Excel (97-2003) to CSV Converter
Convert Excel (97-2003) to CSV online for free: nothing to install, no watermark, files encrypted in transit and deleted automatically after conversion.
Drag & drop your XLS file here, or
How to convert Excel (97-2003) to CSV in 3 steps
- 1
Upload your Excel (97-2003) file
Drag and drop or select the Excel (97-2003) file you want to convert.
- 2
Choose CSV as output
The output format is pre-selected for you — just confirm and start the conversion.
- 3
Download your file
Once processing finishes, download your converted CSV file instantly.
Excel (97-2003) vs CSV: what is the difference?
| Excel (97-2003) | CSV | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Excel Binary File Format | Comma-Separated Values |
| Type | Spreadsheet / data | Spreadsheet / data |
| Compression | None | None |
| Developed by | Microsoft | IETF (RFC 4180) |
| File extension | .xls | .csv |
What is Excel (97-2003)?
XLS is the binary format of Microsoft Excel 97–2003. It is limited to 65,536 rows and 256 columns per sheet and has been replaced by XLSX, though some older systems and accounting tools still export it.
What is CSV?
CSV stores table data as plain text, one row per line with values separated by commas. Every spreadsheet, database and programming language reads it, which makes it ideal for importing and exporting data, but it keeps no formulas, formatting or multiple sheets.
Tips for converting Excel (97-2003) to CSV
- Fonts that are not installed on our servers are replaced with similar ones, so check the layout of the converted file.
- Scanned documents are images: converting a scanned Excel (97-2003) will not make its text editable (that requires OCR).
- Complex layouts, macros and embedded objects may not survive every conversion; review the CSV before sharing it.
- Password-protected files cannot be converted — remove the password first.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I convert Excel (97-2003) to CSV online?
- Upload your Excel (97-2003) file above, select CSV as the output format, and click Convert. ConvertFastHub processes the file in the cloud and gives you a download link — no software installation required.
- Is it free to convert Excel (97-2003) to CSV?
- Yes. Free accounts get 10 conversions every 24 hours with files up to 50MB. For unlimited conversions, larger files up to 1.5GB, and priority processing, upgrade to ConvertFastHub Pro.
- Is my file safe when I convert it?
- Files travel over an encrypted connection, are scanned automatically for malware (files up to 200 MB), are processed in an isolated worker and are deleted automatically: after 1 hour without an account, 24 hours with a free account, or 7 days with Pro.
- Can I convert Excel (97-2003) to CSV on my phone?
- Yes. The converter runs in the browser and the work happens on our servers, so it works the same on Android, iPhone, tablets and computers — there is no app to install.
- Do I need an account?
- No. You can convert without signing up; results are then kept for 1 hour. A free account keeps them for 24 hours and shows your conversion history.