XLSX vs XLS: Modern and Legacy Excel Formats Compared?

XLSX is an Open XML workbook; XLS is the older binary workbook format.

Short answer

XLSX is an Open XML workbook; XLS is the older binary workbook format.

What to check

Review compatibility, row limits, features, and file size. Review formulas, calculated values, dates, merged cells, print areas, hidden sheets, and number formats after conversion.

Using xlsx.now

Use the XLSX TO XLS converter, keep the source, and inspect the downloaded result before sharing it.

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