Difference Between MS Excel & MS Works Spreadsheet

A view of a spreadsheet

Microsoft Works is a combined application that contains a word processor (that's functionally identical to MS Word 2000), a spreadsheet program, and a database application. The spreadsheet application is somewhat more limited than Excel.

File Compatibility

A Works spreadsheet file has an extension of *.wks, and Microsoft Excel can read and export to that format without issues. Microsoft Works can read *.xls format files, but it may not support all the functions that Excel does. With the Office Compatibility Toolpack for Office 2007, Works can read Excel 2007 (*.xlsx) formatted files. Works can save files as *.xls.

Limitations on Rows and Columns

The MS Works spreadsheet can only handle 16,384 rows and 256 columns. Microsoft Excel 2000 can handle 65,536 rows and 256 columns. Microsoft Excel 2007 can handle 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns. Loading a file with data outside the ranges can cause data truncation.

Functions

Works has fewer functions available than Excel does, though most of the basic functions are common to both programs. See Resources for links to the comprehensive function lists for both programs. Both programs use the same syntax for the same functions; any formula using a function on the Works list will work fine in Excel. The reverse may not be true for Excel 2007, which supports higher limits on many functions (like more than seven nested IF functions).

Data Validation & Conditional Formatting

Two of the handier features in Excel do not have counterparts in MS Works: data validation (the ability to restrict the entry of types of data into a specific cell) and conditional formatting. MS Works does support conditional formatting (where the formatting of a cell will change depending on the contents of the cell or a formula), but only allows one condition to be used, rather than the three of Excel 2003 or the nearly unlimited number of conditions for Excel 2007.

Macros

Microsoft Works does not support Visual Basic for Applications, and does not have Excel's built-in programming support for automation and similar functionality. Excel workbooks with macros may not even load at all in Works, depending on the size of the file.

References

• "Microsoft.com: List of functions in MS Works"
• "Microsoft.com: List of functions in Excel"