Convert an old .xls file to CSV
Older systems, archives and some exports still produce the binary .xls format from Excel 97–2003. Many newer apps won't import it, but almost all of them accept CSV.
Your file is never uploaded. The converter runs in your browser and makes no network requests while it works.
Open the Excel to CSV converter
Steps
- Open the converter and choose the .xls file. The legacy binary format is read directly, so you don't need to re-save it as .xlsx first.
- Pick the sheet from the Sheet menu if the file has several.
- Set Dates to ISO if the receiving app is strict about date formats. Old files often carry regional date displays such as 03/04/2009, which can be read two ways.
- Look through the preview for columns that came out as long strings of digits or odd symbols, then download.
Good to know
Legacy date systems
Some old workbooks count dates from 1904 instead of 1900. If dates in the preview look four years off, check the setting in the original file before you rely on the output.
Character sets
Very old files may use a regional code page. The CSV is written as UTF-8. Turn on the UTF-8 BOM option if Excel will open the result and shows garbled accents.
Large numbers
Long IDs stored as numbers may already show in scientific notation in the original sheet. The CSV keeps what the sheet displays, so widen or reformat that column at the source if you need every digit.
Protected files
Password-protected .xls files can't be opened. Unlock them in the app that created them.
Questions
Do I need Excel installed?
No. The page reads the .xls file itself in your browser.
Will the CSV work in newer apps?
CSV is plain text, so most spreadsheet, database and accounting apps can import it. Review the file before you import it.
Have bank statements as PDFs instead? RowSmith converts text-based PDF statements to CSV or Excel in your browser.
This guide was written with AI assistance and reviewed against the tool's behaviour. Always review your output before using it.