Excel Workbook Definition

An Excel Workbook is a file used by a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application. Excel workbooks are actually sets of spreadsheet 'pages', each of which can include separate or codependent data. These files are usually generated by Microsoft Excel software, but many other programs are capable of reading and even editing them.

File Format

Excel Workbooks generally are attached to either a ".xls" or ".xlsx" extension, with the latter being used for later editions of Microsoft Excel.

Screen Layout

In most versions of Excel, Excel workbooks open to the first (usually "Sheet 1") or most recently used spreadsheet tab. The tabs can be seen at the bottom left of the screen. Clicking on a tab selects a new spreadsheet within the workbook for viewing and editing.

Contents of a Workbook

Besides a number of individual spreadsheet tabs, Excel workbooks may also include a variety of other tabs and content, including charts, macros, and custom add-ins.

Conversion of Files to Excel Workbooks

Excel is capable of converting many different file-types into Excel Workbooks, including files from Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Access, text files, and some web pages. After the conversion process, Excel Workbooks are generated by Excel and can be saved in that format.

Excel Cross-Compatibility

Any Excel workbook created in an earlier edition of Microsoft Excel (like Excel 2002) can be opened in any later edition of Excel (like Excel 2007). However, saving down to an earlier workbook format is often required to open a workbook from a later edition of Excel in an earlier edition.