Difference Between XML and Excel Files (9 Real Instances)

Overview of an Excel File

If you open a normal worksheet with data in an Excel file, it will look like the following image.

Overview of an Excel File to Show Difference Between an XML File and an Excel File

Overview of an XML File

An Extensible Markup Language or an XML file is used to organize data for storage and transmission. To describe the different parts of a file, XML employs tags. If you open an XML file in Notepad++, the visual representation will be similar to the following.

Overview of an XML File to Show Difference Between an XML File and an Excel File

Differences Between XML and Excel Files

1 – Full Meaning of Both XML and Excel Files

You can call an XML file an Extensible Markup Language in its full form. In contrast, the full form of Excel is Microsoft Excel file.

2 – Classification of Both Files

Excel is a tool that can store data, and one can do an analysis of that data and get the result of that. You can store some data in the worksheet, and after the analysis or performing the desired function, Excel will show the result of that function.

On the other hand, XML is a file format or a file extension that contains some information with some tags.

3 – Launching Period

Microsoft Corporation launched Microsoft Excel in 1987 for performing professional tasks.

The first iteration of an XML-based Excel format was made in 2000.

4 – Extensions of Both Files

Excel supports two types of the XML format.

XML Data (.xml)
XML Spreadsheet 2003 (*xml)

Showing Extensions of an XML File as A Real Instance to Figure Out the Differences Between XML and Excel Files

An Excel spreadsheet can be in one of the three formats below.

.xls as Excel 97-2003 Workbook
.xlsx as Excel Workbook
.xlsm as Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook

Showing Extensions of an Excel File as A Real Instance to Figure Out the Differences Between XML and Excel Files

5 – Information-Storing Process

The XML file stores different parts of a file wrapped in tags. These tags (<>) also help to specify which data belongs to which column header.

The data that you input in an Excel file will be stored in a binary format. After inputting any data or number, Excel will convert the data into its binary form.

Read More: How to Convert Large XML to Excel

6 – Inserting or Adding Different Types of Data

While using an Excel file, you can insert or import various types of data like pictures, shapes, charts, etc. You can go to the Insert tab of the ribbon to use this feature.

In the Formulas tab, you can apply various functions from more than 300 functions from the Excel register.

With Macros or Visual Basic, you can customize your own functions.

XML files can only store text-based information or links.

7 – File Opening Process

You can open an XML file with a text editor software from your device. We have used Notepad++ to open the above XML file.

You need dedicated spreadsheet software to open an Excel file stored in any of the Excel file formats.

8 – Setting Relationships

While working in Excel, you can reference data from one worksheet to another one in any formula. You cannot perform or establish this type of relationships with XML files.

9 – Area of Application

Writing and formatting an XML file requires patience and proper guidance. On the other hand, using Excel is quite easy and simple.

Read More: VBA Code to Convert XML to Excel

Summary

From the above discussion, you can see all the differences in the following table.

Factors for Comparison	XML File	Excel File
Full Meaning	Extensible Markup Language	Microsoft Excel
Classification	File Format	Data Analysis, Sorting, and Saving Tool
Period of Launching	2000	1987
Extension	.xml	xlsx, .xlsm, and .xls
File Opening Platform	Text Editor like Notepad++	Only Microsoft Excel
Setting Relationship	Not Possible	Possible
Information Sorting Process	In Plain Text	In Binary Format
Inserting Various Types of Data	Not Possible	Possible
Compatible with	Mainly Professionals	Most of the General Users