Why convert XLSM to XLSB?
People convert XLSM to .XLSB when a workbook is slow to open or the file has grown too large - XLSB stores everything in a compact binary structure instead of XML, so it loads faster and uses less disk space. It is the standard fix for workbooks with hundreds of thousands of rows, many formulas, or heavy pivot tables. XLSB supports VBA macros just like XLSM, so there is no functional downside for Excel users.
How to convert XLSM to XLSB
Microsoft Excel - Save As PAID
Open the .xlsm file, go to File > Save As, and choose Excel Binary Workbook (*.xlsb) from the format dropdown; no data, macros, or formatting is lost.
LibreOffice Calc FREE
Open the .xlsm in LibreOffice Calc, choose File > Save As, and pick Microsoft Excel Binary (.xlsb); complex pivot tables or advanced formatting may not convert perfectly.
Command line - LibreOffice CLI
Convert with: libreoffice --headless --convert-to xlsb file.xlsm
Programs that convert XLSM
About these formats
.XLSM
Microsoft Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (Open XML)
An XLSM file is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that contains VBA macros - automation code that runs inside the file. Open it in Microsoft Excel (full macro support), LibreOffice Calc, or WPS…
Open .XLSM details →
.XLSB
Microsoft Excel Binary Workbook
An XLSB file is a Microsoft Excel workbook saved in binary format instead of the usual XLSX. It holds the same spreadsheets and can contain macros, but opens and saves faster for large…
Open .XLSB details →Quality & what to watch
- VBA macros are fully preserved - XLSB is a macro-capable format, so no code is stripped during conversion.
- XLSB files are typically 30-50% smaller than the equivalent
.xlsmfor numeric and formula-heavy workbooks; text-heavy or sparse files may shrink less. - XLSB is a proprietary binary format: Google Sheets and LibreOffice can open it but may struggle with complex pivot tables, charts, or advanced formatting.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting XLSM to XLSB remove the macros?
How much smaller will the XLSB file be?
Can I open an XLSB file in LibreOffice or Google Sheets?
.xlsb files, but support for advanced features like complex pivot tables and VBA macros is limited - use Excel for full fidelity.
