How to Check Encoding of Excel File (With Easy Steps)

To check the encoding of an Excel file, we need to view the file in XML format. An Excel file is actually a compacted form of multiple XML files that document every component and characteristic of that file in detail. In fact, an Excel file (.xlsx) has folders containing different files. These folders are compressed in ZIP format by Excel and then given the Excel file extension (.xlsx). To check the encoding of the file, we have to unzip the file before examining the xml.

Step 1 – Changing the File Extension of the Excel File

First, we must rename the file extension of the Excel file to zip.

Select the Excel file for which you want to check the encoding in Windows File Manager.
Select the Rename option.

Change the extension from .xlsx to .zip.

This converts the Excel file into a compressed zip file.

Step 2 – Open the Zip File in Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is the default software for opening a compressed file.

Select the file and right-click on it.
Click on Open with > Windows Explorer.

Windows Explorer will open the zipped file.

Step 3 – Opening the Worksheets Folder

Double click the xl folder to open it.
Double click the worksheets folder to open it.

Separate XML files for every sheet are displayed.

Step 4 – Opening the XML Files in Notepad

Now we can check the encoding of the Excel file.

Double click the sheet file you want to open.

A window will open up asking how we want to open the file.

Choose Notepad.

Step 5 – Observing the First Line of the XML File

Look at the first line of the code.

Here, we can see that the file is encoded in UTF-8. Similarly, we can check any other sheet’s encoding.

After checking the encoding, close the file.
Rename the file extension back from .zip to to .xlsx.

Read More: How to Encode Data in Excel

How to Change the Encoding of an Excel File

Sometimes some words in Excel do not display properly. There are various possible reasons, but its usually due to incorrect encoding of Excel files. Changing the encoding of the file will fix this.

Steps: