Quick answer
In RFC 4180, if a field contains a double quote character, the entire field must be wrapped in double quotes.
CSV Quote in Unquoted Field
In RFC 4180, if a field contains a double quote character, the entire field must be wrapped in double quotes. An unquoted field cannot contain a raw quote.
Common causes
- Inches or foot marks (e.g. 5" screen) in an unquoted field.
- Abbreviations or text that include a quote character.
- Export from a tool that did not auto-quote such fields.
How to fix
- Wrap the field in double quotes: "5" screen" or "John "Jr" Doe".
- Inside a quoted field, escape a quote by doubling it: "" for one quote.
- Validate with a CSV validator to get the exact line and column.
Examples
Bad
product,size Laptop,17" Monitor,24"
Good
product,size Laptop,"17""" Monitor,"24"""
FAQ
- How do I put a quote inside a CSV field?
- Put the whole field in double quotes and use "" for each literal quote (e.g. "5"" screen").
- Is single quote allowed in unquoted CSV fields?
- Yes. Only double quote has special meaning; it must either quote the field or be escaped as "" inside quotes.
Fix it now
Try in validator (prefill this example)