CSV and Excel both hold tables, but they're not the same — and using the wrong one causes headaches with formatting and imports.
What is CSV?
CSV (comma-separated values) is plain text: just rows and columns, no formatting, formulas or multiple sheets. It's universal and perfect for importing/exporting data between apps.
What is Excel (XLSX)?
XLSX stores formatting, formulas, charts and multiple sheets. It's for working with and presenting data, not just moving it.
How to convert
Turn raw data into a formatted workbook with CSV to Excel, or export a sheet for another system with Excel to CSV.
Tip
If a CSV opens with everything in one column, it was likely saved with a different delimiter — re-importing usually fixes it.