Convert wks to xls

Convert WKS to XLS

How to export Microsoft Works files to Microsoft Excel. Converting MS Works spreadsheets to Excel. Available wks to xls converters.

Make XLS files online

We can't read WKS files yet, so this conversion isn't available. If you can export your work to one of these formats - or others - we'll turn it into XLS:

How to convert wks to xls file

It appears that both the WKS and XLS formats were supported in previous versions of Microsoft Office (2007 and older) and so if you have access to them you can be successful with wks to xls conversion. Microsoft Excel 2010 and later cannot open or work with older Works spreadsheets (.wks), regardless if they come from Microsoft Works or old Lotus 1-2-3. 

It is possible that the spreadshee software from the LibreOffice and OpenOffice.org productivity suites might still support WKS format and can be used to successfully convert spreadsheets from wks to xls. The very same most likely applies to Corel Quattro Pro that supposedly still have support for the old MS Works formats.

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Understanding WKS and XLS file formats

The WKS file format is associated with Lotus 1-2-3, a spreadsheet program that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It stores data in a tabular format, similar to modern spreadsheet applications, but is now considered outdated. On the other hand, the XLS file format is used by Microsoft Excel, a widely-used spreadsheet application. XLS files are more advanced, supporting a variety of features such as complex formulas, charts, and macros.

Why convert WKS to XLS?

Converting WKS files to XLS is essential for users who want to access and edit their old Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets using modern software like Microsoft Excel. This conversion allows for better compatibility, enhanced features, and easier sharing of data.

Best software for WKS to XLS conversion

One of the best software options for converting WKS to XLS is Microsoft Excel itself. Excel has built-in support for opening WKS files, which can then be saved in the XLS format. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Open Microsoft Excel.
  • Go to FileOpen and select the WKS file you want to convert.
  • Once the file is open, go to FileSave As.
  • Choose XLS as the file format and save the file.

Another option is to use a dedicated file conversion tool like Zamzar or Convertio, which offer online conversion services. These tools are user-friendly and do not require any software installation.


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WKS vs XLS: format comparison

How the WKS and XLS formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.

Comparison of the WKS and XLS file formats
Property .WKS Lotus 1-2-3 worksheet .XLS Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
Editable text No No
Fixed page layout No No
Text formatting Basic Extensive
Images No Limited
Interactive elements No Yes
Password protection Not supported Basic
Opens in a web browser No Partial
Typical file size Small Medium
Open standard No No
Best used for Data exchange Data exchange
Introduced 1982 1987
Developer Lotus Development Corporation Microsoft
MIME type application/vnd.ms-excel

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