuery into your sheet.

## Schedule automatic refreshes of your BigQuery dataset

By default, all the analyses you do in Connected Sheets remain unchanged until you decide to refresh them, **even if that data changes in BigQuery**. To schedule automatic data refresh every hour, day, week, or month, follow these steps:

1. Click **Refresh options** from the preview sheet.
2. From the refresh options sidebar, click **setup now** under Scheduled refresh.
3. Specify a **refresh rate** and **Start date and time**.
4. Click **Save** to confirm.