XLSX vs XLS

Compare XLSX and XLS formats to find the best option for your needs.

XLSX

Spreadsheet

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format

Advantages

  • Industry standard
  • Rich features
  • Large data support

Disadvantages

  • Requires Excel
  • Complex format

Best for

  • Business spreadsheets
  • Data analysis
  • Financial reports
Convert to XLS
XLS

Spreadsheet

Legacy Microsoft Excel format

Advantages

  • Wide compatibility
  • Rich features
  • Familiar format

Disadvantages

  • Proprietary
  • Larger than XLSX
  • Row limits

Best for

  • Older Excel versions
  • Legacy systems
Convert to XLSX

Side-by-side comparison

Side-by-side comparison
FeatureXLSXXLS
CategorySpreadsheetSpreadsheet
File sizeSmallLarge
CompatibilityWidely supportedExcellent
QualityExcellentGood

Questions and answers

What is the difference between XLSX and XLS?
XLSX: Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format. XLS: Legacy Microsoft Excel format.
Which format should I choose: XLSX or XLS?
It depends on the job. XLSX is the better pick for: Business spreadsheets, Data analysis, and Financial reports. XLS is the better pick for: Older Excel versions and Legacy systems.
Can I convert XLSX to XLS?
Yes. Open the XLSX to XLS converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is XLSX better than XLS?
Not in general. XLSX is stronger at: Business spreadsheets, Data analysis, and Financial reports. XLS is stronger at: Older Excel versions and Legacy systems.

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