XLS File Documentation
Files with the XLS extension are spreadsheets created in Microsoft Excel, usually containing one or more sheets that store data in table format. Files with the XLS extension may contain mathematical functions, charts, styles and formatting.
Newer versions of Microsoft Excel have replaced the XLS format with the XLSX extension. This is due to the fact that Excel started using XML formatting. Microsoft Excel is the most popular spreadsheet application.
Overview
Feature | Value |
---|---|
File Extension | .xls |
File Type | Binary File Format |
Developed By | Microsoft |
Initial Release | 1987 |
MIME Type | application/vnd.ms-excel |
Maximum Rows | 65,536 |
Maximum Columns | 256 |
Maximum Cell Size | 32,767 characters |
Supported Data Types | Text, Numbers, Formulas, Dates, Hyperlinks, etc. |
Compression | None |
Version Compatibility | Compatible with Excel 97-2003; can be opened in newer versions |
Text Encoding | Limited UTF-8 support; primarily ANSI |
Macros Support | Yes (VBA) |
Pivot Tables | Yes |
Embedded Objects Support | Yes (Charts, Images, other Office files) |
Password Protection | Yes |
Multi-Sheet Support | Yes |
Backward Compatibility | Yes (with limitations) |
Popular Usage | Data Storage, Data Analysis, Reporting, Financial Modelling |
Internal Directory Structure | Workbook, Macros, Embedded Objects (if any) |
External Dependencies | Generally, none |
Encryption | Supported (Weak in older versions, stronger in files saved from newer Excel versions) |
File Size Limit | Typically limited by system memory, but practically capped at around 2GB for most systems |
Data Validation | Yes |
Conditional Formatting | Yes |
Auto-Fill Functionality | Yes |
Formula Auditing Features | Yes |
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