How to define a user in MS SQL Server 2012 that can import data into Excel, but nothing more

Would read only on the database that they are pivoting from count as absolute minimum rights?  They would be able to log in to the instance and read from the database you give them access to.  If yes, you would assign their login to the db_datareader role (in user mapping section of the login properties window) for that specific database.

Edit: If this is something that you anticipate needing to do again in the future, I would recommend an AD security group be granted these permissions, that way you only need to manage group membership from AD.

This Excel sheet has to be shared on a website, so AD isn't an option. I've already given the user db_datareader and SELECT right, but I really don't like the idea of unknown people being able to log on to the instance and view other databases, so I have was hoping reading data and logging in using SSMS could be split (don't have a firm understanding of the difference between login and user I'm afraid).

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As PadawanDBA explained in his answer

you would assign their login to the db_datareader role (in user mapping section of the login properties window) for that specific database.

Permissions are granted for that database only, your users wouldnt be able to access other databases

Excellent, thanks!

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With the deny view database it should work out well. These people are my friends, but I use other databases too that they don't need to see, and an Excel sheet can show up in a Google search, so better safe than sorry.

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I'm still missing something. I added a new user with
USE [master]
GO
CREATE LOGIN [ReadOnlyUser] WITH PASSWORD=N'Admin1234', DEFAULT_DATABASE=[Test], CHECK_EXPIRATION=OFF, CHECK_POLICY=OFF
GO
USE [Test]
GO
CREATE USER [ReadOnlyUser] FOR LOGIN [ReadOnlyUser]
GO
USE [Test]
GO
ALTER ROLE [db_datareader] ADD MEMBER [ReadOnlyUser]
GO
DENY VIEW ANY DATABASE TO [ReadOnlyUser]
GO

But when I log in with that user, I can't see the Test database.

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Never mind, I just forgot to include
use [Test]
GO
GRANT SELECT TO [ReadOnlyUser]
GO

It works great now. Only the Test database shows up in Excel and and nothing shows up in SSMS, but the user can still query that one database.

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Can you take a quick peek at the login for ReadOnlyUser ( Security > Logins > Right click 'ReadOnlyUser' > Properties > Securables > Permissions for <servername here> section) and tell me what it says next to View any database?  Also check in the user mapping tab, what are the permissions for the test database ?

Good to hear!

Securables: View any database, Grantor: sa, Deny

User Mapping: Database: Test, User: ReadOnlyUser, Default Schema: dbo, Membership: db_datareader and public

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i think the points should have gone to PadawanDBA

Oops, didn't notice that I clicked the wrong link. I agree, but don't know how to change this.

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Ask a moderator to change it

Seems I can't add a request attention call as PadawanDBA has already done so.

Moderators: I meant to give the points to PadawanDBA, but I clicked the wrong acceptance link by mistake. Sorry.

I mentioned it in the request, but I am perfectly fine with a point split as QuinnDex clarified for you in a timely manner.  I'm just happy we were able to help you get things setup in a manner that works for your requirements.

No, you deserve the points, I was just a bit too quick and clicked the first green link as I scrolled my way up the page to accept the solution.

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