Are you searching for: what is an XLS file and how to open XLS file? If yes, then your quest for this particular search query is over, because this article covers all the fundamentals of an XLS file and the steps to open it.
So, what are you waiting for?
Just jump into the discussion.
What is XLS File?
XLS file extension address the Excel Binary File Format. Microsoft Excel or some other comparable accounting page application can make such sorts of files.
The file saved in Microsoft Excel is known as the Workbook, and every Workbook contains more than one Worksheet.

In these worksheets, the information will then, at that point, be shown to the clients in a table organization containing some text information, equations, values, outer information, pictures, diagrams, and so on The most recent Excel variant saves their best option for the XLSX file, though they open the files with the XLS file design.
Instructions to Open XLS File Using Microsoft Excel
- Firstly, dispatch the Excel application either by double tap on the application’s symbol situated on the work area.
- Once the application opens up, click on the ‘file’ button found at the top part of the stacked Excel application screen.
- Browse the Open button to stack a window showing the files and folders saved in your framework.
- Ensure that you had as of now chose the choice of ‘All Excel Files’ starting from the drop list found close to the ‘Filename.’
- Then peruse the organizer that contains your XLS file.
- Select the XLS file and snap on the Open button to begin getting to the Microsoft Excel application.

Open XLS File Using Android Device
- Firstly, visit the Google Play Store.
- Then peruse the ‘Microsoft Excel’ from the opened Play Store application.
- Then snap on the ‘Introduce’ tab to download and afterward introduce the Excel application on your android gadget.
- Once the application gets effectively downloaded, open it and afterward sign in to the Microsoft Account.
Open File Using Microsoft Office
- Open the webpage of office.
- Then sign in by utilizing the current Microsoft file.
- It will open a fresh out of the plastic new Workbook on your screen.
- Then open the XLS file by tapping on the ‘Document’ button.
- Browse the ‘Open’ menu and transfer the XLS file by tapping on the choice of ‘Additional on OneDrive.’
- You will before long see the OneDrive page showing on the screen where you can transfer in a split second and open the XLS file.

Open File Using Google files
- Firstly, Open up any program of your decision, like Google Chrome to import the file
- Visit the site to open the bookkeeping page.
- Login, consequently utilizing the current Google file.
- Ensure to peruse the Excel page from the stacked page by tapping on the principle menu tab.
- If every one of the XLS files got imparted to the Google Drive account, they would straightforwardly show on the screen.
- If the XLS file is as yet not shipped off the Google Drive account.
- A clear Excel sheet will stack inside the program tab.
- You can open the XLS file either by squeezing the ‘Ctrl and ‘O’ keys together.
- Then from the spring up box, you should peruse the ‘Transfer’ segment.
- The following stage is to one or the other intuitive the XLS file into the spring up box or opens it.
- Once bringing in measure moves past, the XLS file is presently prepared to access under the Google Sheets.

