24 catalogued formats
Spreadsheet Formats
Spreadsheet files can contain more than a grid of values. They may include formulas, multiple sheets, charts, pivot tables, styles, and external links. CSV keeps only tabular text and drops formulas and formatting. XLSX and ODS are structured workbooks, while Numbers is Apple's native format.
Why this format suite matters
- CSV is portable but not a workbook format.
- Formulas and formatting may not survive a format change.
- Large sheets can behave differently in desktop and browser tools.
Common formats in this suite
A sample of the catalog. Not every extension has a live converter.
| Format | Extension | MIME | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | .123 | application/octet-stream | 123 spreadsheet format |
| GSHEET | .gsheet | application/octet-stream | GSHEET spreadsheet format |
| PRN | .prn | application/octet-stream | PRN spreadsheet format |
| VC | .vc | application/octet-stream | VC spreadsheet format |
| WB1 | .wb1 | application/octet-stream | WB1 spreadsheet format |
| WB2 | .wb2 | application/octet-stream | WB2 spreadsheet format |
| WB3 | .wb3 | application/octet-stream | WB3 spreadsheet format |
| WK1 | .wk1 | application/octet-stream | WK1 spreadsheet format |
| WK2 | .wk2 | application/octet-stream | WK2 spreadsheet format |
| WK3 | .wk3 | application/octet-stream | WK3 spreadsheet format |
| WK4 | .wk4 | application/octet-stream | WK4 spreadsheet format |
| WKS | .wks | application/octet-stream | WKS spreadsheet format |
| WQ1 | .wq1 | application/octet-stream | WQ1 spreadsheet format |
| WQ2 | .wq2 | application/octet-stream | WQ2 spreadsheet format |
| XLA | .xla | application/octet-stream | XLA spreadsheet format |
| XLAM | .xlam | application/octet-stream | XLAM spreadsheet format |
| XLK | .xlk | application/octet-stream | XLK spreadsheet format |
| XLR | .xlr | application/octet-stream | XLR spreadsheet format |
| XLSB | .xlsb | application/octet-stream | XLSB spreadsheet format |
| XLSM | .xlsm | application/octet-stream | XLSM spreadsheet format |
| XLT | .xlt | application/octet-stream | XLT spreadsheet format |
| XLTM | .xltm | application/octet-stream | XLTM spreadsheet format |
| XLTX | .xltx | application/octet-stream | XLTX spreadsheet format |
| XLW | .xlw | application/octet-stream | XLW spreadsheet format |
Common workflows
Data exchange
Use CSV for simple tabular imports and validate types before loading.
Reporting
Keep XLSX or ODS when formulas, sheets, and formatting matter.
Archiving
Store the original workbook and a PDF or CSV snapshot for reference.
Before you convert
Start with the application that must open the result. Use CSV for simple tabular imports and validate types before loading. Keep the original file until the output has been opened and checked. A format name alone does not guarantee compatibility, especially for spreadsheet formats data that may include references, layers, or platform-specific metadata.
- Confirm the source file opens correctly in its original application.
- Identify the exact format and version the destination accepts.
- Keep the source until the converted file has been reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
- Does CSV preserve formulas?
- No. CSV stores values and text, not workbook formulas or formatting.
- Can I convert XLSX to ODS?
- Only if a real converter is available. A reference page does not guarantee conversion.
- Why did leading zeros disappear?
- Spreadsheet software may treat the column as numeric. Import it as text or preserve the value with quoting.
- What is the best format for data import?
- CSV is common for simple tabular data. JSON or XML may be better for nested structures.
- What should I check before converting a spreadsheet formats file?
- Confirm that the source opens in its original application, identify the format the destination requires, and keep an untouched copy. Test one representative file before processing a batch, especially when metadata, links, geometry, or layout matters.