What is a data query in Excel?

A data query in Excel is any operation that retrieves data from an external source â€” such as a SQL database, API, or file â€” and loads the results into a worksheet. Traditional methods include ODBC connections, Power Query (Get & Transform), and manual CSV imports. Query Streams provides a modern alternative: an Excel add-in that lets users select pre-built queries from a dropdown and pull live database results directly into the spreadsheet without writing SQL or configuring database connections.

Do I need to know SQL to use Query Streams in Excel?

No. The person who creates the queries (typically a DBA or data engineer) writes the SQL in the Query Streams web portal . The Excel user simply opens the add-in, selects a query from their list, adjusts any available filters (date range, region, department), and clicks Run. The SQL is completely hidden â€” end users only see query names, descriptions, and filter options.

How is Query Streams different from ODBC or Power Query?

ODBC and Power Query require each Excel user to have database credentials, direct network access (often VPN), and usually some SQL knowledge. Query Streams separates these concerns: a network Agent runs on your server and handles the database connection securely, while Excel users interact only with a simple add-in dropdown. No credentials are stored in Excel, no VPN is needed, and no SQL is exposed to end users. Additionally, Query Streams supports per-user access controls, interactive filters, parallel execution of multiple queries, and a full audit trail â€” features that ODBC and Power Query do not provide natively.

Which databases can I query from Excel using Query Streams?

Query Streams supports 10+ databases from a single Agent installation: Microsoft SQL Server (including Azure SQL Database and AWS RDS), PostgreSQL (including Google Cloud SQL), MySQL , MariaDB , Oracle , Snowflake , Google BigQuery , SQLite , DuckDB , and Microsoft Access . More database integrations are coming soon. All connected data sources appear in a unified dropdown in the Excel add-in.

Can I run multiple queries into different Excel tabs at the same time?

Yes. Query Streams supports parallel query execution. You can launch five or more saved queries simultaneously, each targeting a different worksheet tab. The Agent processes all queries concurrently and streams results back to each tab independently, regardless of result size. There is no queue â€” all selected queries execute at the same time.

Is my database exposed to the internet when using Query Streams?

No. The Query Streams Agent makes only outbound connections from your server to the cloud relay over standard HTTPS/WSS ports. Your database never accepts inbound connections from the internet. There are no open ports, no inbound firewall rules, and no VPN tunnels required. The Agent behaves like a web browser connecting to an external service â€” your network security team can verify this independently.

How do interactive filters work in the Excel add-in?

When a DBA builds a saved query, they can define interactive filters using explicit SQL variables (e.g., @start_date , @region ) or let Query Streams auto-detect static values in WHERE clauses. In the Excel add-in, these filters appear as dropdowns, date pickers, or text fields. Each user adjusts filters independently before clicking Run â€” they get customized results from a single shared query without editing any SQL. Filters are configured in the query's Properties tab in the web portal.

Can a DBA share queries with users who have no database knowledge?

Yes â€” this is the primary use case. A DBA creates queries in the web portal, then shares them with specific users or teams using per-user access controls. Each recipient sees only the queries they have been granted access to. In the Excel add-in, they pick a named query, adjust available filters, and click Run. They never see or interact with SQL, connection strings, table names, or database credentials. This is what makes Query Streams unique for using SQL in Excel at the team and enterprise level.

Does Query Streams work with Excel Online, Office 365, and desktop Excel?

The Query Streams Excel add-in works with Microsoft Excel desktop (Windows and macOS) as well as Excel on the web (Office 365 / Microsoft 365). The add-in is installed once and is available across your Excel environments. It also works with the Google Sheets add-on , so the same queries are accessible from any spreadsheet platform your team uses.

How do I get started with data queries in Excel using Query Streams?

Sign up for a free account , download the Agent onto a machine with database access, connect your data sources, build your first saved query, and install the Excel add-in. The entire setup takes minutes. Once configured, any authorized user on your team can pull live database results into Excel with a single click â€” no ongoing IT involvement required.

Data Query in Excel - Pull Live Database Results into Excel

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Setup

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Is the Agent Online? What Offline Means and How to Fix It
How to Install the Query Streams Agent on Windows
How to Install the Query Streams Agent on Linux
How to Install the Query Streams Agent on macOS
Query Streams Access Level Permissions: Complete User Role Management Guide
How to Install the Query Streams Google Sheets Addon

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Data Connector Setup

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Set up the PostgreSQL connector
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