How to File Using OneDrive?
- Firstly, open any internet browser of your decision and helpful to you.
- Then sort ‘OneDrive’ in the web crawler’s hunt box.
- Open the OneDrive live connection and afterward ‘Sign In’ into the Microsoft Account.
- After the effective Signing in measure, you ought to transfer the XLS file and afterward access it on the web.
- After that, click on the ‘Transfer’ tab and peruse the ‘Documents.’
- You should visit the organizer from the spring-up menu, which holds the saved XLS files.
- The subsequent stage is to open that organizer and the document you wish to import under the Files area.
- Then snap the ideal XLS file by tapping on the document and afterward select Excel online to view and access the document in the program.
With these means, you would now be able to open, alter and send the XLS record without downloading the Microsoft Office application.
Conclusion:
With the upgraded version of Excel, the XLS file format became obsolete. But, there are still a few users who have maintained the old sheets that belong to the XLS extension for their reference.
And because of this reason, it is recommended that you understand what an XLS file is and how to open it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What software programs can create XLS files?
The most common program that can create an XLS file is Microsoft Excel. However, there are other third-party vendors which can create XLS files, like; Apple Numbers, Google Sheets, Apache OpenOffice Calc, and LibreOffice Calc.
However, it should be noted that XLS files are a proprietary file format owned by Microsoft, which means the software or online tools that can create XLS files may require payment or licensing for use.
What does XLS stand for?
The acronym XLS stands for “ExceL Spreadsheet.” This format was introduced by Microsoft with Microsoft Excel 97 and since then it is used for storing and sharing spreadsheet data.
Moreover, this file format has the ability to hold text, numbers, dates, formulas, and more, which makes it one of the best file formats for managing and analyzing data in a variety of applications.
How is an XLS file different from an XLSX file?
There is one major difference between XLS and XLSX files that makes each of them unique.
For instance, an XLS file format is stored in binary format (in 0’s and 1’s), while on the other hand XLSX file format stores data in an open XML format (which is in text format and human-readable).
Can XLS files be opened in Microsoft Excel?
Definitely yes, the XLS files can be opened inside Microsoft Excel. In fact, this particular file format was primarily used by Microsoft Excel until Excel 2007, which introduced the new XLSX format.
What is the maximum number of rows an XLS file can contain?
The maximum number of rows an XLS file can contain is 65,536. The reason behind this specific number is the binary file format which has a limit of 2^16 rows.
What is the maximum number of columns an XLS file can contain?
The maximum number of columns an XLS file can contain is 256. This is because the XLS file format uses binary file format that is capped at 2^8 columns.
What is the maximum file size for an XLS file?
The maximum file size limit for an XLS file is 32 MB. This is because the XLS file format uses a binary file format which has a maximum capacity to hold 65,536 rows and 256 columns.
However, it’s worth considering that some email systems may restrict bigger file transfers, so it is advised to compress it using file compression tools before sending it.
Can XLS files contain macros?
Yes, XLS files can contain macros which are basically a set of instructions or codes that are used to automate repetitive tasks in Excel. Now, these macros are very useful to streamline complex processes or perform calculations on large datasets.
However, it should be noted that macros can also be used to execute malicious codes, so Excel may prompt you to enable or disable the file when opened.
What types of data can be stored in an XLS file?
An XLS file format can store different types of data, varying from text, numbers, macros, charts, graphs, date, time, formulas, images and other media.
Additionally, it may also include many advanced features and functions that may help in working with large datasets, performing complex calculations, and creating custom charts and graphics.
Can XLS files be password protected?
Yes, the XLS files can be password protected in order to save them from any kind of modifications or unauthorized access.
Moreover, password protection can be added to both workbooks as well as the worksheet within the workbook.
Although, it is advisable to use a strong password to protect your XLS file and keep a backup copy of the file.
Can XLS files be edited by multiple users simultaneously?
Yes, XLS files can be edited by multiple users simultaneously, although it depends upon the specific environment and tools that are being used.
Can I convert an XLS file to another file format?
Yes, you can convert an XLS file to another file format by using various file-converting tools and methods.
For instance, you can use the “Save As” feature of Microsoft Excel. You can also use third-party file converter tools like; LibreOffice and OpenOffice.
Moreover, you can also use online tools and programming languages, like Python, Java, or PHP.
Can XLS files be compressed?
Yes, you can easily compress XLS files using built-in compression tools, archive software, or cloud storage services.
However, if you are accessing the file frequently, then it is advisable to keep the XLS file in uncompressed form, as it affects the performance and increases the time taken to open or save the file.
How do I open an XLS file if I don’t have Microsoft Excel?
If you don’t have Microsoft Excel installed on your PC and you don’t wish to install one, then you can easily use these alternatives;
- Microsoft Excel Online.
- Google Sheets.
- LibreOffice Calc.
- Zamzar.
- WPS Office.
- Apple Numbers.
Can I recover a corrupted XLS file?
Yes, you can recover a corrupted XLS file but depending on the nature and extent of the corruption.