Which Excel file extension should I use?
Following are some important file types:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| XLSX | XLSM | XLSB | XLS | CSV |
The most common file format is XLSX. The advance users of Excel also use XLSM and XLSB to record and save Macros in Workbook.
Excel file formats
|
Format |
Extension |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Excel Workbook |
.xlsx |
The default XML-based file format for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. Cannot store Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro code or Microsoft Office Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm). |
|
Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (code) |
.xlsm |
The XML-based and macro-enabled file format for Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Excel 2007. Stores VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm). |
|
Excel Binary Workbook |
.xlsb |
The binary file format (BIFF12) for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. |
|
Excel 97- Excel 2003 Workbook |
.xls |
The Excel 97 - Excel 2003 Binary file format (BIFF8). |
|
XML Data |
.xml |
XML Data format. |
|
Excel Add-In |
.xlam |
The XML-based and macro-enabled Add-In format for Excel 2010 and Excel 2007. An Add-In is a supplemental program that is designed to run additional code. Supports the use of VBA projects and Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm). |
|
Excel 97-2003 Add-In |
.xla |
The Excel 97-2003 Add-In, a supplemental program that is designed to run additional code. Supports the use of VBA projects. |
| CSV (comma delimited) | .csv | Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on another Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
If you receive a file with extention .xls, it means it is Excel 97 - Excel 2003 file format, you can save as this file into new excel file format, i.e, .xlsx. In this way latest functionality is available and file size has also been reduced.