A data model is embedded data inside an Excel workbook that powers data visualizations such as PivotTables, and Pivot Charts. This article documents the maximum and configurable limits for Excel workbooks that contain data models.

Workbooks that contain a data model and data visualizations are often very large, sometimes exceeding the file size limits imposed by SharePoint Online or Office for the web in Microsoft 365.

The following table states the maximum limits of memory storage and file size for workbooks in Excel, and on different platforms. For tips on how to reduce model size, see Create a memory-efficient Data Model using Excel and the Power Pivot add-in.

You might also consider also running the Workbook Size Optimizer. It analyzes your Excel workbook and if possible, compresses it further. 

Product or platform

Maximum Limit

SharePoint Server 2013 (1)

Maximum file size for uploading to a document library:

  • 50 megabytes (MB) default

  • 2 gigabytes (GB) maximum (2)

Maximum file size for rendering a workbook in Excel Services:

  • 10 megabytes (MB)  default

  • 2 gigabytes (GB) maximum (2)

Excel for the web in Microsoft 365 3

250 megabytes (MB) total file size limit. Core worksheet contents (everything not in the Data Model) size limits according to file size limits for workbooks in SharePoint Online.

Power BI Pro or free service

0-250 MB

See how to reduce the size of an Excel workbook for Power BI.

(1) On SharePoint Server, notice that the defaults that are much lower than the maximum allowed. Ask your SharePoint administrator about raising file size limits if your file is too big to upload or render. More information about Software boundaries and limits for SharePoint Server 2013.

(2) Maximum Upload Size must be configured for each web application by a SharePoint administrator. Maximum Workbook Size must be configured in Excel Services by a service administrator. More information for administrators can be found in Configure Maximum File Upload Size on TechNet.

(3) Limits in Microsoft 365 are not configurable, but can change over time. Check the Microsoft 365 for Enterprise Service Descriptions for the latest information. You can also seeSharePoint Online Limits.

The following table specifies the maximum sizes and numbers of various objects defined in a Data Model.

Object

Maximum Limit

Characters in a table or column name

100 characters

Number of tables in a model

2,147,483,647

Number of columns and calculated columns in a table

2,147,483,647

Concurrent requests per workbook

6

Number of connections

5

Number of distinct values in a column

1,999,999,997

Number of rows in a table

1,999,999,997

String length

536,870,912 bytes (512 MB), equivalent to 268,435,456 Unicode characters (256 mega characters)

Caution:  Exceptions to the string limit apply to the following functions, where strings are limited to 2,097,152 Unicode characters:

  • CONCATENATE and infix concatenation operator

  • DATEVALUE

  • EXACT

  • FIND

  • FORMAT

  • LEFT

  • LEN

  • LOWER

  • MID

  • REPLACE

  • REPT, restriction applies to the input parameter and the result

  • RIGHT

  • SEARCH

  • SUBSTITUTE, restriction applies to the input parameter and the result

  • TIMEVALUE

  • TRIM

  • UPPER

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in Communities.

Related links

Create a memory-efficient Data Model using Excel and the Power Pivot add-in

Download the Workbook Size Optimizer

Power Pivot: Powerful data analysis and data modeling in Excel

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