Convert XLS to CSV

XLS to CSV converter that runs entirely in your browser. 100% free, no signup, no upload — your files never leave your device. One-click batch conversion.

Conversions

About formats

XLS

XLS is the legacy binary spreadsheet format used by Microsoft Excel 97 through 2003. It stores tabular data, formatting, formulas, and charts in BIFF binary format, superseded by XLSX in Office 2007.

Developer
Microsoft
Initial release
1987
Compression
Lossless
Color depth
up to 24-bit
Transparency
Yes
Animation
No

Best for

  • Legacy Excel files
  • Compatibility with older Excel versions
  • Tabular data storage

Pros

  • +Compatible with legacy software
  • +Compact binary structure

Cons

  • −Legacy binary format superseded by XLSX
  • −Row and column limits (65,536 rows)
  • −Less open than XML-based formats

CSV

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a plain-text format for storing tabular data where each row is a record and fields are separated by commas. CSV is the simplest and most universal format for exchanging tabular data between spreadsheets, databases, and statistical software. CSV files are supported by virtually every spreadsheet and data-processing tool.

Developer
RFC 4180 (IETF)
Initial release
2005 (RFC)
Compression
Uncompressed
Color depth
1-bit
Transparency
No
Animation
No

Best for

  • Exchanging tabular data between tools
  • Importing data into databases
  • Statistical software data input
  • Simple data export and backup
  • Universal spreadsheet data interchange

Pros

  • +Simplest and most universal tabular format
  • +Plain-text and human-readable
  • +Supported by virtually every data tool
  • +No proprietary dependencies

Cons

  • −No types, formulas, or formatting
  • −No charts or multi-sheet support
  • −Comma and newline escaping can be tricky
  • −Encoding ambiguities (UTF-8 vs others)

How to convert XLS to CSV

  1. 1

    Select XLS files from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, a URL, or by dragging them onto the page.

  2. 2

    Choose csv — or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported).

  3. 3

    Let the file convert, then download your csv file right away.

XLS vs CSV

PropertyXLSCSV
CompressionLosslessUncompressed
DRM supportYesNo
Open formatNoYes

When to use XLS vs CSV

XLS

  • Legacy Excel files
  • Compatibility with older Excel versions
  • Tabular data storage

CSV

  • Exchanging tabular data between tools
  • Importing data into databases
  • Statistical software data input
  • Simple data export and backup
  • Universal spreadsheet data interchange

Use cases for XLS → CSV

  • Legacy Excel files
  • Compatibility with older Excel versions
  • Tabular data storage
  • Exchanging tabular data between tools
  • Importing data into databases
  • Statistical software data input
  • Simple data export and backup
  • Universal spreadsheet data interchange

Frequently Asked Questions

Is converting XLS to CSV free?
Yes. This XLS → CSV converter runs entirely in your browser and is completely free — no account, no credits, no watermark.
Which devices and platforms can I use to convert XLS to CSV?
Any modern device with a current web browser: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad. There is nothing to install — the conversion happens locally.
Are my XLS files uploaded to a server?
No. Files never leave your device. The entire XLS → CSV conversion runs locally in your browser, so your data stays private.
Can I convert multiple XLS files at once?
Yes — batch conversion is supported. Add as many XLS files as you like and convert them to CSV in one pass, then download the results together.
What is the maximum file size?
There is no fixed server-side limit because the conversion happens in your browser. Practical limits depend on the available memory and CPU of your device.
Will converting XLS to CSV lose quality?
No. CSV is a lossless format (or used in a lossless mode here), so the original data from your XLS file is preserved bit-for-bit in the converted result.
Will transparent areas of my XLS file be kept in CSV?
No — CSV does not support transparency. Transparent areas of your XLS file will be flattened onto a solid background colour during conversion.
How will the file size change after converting XLS to CSV?
Both formats use comparable compression, so the CSV output will be similar in size to your XLS file — typically within 10–20% of each other.

Related Conversions

Specific converters

FREE

100% Free

No hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no limits. Enjoy complete access to all features gratis.

SIGNUP

No Signup Required

Start converting immediately without creating an account or sharing email address.

PRIVACY

Private & Secure

Your files never leave your device. All processing is completed locally for maximum privacy.

BATCH

Batch Conversion

Convert multiple files simultaneously to save time. Fast and efficient multi-file queue.

LOCAL

Runs in Browser

Utilizes advanced client-side WebAssembly technology to process files directly inside your tab.

FORMATS

200+ Formats

Supports a wide variety of formats including images, documents, audio, video, and more.

USER REVIEWS

Convert XLS to CSV Quality Rating

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