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.
File size limits
Workbooks that contain a data model and data visualizations are often very large, sometimes exceeding the file size limits imposed by SharePoint Online or Excel for the web.
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 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:
|
| 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 Microsoft Fabric support |
(1) SharePoint Server 2013 reached end of support on April 11, 2023. These limits are provided for historical reference only. For current limits, see the documentation for your SharePoint Server version or SharePoint Online.
(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. For information about configuring on-premises SharePoint environments, see the documentation for your SharePoint Server version.
(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 see SharePoint Limits.
Other 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) |
Function exceptions
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