Compare
XLS vs ODS
XLS is a legacy binary workbook format from Microsoft Excel; ODS is an editable spreadsheet format in the OpenDocument family. Choose based on existing XLS files or an OpenDocument workflow.
Which format should you choose?
Keep XLS when maintaining an existing workbook requires it. Choose ODS for editing and exchanging spreadsheets in OpenDocument-compatible software.
Good fit for XLS
Viewing and editing existing Excel workbooks
- Workbooks that specifically require XLS
Good fit for ODS
Editable spreadsheet exchange
- OpenDocument-compatible collaboration
Basic information
| Field | XLS | ODS |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .xls | .ods |
| MIME type | application/vnd.ms-excel | application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet |
| Common uses | Viewing and editing existing Excel workbooks | Editable spreadsheet exchange |
| How to open | Open it in a compatible spreadsheet application and check formulas, formatting, charts, and external references. | Open it in an ODS-compatible spreadsheet application and check formulas, charts, and print settings. |
| Export or convert | When converting to XLSX, check formulas, charts, print settings, and macros. | When converting to XLSX, check functions, formatting, charts, and data validation. |
Choose by use case
Workbooks that specifically require XLS
Viewing and editing existing Excel workbooks
XLSOpenDocument-compatible collaboration
Editable spreadsheet exchange
ODSKey point 1
XLS is mainly encountered in existing workbooks created for older Excel versions.
More on the differencesKey point 2
ODS can store editable sheets, formulas, and formatting as an OpenDocument spreadsheet.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use XLS to preserve compatibility with a required legacy workbook. Use ODS for an OpenDocument workflow, and test converted files in the recipient's spreadsheet app, especially formulas, charts, formatting, and macros.
- Both are editable workbooks, unlike CSV's plain tabular data; they can contain multiple sheets and formulas.
- Cross-suite conversion may change formulas, charts, formatting, print settings, or macros.
- Confirm the recipient's software and organizational requirements before choosing a delivery format.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert XLS to ODS without changes?
Not always. Check formulas, charts, formatting, print layout, and macros in the target spreadsheet application after conversion.