How to Fix Column Mismatch Error When Updating a Manual Table

If you are updating an existing Manual Table and trying to add new rows (using “Replace rows with source data” or “Add rows to the current table data”), you may see an error such as:

“The number of columns in your file does not match the number of columns in the existing table”

In most cases, this happens because your CSV/Excel or Google Sheet file includes system-generated columns that should not be imported.

✅ What to Check

Please open your source CSV/Excel or Google Sheet file and make sure it does NOT include any of these columns:

• wdt_ID

• wdt_created_by

• wdt_created_at

• wdt_last_edited_by

• wdt_last_edited_at

These are automatic system columns created by wpDataTables for Manual tables.

🔎 Why This Causes the Error

These columns:

• Are generated automatically by the plugin

• Are auto-filled with:

  • A unique ID (wdt_ID)

  • The user who uploaded/edited the file

  • The date and time of creation or last edit

If you include them in your CSV/Excel or Google Sheet file, the structure will no longer match the existing Manual table — which results in the column mismatch error.

✔ The Correct Way to Import

When updating a Manual table:

• Include only your custom columns (for example: Client, Manager Name, Business Type, etc.)

• Exclude all wdt_ system columns

• Make sure the number and order of columns match your existing table structure

After removing the system columns from your source file, the import should work without errors.

If the issue persists after checking this, feel free to contact our Support.