How to convert XLS to CSV
To convert XLS to CSV, upload your XLS file, choose CSV as the output format and press Convert. The finished CSV file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns XLS spreadsheet files into CSV in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. The conversion runs on our server using LibreOffice and pandas, and the result is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds. Your XLS file is deleted automatically about 30 minutes after the conversion.
Why convert XLS to CSV?
- Opens in any program
- Tiny and simple
- The standard for importing and exporting data
- Opens in: Excel, Google Sheets, databases, Python, R and every text editor
What to expect from this conversion
- CSV stores a single table, so formatting, colours, charts and formulas are dropped and only the values are kept. Only the first sheet is exported to CSV and TSV; JSON keeps every sheet.
XLS vs CSV
| Property | XLS | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Excel 97-2003 Workbook | Comma-Separated Values |
| Released | 1997, Microsoft | 1972, IBM and later RFC 4180 |
| Family | Spreadsheet | Spreadsheet |
| Opens in | Microsoft Excel (all versions), LibreOffice and Google Sheets | Excel, Google Sheets, databases, Python, R and every text editor |
| Best for | old Excel versions; legacy business software | importing data into databases and apps; exporting reports |
Steps to convert XLS to CSV
- Drop your XLS file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that CSV is selected as the target format and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then save the new CSV file to your device when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Check that the first row contains your column names.
- Use XLSX when you need several sheets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert XLS to CSV?
Drop your XLS file on the converter, confirm that CSV is the target format and press Convert. When it finishes, press Save to device or download the CSV file. No account or software is needed.
Is the XLS to CSV converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
What should I know before converting XLS to CSV?
CSV stores a single table, so formatting, colours, charts and formulas are dropped and only the values are kept. Only the first sheet is exported to CSV and TSV; JSON keeps every sheet.
Will formulas and formatting be kept when converting XLS to CSV?
CSV stores a single table, so formatting, colours, charts and formulas are dropped and only the values are kept. Only the first sheet is exported to CSV and TSV; JSON keeps every sheet.
Which programs open CSV files?
CSV files open in Excel, Google Sheets, databases, Python, R and every text editor.
How large a file can I convert?
Up to 100 MB per file. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion, and no one looks at them.