CSV vs JSON
CSV or JSON for data export? Size, schema and tooling compared.
Reviewed by The Markvibe Team · Last updated 2026-06-28
CSV is the lowest-common-denominator format for tabular data — it opens in Excel, weighs almost nothing, and predates the web. JSON handles nested structures, types, and arrays natively. The right pick depends on whether the data is a flat table or a tree.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | CSV | JSON |
|---|---|---|
| Nested data | ❌ Flat only | ✅ Nested trees |
| Types | All strings | string, number, bool, null |
| Opens in Excel | ✅ Native | ❌ Needs import |
| File size | Smaller for tables | Larger |
| Standard | RFC 4180 (loosely) | RFC 8259 |
Our recommendation
Use CSV for tabular exports headed to spreadsheets. Use JSON for anything with nesting, types, or API consumers.
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