Free XLS to DBF Converter - Convert XLS to DBF Online

How to convert xls to dbf file

July 6, 2026

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Some spreadsheet programs and even dedicated database converters can create a common database file (.dbf) from Excel spreadsheets (.xls, .xlsx), which is exactly what xls to dbf conversion represents. The spreadsheet must be ideally saved without any complex formatting, to prevent errors when wrong data are imported to the resulting database. Of course, all formatting will be lost.

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Understanding XLS and DBF file formats

The XLS file format is a spreadsheet file created by Microsoft Excel, part of the Microsoft Office suite. It is used to store data in a tabular form, including text, numbers, formulas, and other data types. XLS files are widely used for data analysis, financial modeling, and other applications that require organized data.

The DBF file format, on the other hand, is a database file format used by database management systems like dBASE. It stores data in a structured format, allowing for efficient data retrieval and manipulation. DBF files are commonly used in applications that require database functionalities, such as data storage, querying, and reporting.

How to convert XLS to DBF

Converting an XLS file to a DBF file involves transforming the spreadsheet data into a database format. This can be useful when you need to import Excel data into a database application that supports the DBF format.

Best software for XLS to DBF conversion

One of the best software options for converting XLS to DBF is Microsoft Excel itself, as it provides a straightforward way to export data. Here’s how you can do it:

Open your XLS file in Microsoft Excel.
Go to File → Save As.
Select DBF as the file format from the dropdown menu.
Click Save to complete the conversion.

Another excellent tool is DBF Converter, a dedicated software for converting various file formats to DBF. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports batch conversion, making it ideal for handling multiple files at once.

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XLS vs DBF: format comparison

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

Comparison of the XLS and DBF file formats
Property	.XLS Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet	.DBF dBASE Database File
Open standard	No	Partly open
Compression	Both	Uncompressed
Typical file size	Medium	Small
Opens in a web browser	Partial	No
Further editing	Limited	Limited
Metadata support	Basic	Basic
Plain-text readable	No	No
Best used for	Data exchange	Data exchange
Introduced	1987	1983
Developer	Microsoft	Ashton-Tate / dBASE, Inc. (format origin)
MIME type	application/vnd.ms-excel	application/x-dbf

Open XLS file Open DBF file

Frequently asked questions

Is the XLS to DBF converter free?

Yes, converting XLS to DBF 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 50 MB and convert up to 20 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 DBF?

No. The XLS to DBF 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 DBF 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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