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How to convert Excel to CSV without Excel
You don't need Microsoft Excel to turn an .xlsx or .xls file into a CSV. Here are five free ways, and how they compare on privacy, every-sheet export and keeping your data intact.
The five ways compared
| Method | Install anything? | File uploaded? | Every sheet at once? | Works offline? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xlsxtocsv.com | No | No | Yes, as a zip | Yes, once loaded |
| Google Sheets | No | Yes, to Google Drive | No, one sheet at a time | No |
| LibreOffice Calc | Yes, free | No | No, one sheet at a time | Yes |
| Apple Numbers | Comes with Macs | No | Yes, a CSV per table | Yes |
| Python (pandas) | Yes | No | Yes, with a short loop | Yes |
1. In your browser (no install, no upload)
Drop the file on the converter and click Download CSV, or Download all sheets for a zip. It reads .xlsx, .xls, .xlsb and .ods, keeps leading zeros and dates as Excel shows them, and the file never leaves your computer.
2. Google Sheets
- Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets.
- Go to File › Download › Comma-separated values (.csv).
Only the sheet you are viewing is downloaded, and the file is stored in your Google account. See the full Google Sheets guide.
3. LibreOffice Calc
Install the free LibreOffice, open the file in Calc, then File › Save As, choose Text CSV (.csv), tick Edit filter settings, and pick UTF-8 and a comma. It saves the current sheet.
4. Apple Numbers (Mac)
Open the file in Numbers, then File › Export To › CSV. Numbers can export each table as its own CSV. See converting on a Mac.
5. Python
import pandas as pd
for name, df in pd.read_excel("book.xlsx", sheet_name=None, dtype=str).items():
df.to_csv(f"{name}.csv", index=False)Reading with dtype=str keeps leading zeros. More in the Python guide.
FAQ
Questions
Can I convert Excel to CSV without Excel?
Yes. Use a browser converter such as xlsxtocsv.com, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, Apple Numbers or Python. None of them needs Microsoft Excel.
What is the safest way to convert Excel to CSV without Excel?
A converter that runs in your browser without uploading the file, or a desktop program such as LibreOffice. Google Sheets and online upload converters store a copy of your file.
How do I convert every sheet without Excel?
xlsxtocsv.com downloads every sheet as a zip of CSV files in one click. Python can do it with a short loop. Google Sheets and LibreOffice export one sheet at a time.
Can I convert Excel to CSV on a Chromebook or phone?
Yes. The browser converter works on Chromebooks, iPhones, iPads and Android phones: open the page, pick the file and download the CSV.