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Excel vs CSV

By Madhuri ThakurMadhuri Thakur

Excel vs CSV

Difference Between Excel vs CSV

Excel and CSV are often used interchangeably, and the user does not know much about the differences and main nature and working of both the file types. It is just a source of information for the user. Both help the user manage, update, and store data for the user, and it is used by almost every organization and corporates. In this article today, we will try and understand the key differences between Excel vs CSV and the nature of working of both the file format.

Head to Head Comparison between Excel vs CSV(Infographics)

Below is the top 8 difference between Excel vs CSVExcel vs CSV Infographics

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Key differences between Excel vs CSV

Let us discuss some of the major differences between Excel vs CSV:

  • Excel is a binary file format that holds information for all workbooks, and it is used in all worksheets. On the other hand, CSV stands for Comma Separated Values. CSV is in plain text format information with a series of values in a sheet and is separated by Commas. CSV is a text which is full of information and is less compatible against excel
  • CSV files are formatted and exported from all databases; it is just a source of information; a CSV file can be generated from any database, i.e. Oracle, SQL, Server, MySQL, Sybase, informatics, access, excel, database, etc
  • Excel is not a measure of a store of information only, but also it is a tool for a financial analyst to perform a deep analysis of data and numbers. An analyst can build profit and loss statements, do ratio analysis, make summaries of huge data, and performs functions and formulas in excel format; it is not just a store of information. On the other hand, we compare excel with CSV; CSV is only a plain text form of data set which does not enable the user to perform any deep-dive analysis on the data set and apply functions.
  • Excel is more superior when compared with the CSV file format; thus, CSV consumes less amount of file size when the user is importing data; it is a much faster format compared to excel. CSV does not manipulate data and stores it as-is. Excel also allows the user the add-in feature.

Excel vs CSV Comparison Table

Let’s look at the top 8 Comparison between Excel vs CSV.

Excel

CSV
Excel files can only be read by applications and not on any other systems, application or data platform. CSV file does not need any specific platform to open; it can also be opened in a simple text editor, and the user can simply read and understand it.
Excel consumes more memory than CSV. CSV consumes less memory than Excel.
Excel is generally larger, slower and more complicated when compared to CSV. CSV is generally faster and less complicated when compared to Excel.
Text editors cannot edit files saved in Excel format, and also, Excel file can be password protected. Files saved in CSV format can be edited by text editors, and also CSV file cannot be password protected.
Excel can perform VBA Coding, functions, formulas and create summaries easily when compared to CSV. CSV cannot perform VBA Coding, functions, formulas and create summaries easily when compared to Excel.
Reading large data set is much easier for the end-user to read, comprehend and understand when compared to CSV. Reading large data set is much complicated for the end-user to read, comprehend and understand when compared to Excel.
Excel can be opened with Microsoft office only and does not support any other platform when compared to CSV. CSV format is compatible and can be used on several platforms like notepad, access, etc. when compared to Excel.
Excel also provides the user option for external linking of data from other sources, and also, the user can do custom add-ins. No such feature is available in CSV format when it is compared with Excel.

Conclusion

Both Excel vs CSV have their limitations and advantages and can work in tandem with each other. In a way, they complement each other, and their workings are quite different from each other. Most people would find that Excel is quite sufficient for the majority of spreadsheet needs. There is really no need to use CSV unless you have some specialized application that is irreplaceable and does not recognize the data in an Excel file.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to the top difference between Excel vs CSV. Here we also discuss the Excel vs CSV key differences with infographics and comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more.

  1. Excel vs Access
  2. Comparison Between SPSS vs EXCEL
  3. Convert Excel to CSV | Examples with Excel Template
  4. CSV Files into Excel
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