Free online XLS to CSV converter

What is the best way to convert .xls files to .csv format.

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How to convert xls to csv file

June 7, 2026
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Converting .xls to .csv relates to exporting MS Excel Spreadsheet data to a Comma-Separated Values File. Such a conversion is quite straightforward, as most of the currently available spreadsheet generating utilities, programs and online file converters are capable of converting .xls to .csv format.

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Understanding XLS and CSV file formats

XLS is a file format used by Microsoft Excel to store spreadsheet data. It supports complex data structures, including formulas, charts, and macros. CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simpler file format used to store tabular data in plain text form, where each line represents a data record, and each field is separated by a comma.

Why convert XLS to CSV?

Converting XLS to CSV is useful when you need a lightweight, platform-independent format for data exchange. CSV files are easier to import into various applications and are ideal for data analysis, sharing, and storage.

How to convert XLS to CSV

To convert an XLS file to CSV, you can use spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or online converters. Here’s how to do it using Excel:

Open the XLS file in Microsoft Excel.
Go to File → Save As.
Select CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) from the Save as type dropdown menu.
Choose the destination folder and click Save.

Best software or converter for XLS to CSV

For offline conversion, Microsoft Excel is the best choice due to its reliability and ease of use. For online conversion, Convertio is a popular option, offering a straightforward interface and quick conversion process.

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XLS vs CSV: format comparison

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

Comparison of the XLS and CSV file formats
Property	.XLS Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet	.CSV Comma-Separated Values
Open standard	No	Yes
Compression	Both	Uncompressed
Typical file size	Medium	Small
Opens in a web browser	Partial	Yes, natively
Further editing	Limited	Easy
Metadata support	Basic	Basic
Plain-text readable	No	Yes
Best used for	Data exchange	Data exchange
Introduced	1987	—
Developer	Microsoft	—
MIME type	application/vnd.ms-excel	text/csv

Open XLS file Open CSV file

Suggested software and links: xls to csv converters

Ability Spreadsheet

A fully featured spreadsheet program from Ability Office software suite

Apache OpenOffice Calc

Spreadsheet program from OpenOffice.org productivity suite

Claris FileMaker Pro

A program used to create and manage information databases

Excel Mobile

Mobile version of Microsoft Excel, previously known as Pocket Excel

Google Sheets

Spreadsheet web app from Google

LibreOffice Calc

Full-featured spreadsheet tool from LibreOffice suite

Microsoft Excel

A popular spreadsheet application distributed with Microsoft Office suite or Microsoft 365 subscription.

Navicat Premium

Fully-featured database development tool for Windows.

Numbers

A native spreadsheet application from Apple for macOS

PlanMaker

A handy spreadsheet editor from SoftMaker Office suite

QuickBooks

A business accounting software from Intuit

WordPerfect Office

A spreadsheet software application formerly known as Corel Quattro Pro

Frequently asked questions

Is the XLS to CSV converter free?

Yes, converting XLS to CSV on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required.

How large can my XLS file be?

You can upload XLS files up to 1000 MB and convert up to 100 files at once in a single batch.

What happens to my uploaded files?

Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.

Do I need to install any software to convert XLS to CSV?

No. The XLS to CSV conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.

Did the conversion fail?

In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid XLS file for this XLS to CSV conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.

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Additional formats for
xls file conversion

Reverse conversion

csv to xls

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