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Bloomberg: Getting Started: Bloomberg Excel Add-in

Working with the Excel Add-In

Spreadsheet Builder Wizard

Quickly and easily import Bloomberg data into Excel.

Launch the Spreadsheet Builder wizard by selecting Spreadsheet Builder from the Bloomberg Menu or by clicking on the Spreadsheet Builder icon on Excel toolbar. 

Spreadsheet Builder icon in Bloomberg Excel ribbon

Select the type of data you want download, then follow the steps. 

Worksheet Functions in Excel

Provide intermediate to advanced Excel users flexibility to construct their own formulas and customize Bloomberg data in Excel. 

In the Excel Add-in, Bloomberg functions are consolidated with flexible optional parameters:

  • BDP (Bloomberg Data Point) is for current data.
  • BDH (Bloomberg Data History) is for historical end of day and historical intraday data.
  • BDS (Bloomberg Data Set) is for large data sets/ bulk data. 

When using any of the formulas, you must specify the security for which you want to retrieve data (Security), and you must specify the data item you want to retrieve (Field). The Security must be represented as (Ticker) (Market Sector), for example TGT Equity.

Fields are represented by mnemonics. Use the Field Search tool in Excel to search by category or keyword. 

Find Fields icon in Bloomberg Excel ribbon

Excel Add-in Help

Go to HELP DAPI <GO> in Bloomberg to learn more.

Download & Export

Ways to export Bloomberg data into Excel 

  1. Excel Plug-in: Open up Excel first, click on Bloomberg, then import data. A new screen will open where you can enter your data selections.
  2. Export from Bloomberg into Excel: This exporting capability is limited to certain data elements within Bloomberg. Not all data can be exported. 
  3. Drag and drop securities into Excel: Look for the white box with an arrow to drag a list securities into Excel. 

Screenshots

  1. Use Windows Snip & Sketch to take screenshots.