Convert Excel to Word Online

How To Convert Excel to Word

Converting an Excel spreadsheet into a Word document is not as simple as hitting “Save As.” But don’t worry. You can get the job done quickly using Smallpdf’s online tools. Here’s how:

1. Head over to our PDF converter.
2. Upload your Excel file (.xls or .xlsx).
3. Once it’s converted, click “Export As” and choose “Word (.docx).”
4. If prompted, pick “Convert selectable text” for editable output.
5. Hit download—and that’s it!

You now have a Word file ready to use.

Easy, right? When you’re looking to convert or export Excel to Word, this method handles it in just a few clicks.

How It Works Behind the Scenes

Rather than converting Excel to Word directly, Smallpdf takes a smarter two-step route. Your spreadsheet is first turned into a PDF, which then gets converted into a Word document.

It’s simple on your end, but under the hood, it’s working hard to preserve formatting, tables, and data layout.

Smallpdf supports both .xls and .xlsx files, and the end result is always a Word file in .docx format. You’ll still see your columns, rows, and decimal points right where you left them. If your spreadsheet uses a less common font, it’s a good idea to embed the font in your Excel file before uploading. Just to keep everything looking crisp after the conversion.

When You Don’t Need a Tool

There are moments when you don’t need to convert the whole file. Maybe you just want to convert a single Excel table to Word or reuse a few rows of data. In those cases, good old-fashioned copy and paste might do the trick.

For slightly more control, you can use “Paste Special” to preserve formatting or insert Excel into Word as an image. And if you want to embed the spreadsheet as a live object that keeps its original Excel features, use the “Insert > Object” function in Word.

These approaches work well for quick tasks and simple spreadsheets. But if your spreadsheet is complex or you want to convert multiple sheets at once while keeping the structure intact, Smallpdf’s method is much more reliable. And much faster.

Convert Excel to Word in the Smallpdf Apps

Using the Smallpdf Mobile App on iOS or Android, start by selecting “Convert to PDF” and upload your Excel file. Once the PDF is ready, return to the tool menu, choose “Convert from PDF,” and select “Word (.docx)” as your output. You’ll find the final file neatly saved under the “Files” section of the app. It’s a smooth workflow, even when you're away from your desk.

If you’re using the app regularly, Smallpdf Pro unlocks unlimited access, and you can try it free for 7 days to see if it fits your workflow.

Keep Editing Before You Convert

Smallpdf doesn’t just convert your files; it lets you make improvements before you finish the job. After converting your Excel file to PDF, you’ll see a list of next steps under “Continue in.” This connected workflow makes it easy to tweak the file before sending it off or turning it into Word.

You can compress your PDF to reduce file size, especially if you're sharing it by email. If you're working with multiple sheets or documents, use the Merge PDF tool to bring them together into one file. And if you want to markup key points before converting, the Annotate PDF tool lets you draw, highlight, or write on your file directly.

When Not To Convert Excel to Word

While converting Excel to Word is handy in many cases, there are times when it’s not the best move. If your spreadsheet contains live formulas, interactive filters, or auto-calculating charts, those features won’t survive the conversion.

Word documents aren’t designed to support those interactive elements, so they’ll be flattened into static tables.

If you need to preserve interactivity, it’s better to share the Excel file itself. For printing or read-only use, saving as PDF is a strong alternative. And if you want to keep a live table inside a Word doc, embedding the Excel sheet as an object might be the way to go.

Smart Tools That Help You Do More

Before converting your spreadsheet, you might want a quick summary or some extra insights—especially if it’s packed with data. Smallpdf’s AI PDF tools can help with that.

Chat with PDF lets you ask questions like, “Which client had the highest sales total?” or “What’s the average for Q3?” It’s a powerful way to scan through data without reading every cell. Meanwhile, the AI PDF Summarizer generates a brief overview of the document’s contents, which is perfect if you're prepping the file for sharing or archiving.

More Questions About Converting Excel to Word

Why does my table look different in Word?

When Excel files are converted to Word, certain formatting elements (like merged cells, font spacing, or background colors) might shift slightly. This happens because Word and Excel format data differently. To minimize changes, keep your layout clean and use standard fonts. Embedding fonts before uploading can also help preserve the original appearance.

Can I keep formulas when converting?

No. Converting to Word turns everything into static text. That means formulas, dropdowns, and interactive charts won’t carry over. If you need those features, stick with Excel or consider embedding the spreadsheet in your Word file using the “Insert > Object” function.

What’s the difference between .xls and .xlsx?

XLS is the older Excel format that was used before 2007. It’s still supported, but XLSX is the newer version and is better for compatibility, file size, and features. Smallpdf works with both, but XLSX usually offers smoother results when converting.

Can I convert only part of my spreadsheet?

Yes, but not directly. If you only need a portion of the spreadsheet in Word, you’ll need to copy that section into a new Excel file and then upload it. For simple data snippets, it might be faster to just copy Excel to Word manually using paste or insert options.

You don’t need a complicated workaround or special software to turn your spreadsheet into a Word doc. With Smallpdf, it’s all done in your browser; fast, free, and friendly.