How to Import a Module in Python

Importing a module lets you use code that already exists instead of writing everything yourself.

In Python, modules can be:

built-in modules that come with Python
installed packages from outside Python
your own .py files

This guide shows you how to import modules, use functions from them, and avoid common beginner mistakes.

Quick answer

import math

print(math.sqrt(16))

from random import randint
print(randint(1, 10))

Use import module_name to load a module.

Use from module_name import something when you only need specific names.

What importing a module means

A module is a Python file that contains reusable code.

When you import a module, Python makes that code available in your program.

Many useful modules come with Python, including:

math for math functions
random for random values
sys for Python system information

If you are new to this topic, see Python modules explained.

Use `import module_name`

Write import followed by the module name.

Then use the module's functions with dot notation.

import math

print(math.sqrt(25))
print(math.ceil(4.2))

Expected output:

5.0
5

Why this style is useful

It is clear where a function came from.
It reduces name conflicts.
It is common in real Python code.

For example, math.sqrt() clearly shows that sqrt comes from the math module.

Use `from module_name import name`

You can import only the function, class, or variable you need.

from math import sqrt

print(sqrt(36))

Expected output:

6.0

With this style, you call sqrt() directly instead of writing math.sqrt().

When to use this

This can be useful in short scripts and simple examples.

But in larger files, it can be less clear because you do not see the module name before the function.

If you want to understand this more deeply, read how import works in Python.

Rename a module with `as`

You can give a module a shorter name with as.

import math as m

print(m.sqrt(49))
print(m.pi)

Expected output:

7.0
3.141592653589793

This is helpful when:

the module name is long
you want shorter code
a short alias is commonly used

For example, import math as m works, though many real-world aliases are even more common with other libraries.

Import your own Python file

You can also import your own file.

If you have a file named helpers.py in the same folder as your script, you can import it like this:

`helpers.py`

def greet(name):
    return f"Hello, {name}!"

`main.py`

import helpers

print(helpers.greet("Sam"))

Expected output:

Hello, Sam!

Important points:

Put both files in the same folder.
Use the filename without .py.
helpers.py becomes import helpers.

Do not write this:

import helpers.py

That is invalid syntax for imports.

How to check that the import worked

The simplest way is to run your script and use something from the module.

For example:

import math

print(math.sqrt(64))

If the import works, Python runs the code normally.

If Python cannot find the module, you may get a ModuleNotFoundError. See how to fix ModuleNotFoundError: No module named x.

Useful commands for testing imports:

python your_script.py
python -c "import math; print(math.sqrt(25))"
python -c "import sys; print(sys.path)"
pip show requests
python -m pip install requests

What these do:

python your_script.py runs your file
python -c "import math; print(math.sqrt(25))" tests an import quickly
python -c "import sys; print(sys.path)" shows where Python looks for modules
pip show requests checks whether a package is installed
python -m pip install requests installs a package

If you need help with installation, read how to install a Python package with pip.

When beginners get stuck

These are common reasons imports fail:

Misspelled module name
Using import myfile.py instead of import myfile
The module file is not in the same folder or Python path
The package is not installed
Your file name conflicts with a real module name

Common beginner mistakes

Using the `.py` extension

Wrong:

import helpers.py

Right:

import helpers

Naming your file the same as a standard module

If you name your file random.py, then this can cause problems:

import random

Python may import your file instead of the standard library module.

Try to avoid names like:

random.py
math.py
sys.py

Importing a package that is not installed

This will fail if the package is missing:

import requests

If needed, install it:

python -m pip install requests

FAQ

What is the difference between `import math` and `from math import sqrt`?

import math keeps the module name, so you write math.sqrt().

from math import sqrt lets you write sqrt() directly.

Can I import my own Python file?

Yes. If your file is in the same folder and is named helpers.py, you can usually write import helpers.

Why do I get `ModuleNotFoundError`?

Python cannot find the module. Check the spelling, file location, and whether the package is installed.

Should I use `from module import *`?

Usually no. It imports many names at once and can make code harder to read.