

If you try, you'll get an error message telling you that macros are not supported. However, the trade-off for reduced file size is that you can save an XLSX file with macros. You can also edit XLSX files using a text editor. So XLSX files are usually going to be smaller than XLS files. XLSX files are stored in Open XML file format, and while you'll only be able to read XLSX files on versions of Excel released in 2007 or later, XLSX files are, in fact, a compressed version of XML files. If you save your file in XLS format - the default file format for Excel files before 2003, your data will be stored in binary format (specifically Binary Interchange File Format, or BIFF) file format. The file format you save your Excel file in may result in larger file size. But those aren't the only factors that can contribute to an Excel file's size. You can develop macros by coding them using VBA.Įxcel files saved with macros and those containing significant amounts of data will be huge. The second method, though more labor-intensive, is more robust. This method has its limits, namely, that it is hard to customize these recorded macros. One involves your recording a series of actions you take in Excel. Macros can be developed through two methods.

You might develop a macro that recalculates their available leave using your company's leave formula whenever they enter their time in a shared Excel spreadsheet. Say, for example, you use shared Excel spreadsheets to track staff time and attendance. A macro is simply a set of actions that you expect Excel to take. However, those needing to perform complex calculations, especially calculations involving repetition, can use a Microsoft-developed programming language known as Visual Basic for Applications (or VBA) to develop a program known as a macro. And while Excel is a pretty robust spreadsheet application, its built-in functions don't provide all the functions many accountants, finance professionals, and data analysts need.

If you've ever used Microsoft Excel to crunch data for work, you know that Excel files can become enormous.
