How to Open XLS File as CSV in Google Sheets – Complete Guide (2025)

Why Open XLS as CSV in Google Sheets? (And When to Do It)

Google Sheets is a powerful, free, cloud-based spreadsheet tool that supports real-time collaboration. However, while Google Sheets can open XLS files as CSV, it doesn’t natively “open” them as CSV files. Instead, you have a few smart workarounds to achieve the same result.

Knowing how to open XLS as CSV in Google Sheets is essential when you need to:

• Work with CSV-formatted data but your source file is in XLS format
• Import data from legacy Excel files into Google Sheets
• Collaborate on CSV data without downloading special software
• Automate data imports from Excel files into cloud workflows

In this guide, I’ll show you 4 reliable methods to open XLS file as CSV in Google Sheets – from simple drag-and-drop to advanced automation.

Method 1: Direct Import – Upload XLS to Google Sheets

Method 2: Convert XLS to CSV First, Then Import into Google Sheets

Method 3: Google Drive + Sheets Integration

Method 4: Using Google Apps Script (Automation for Advanced Users)

function importXLSAsCSV() {
  var folderId = 'YOUR_FOLDER_ID_HERE'; // Replace with your Drive folder ID
  var files = DriveApp.getFolderById(folderId).getFilesByType(MimeType.MICROSOFT_EXCEL);
  
  while (files.hasNext()) {
    var file = files.next();
    var blob = file.getBlob();
    var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.create(file.getName() + '_converted');
    var csvContent = convertXLSBlobToCSV(blob);
    sheet.getActiveSheet().getRange('A1').setValue(csvContent);
  }
}
            

Method Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?

Pro Tips for Working with XLS and CSV in Google Sheets

• Check delimiter settings: When importing CSV files, Google Sheets automatically detects delimiters. If it fails, use the “Import” settings to specify comma, semicolon, or tab.
• UTF-8 is your friend: Always use UTF-8 encoding when converting XLS to CSV to preserve special characters (é, ñ, 中文, etc.).
• Large file warning: Google Sheets has a limit of 10 million cells. For very large files, consider splitting your data or using BigQuery.
• Real-time collaboration: Once your data is in Google Sheets, you can share it with teammates who can view/edit simultaneously.
• Version history: Google Sheets automatically saves version history – great for tracking changes to your CSV data.

FAQ – Opening XLS as CSV in Google Sheets

Conclusion: Best Way to Open XLS as CSV in Google Sheets

You now have 4 reliable methods to work with XLS files as CSV in Google Sheets:

• Direct Upload: Simplest method – upload XLS, then download as CSV.
• Convert First: Most control – use a dedicated converter like JSON Path Finder before importing.
• Google Drive Integration: Best for Drive users who want cloud storage.
• Apps Script Automation: For advanced users needing batch processing.

For most users, the Direct Upload method is the fastest way to open XLS as CSV in Google Sheets. Just upload your file, open it in Sheets, and download as CSV. If you need more control over CSV formatting (delimiter, encoding), use the Convert First method with a reliable converter like JSON Path Finder.

Final tip: Always preview your CSV in a text editor before sharing or importing into databases. A quick check of delimiters and encoding can prevent hours of troubleshooting.