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XLS XLSX
Free online converter

Convert XLS to XLSX

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XLS to XLSX converterFREE
Drop a .XLS file here
or pick one - we convert it to .XLSX and give you the file to download

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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How to convert XLS to XLSX

  1. Add your .XLS file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
  2. Convert it to .XLSX in a few seconds.
  3. Download your new .XLSX file.

What to expect

  • VBA macros are removed when saving as .xlsx - save as .xlsm instead if you need to keep the code.
  • Formulas, charts, cell styles, named ranges, and images all transfer without changes.
  • Row and column limits expand automatically after conversion: up to 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns instead of the old XLS caps.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between XLS and XLSX?
XLS is the binary spreadsheet format Excel used through 2003; XLSX is the ZIP-based open-XML format introduced in Excel 2007. XLSX supports far more rows, is smaller on disk, and is an open standard that third-party tools parse more reliably.
Will my formulas still work after converting?
Yes - all standard functions such as SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, and INDEX/MATCH carry over without changes.
My XLS file has macros. What happens?
Saving as plain .xlsx strips VBA macros; Excel warns you before discarding them. To keep the macros, save as .xlsm (Macro-Enabled Workbook) instead.
Can I convert XLS to XLSX without installing software?
Yes - upload to Google Drive, open with Google Sheets, and download as .xlsx, or use our free converter above.
Learn about the formats: .XLS · .XLSX
Programs that convert XLS: Microsoft Excel · All File to All File Converter 3000 · PlanMaker · Word Excel to Htm Html Converter · Corel Quattro Pro · Ability Spreadsheet · Microsoft Excel for Mac · NeoOffice