This article written by MiniTool compares the XLSX and XLS spreadsheet file formats and highlights their differences across seven key areas. Additionally, it provides guidance on converting between these two formats using three straightforward methods. To learn more details, continue reading below.

About XLS and XLSX

XLS represents an Excel spreadsheet. It is a file extension for a spreadsheet format created by Microsoft for Excel, employing a proprietary method for storing documents. The XLS format is recognized as the Binary Interchange File Format (BIFF).

On the other hand, XLSX is a Microsoft spreadsheet compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It includes features such as calculations, pivot tables, charting tools, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic for Applications.

Both XLS and XLSX files are typically used in Microsoft Excel to store financial data and create mathematical models.

Differences Between XLS and XLSX

Here's how XLS differs from XLSX:

1. File Format

Despite both being Excel spreadsheet formats, XLS and XLSX have distinct extensions (.xls and .xlsx respectively). XLS was the standard file format from Excel 97 to Excel 2003, whereas XLSX became the default format starting with Excel 2007.

Note: .xls also serves as the extension for Microsoft Excel 5.0/95 Wordbooks. Similarly, .xlsx corresponds to Script Open XML Spreadsheets.

2. Storage

XLS relies on BIFF and stores its information in a binary format. Conversely, XLSX is based on the Office Open XML format derived from XML, storing its data in a text file utilizing XML to define all parameters.

3. File Size

Since XLSX employs ZIP and compression techniques for data storage, it generally results in smaller file sizes compared to the traditional binary-based XLS.

4. Performance

Regarding speed, although XLSX is the newer Excel file format, it tends to operate slower than the older XLS format, particularly when handling complex formulas with large datasets.

In terms of compatibility, XLS outperforms XLSX because it is readable by all versions of Microsoft Excel, whereas XLSX is only supported by Excel 2007 and later releases. Furthermore, XLS can accommodate spreadsheets with or without Macros, while XLSX lacks Macro support.

5. Availability

XLS is a proprietary file format, whereas XLSX is open and royalty-free. Based on XML and ZIP technologies, XLSX specifications and schemas are publicly available under a royalty-free license, enabling widespread industry usage.

6. Reliability

The Office XML Format-based XLSX is engineered to be more resilient than the binary format-based XLS, reducing the likelihood of data loss due to file corruption.

XLSX enhances data recovery through segmentation and independent saving of each component within the file package. This capability could significantly reduce costs and time spent recovering lost data.

If a single file component becomes corrupted, the rest of the file remains accessible within the application. Moreover, Office applications can detect issues and attempt to repair documents upon opening by restoring the correct data structure.

Tip: In case you lose important files, including spreadsheets, consider using MiniTool Data Recovery to retrieve them.

7. Security

The openness of the Office XML Format (.xlsx) leads to more secure and transparent files. You can easily locate and eliminate personal identifying information and business-sensitive data. Files containing components like Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) or OLE objects can be identified for specialized processing.

XLSX also bolsters security against documents embedding code or macros. By default, Office 2007 (including Excel 2007, Word 2007, PowerPoint 2007, etc.) file formats do not execute embedded code.

The Office XML Formats feature a special-purpose format with a separate extension for files embedding code, enabling IT staff to swiftly recognize files containing code.

Converting XLSX to XLS

Generally, there are three methods to convert XLSX to XLS.

Method #1: Changing File Extensions Directly

Surprisingly, converting XLSX to XLS or vice versa is as simple as altering the file extension.

1. Navigate to the folder containing the target spreadsheet via File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the file and select Rename, or simply click on the file and press F2.
3. Modify the file extension from .xlsx to .xls or vice versa.
4. Hit Enter and click elsewhere on the screen.
5. Should a warning appear stating that changing the file extension may render the file unusable, confirm the action by clicking Yes.

Method #2: Converting Using Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel primarily supports XLSX and XLS formats and allows switching between them.

1. Open the .xlsx file in Excel 2007 or a later version.
2. Go to the File menu on the upper-left corner and select Save As from the dropdown menu.
3. On the right side of the subsequent screen, click on Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) and then select Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xlsx).
4. Click the Save button at the bottom.

Alternatively, you can click More options.. beneath and choose Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xlsx) from the Save as type dropdown. Lastly, click Save to finalize the changes.

Similarly, follow these steps to convert XLS to XLSX.

Method #3: Utilizing an XLSX to XLS Converter

Another approach to transitioning between XLSX and XLS formats involves leveraging a third-party tool or service. Numerous online platforms offer quick conversions from XLSX to XLS, often free of charge.

Advantages of XLS to XLSX converters:

• Supports multiple spreadsheet formats (.xlsm, .xlsb, .xml, .csv, .xla, etc.).
• Handles various file types such as word documents, images, audio, video, archives, etc.
• Offers batch conversion capabilities.

Disadvantages of XLSX to XLS converters:

• Converted files must be downloaded from the internet.
• Risks of data leakage exist.

Tip: For video and audio format conversions, MiniTool Video Converter is a dependable and professional tool. It is entirely free and does not add watermarks.

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