Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.XLSX
File Type
Microsoft Excel Open XML Spreadsheet
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .xlsx file format
The XLSX file format is the default spreadsheet format used by Microsoft Excel, starting with Excel 2007. It's based on the Open XML standard, which uses a combination of XML and ZIP compression to store spreadsheet data. This format allows for efficient storage of large amounts of data, formulas,…
File extension
.XLSX
File type
Microsoft Excel Open XML Spreadsheet
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .xlsx file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .xlsx.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .xlsx file?
File extension details and usage information
The XLSX file format is the default spreadsheet format used by Microsoft Excel, starting with Excel 2007. It's based on the Open XML standard, which uses a combination of XML and ZIP compression to store spreadsheet data. This format allows for efficient storage of large amounts of data, formulas, charts, and other spreadsheet elements. XLSX files can contain multiple worksheets, each organized into rows and columns of cells. These cells can hold various types of data, including numbers, text, dates, and formulas. The format also supports rich formatting options, such as fonts, colors, borders, and cell styles. Because it's an open standard, XLSX files are widely supported by other spreadsheet applications, making it a versatile format for data exchange and collaboration. The use of XML allows for easier parsing and manipulation of the data programmatically, making it suitable for automated data processing and reporting. Furthermore, the ZIP compression reduces file size, making it easier to share and store large spreadsheets. The XLSX format is a significant improvement over the older XLS format, offering better data integrity, security, and interoperability.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .xlsx files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .xlsx files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .xlsx file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .xlsx file.
Why can't I open a .xlsx file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .xlsx format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .xlsx files
To open a .xlsx file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Excel
- LibreOffice Calc
- OpenOffice Calc
- Google Sheets (via web browser)
- WPS Office Spreadsheets
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .xlsx file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.