What Is The Difference between XLS and XLSX?

What is the difference between XLS and XLSX? XLS is the file extension associated with Microsoft Excel files created using the older binary format. In contrast, XLSX is the file extension for Excel files created using the newer Office Open XML format.

XLS and XLSX are computer language that seems to have some close similarities but in a real sense, they are quite different. These extension markup computer languages are quite ideal for data entry.

Both file formats are used for storing tabular data, formulas, charts, and other spreadsheet elements in Microsoft Excel. They serve the same purpose of organizing and analyzing data within the Excel application. Despite the structural differences, users can perform similar tasks and operations within the Excel software for both XLS and XLSX files.

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Difference between XLS and XLSX (With Table)

Basic Terms XLS XLSX
Version Old version Latest Version
Core Difference The default version of Microsoft Excel 2003 The default version of Microsoft Excel 2007
Information Storage Information is stored in binary format. It is based upon Binary Interchange File Format. Information is stored in a text file that uses XML. It is based upon Office Open XML format.
Speed Performance Tend to be quite faster on files that use the complex formula on a large set of data. Tend to be quite slow on files that require complex formula on a large set of data.
Readability Quite readable by all Microsoft Excel versions. Only readable by Microsoft Excel versions 2007 and onwards. 
Capability Ability to hold spreadsheets that are either macros or not Only support macros.
Based Upon Binary Format Office Open XML Format

What Is XLS?

XLS is a file extension associated with Microsoft Excel, a widely used spreadsheet software. The XLS format represents files created using the older binary file format in Excel. In XLS files, data is stored in a binary stream, and this format has been historically utilized for saving spreadsheets, formulas, charts, and other tabular data.

XLS files have been a standard format for Microsoft Excel prior to the introduction of the Office Open XML format. While XLS files served the purpose of organizing and analyzing data effectively, they do have limitations. These limitations include larger file sizes, reduced data recovery capabilities, and compatibility challenges with other applications that do not fully support the binary format.

Despite these limitations, XLS files continue to exist, especially in older systems and for compatibility reasons. However, newer versions of Excel and other spreadsheet software have transitioned to the XML-based XLSX format for improved features, reduced file sizes, and enhanced compatibility with various applications supporting the XML standard.

What Is XLSX?

XLSX is a file extension associated with Microsoft Excel, a widely used spreadsheet software. It represents files created using the Office Open XML format, which is a more modern and structured approach to storing spreadsheet data. In XLSX files, data is stored in a zipped package of XML files, offering advantages such as smaller file sizes, improved data recovery capabilities, and enhanced compatibility with other applications that support the XML standard.

The XLSX format was introduced as an evolution from the older XLS format, addressing some of the limitations associated with the binary structure of XLS files. This XML-based format allows for more efficient storage and manipulation of spreadsheet data, making it easier to work with large datasets and facilitating interoperability with other software.

XLSX files retain the core functionality of organizing and analyzing data within Microsoft Excel, providing support for formulas, charts, and various spreadsheet elements. As newer versions of Excel and other spreadsheet software have embraced the XML-based format, XLSX has become the standard choice for saving and sharing spreadsheet data, offering users a more versatile and feature-rich platform for their data management needs.

Main Difference between XLS and XLSX 

  1. XLSX is the latest version of Microsoft Excel while XLS is the oldest version.
  2. XLS was developed based on the version of Excel prior to 2007 whereas XLSX was developed based on the version of Excel 2007 and onward.
  3. XLSX is an open XML format while XLS is a binary format.
  4. XLS stores information in the form of the binary format while XLSX stores information in the form of a text file using XML.
  5. XLS is readable by all versions of Microsoft Excel while XLSX is only limited to the 2007 version of Microsoft Excel and onward.
  6. XLSX has the ability to read files from XLS but the vice versa cannot happen.
  7. XLS has the ability to hold spreadsheets containing either macro or not whereas XLSX only supports macros.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of the difference between XLS and XLSX file formats sheds light on the evolution of spreadsheet technologies within Microsoft Excel. XLS, associated with the older binary format, has a longstanding history as the standard for storing spreadsheet data. It served its purpose effectively, but limitations such as larger file sizes and compatibility challenges prompted the development of a more modern alternative.

Enter XLSX, the file extension associated with the Office Open XML format. This newer format addresses the drawbacks of its predecessor by adopting an XML-based structure. XLSX files offer advantages such as smaller file sizes, improved data recovery capabilities, and enhanced compatibility with other applications supporting the XML standard.

While XLSX represents a significant advancement, it’s important to note that both XLS and XLSX serve the fundamental purpose of organizing and analyzing data within Microsoft Excel. The choice between the two formats often depends on factors such as the version of Excel in use, compatibility requirements, and the need for modern features and efficiencies offered by the XML-based structure.

In today’s landscape, XLSX has become the standard choice for saving and sharing spreadsheet data, reflecting the ongoing progression in technology and the software industry. However, the coexistence of XLS files, especially in legacy systems, highlights the transitional nature of technology and the importance of backward compatibility. 

More Sources and References

XLS and XLSX Files. Windows File Viewer

XLSX Viewer Free. Microsoft 

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