Excel to CSV — How to Convert XLSX to CSV Free
CSV is the universal language of data. Every database, every programming language, every analytics tool can read it. If you need to move data out of Excel into Python, SQL, Google Sheets, or anywhere else, CSV is the format to use. Here's how to convert — and what to watch out for.
CSV vs XLSX — Key Differences
| Feature | CSV | XLSX |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple sheets | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Formulas | ✗ Values only | ✓ Yes |
| Formatting | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Charts & images | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Universal compatibility | ✓ Everything reads it | Excel / Office apps |
| File size | Small | Larger |
| Human-readable | ✓ Plain text | ✗ Binary |
How to Convert Excel to CSV Free
Open the converter
Go to convertlo.pro/xlsx-to-csv. No account needed.
Drop your XLSX file
Drag your Excel file onto the drop zone or click to browse. Your file never leaves your device.
Download the CSV
Conversion is instant. Click Download to save your CSV file.
Convert Excel to CSV — free, instant, private
No upload. No signup. Runs entirely in your browser.
📊 Convert Excel to CSV →What Gets Saved (and What Doesn't)
- Saved: All cell values from the first sheet, including text, numbers, and dates.
- Saved: Formulas are converted to their calculated results.
- Not saved: Multiple sheets — only the first sheet is exported.
- Not saved: Formatting (bold, colours, borders, font sizes).
- Not saved: Charts, images, and pivot tables.
- Not saved: Macros and VBA code.
If you need to preserve all of this, keep the XLSX. CSV is for raw data export only.
Using Your CSV in Other Tools
Python (pandas)
import pandas as pd
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')
print(df.head())
Google Sheets
Go to File → Import → Upload, select your CSV, and choose whether to create a new sheet or replace the current one.
SQL databases
Most databases have a built-in import command. For PostgreSQL: COPY table FROM 'data.csv' CSV HEADER;
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CSV and XLSX?
XLSX is Excel's format — it supports multiple sheets, formulas, charts, and formatting. CSV is plain text with values separated by commas — universally compatible but stores only raw data from one sheet.
Can I convert Excel to CSV for free?
Yes. Convertlo converts XLSX to CSV free in your browser — no upload, no signup, no file size limit.
Will I lose data converting Excel to CSV?
Only the first sheet's raw values are saved. Formulas become their results. Formatting, charts, extra sheets, and macros are not saved in CSV format.
Can I convert CSV back to Excel?
Yes — Convertlo also converts CSV to XLSX. Open the CSV in Excel directly or use the converter to get a proper XLSX file.