How to Reduce File Size in Excel Without Using Software

1. Click on any cell in the Excel file you want to reduce. Open the 'Go To' dialog box in Excel 2007 by clicking the 'Find' drop-down arrow on the Home tab of the ribbon and selecting 'Go To.' In Excel 2003 or earlier, go to the 'Edit' menu and select 'Go To.' You can also use the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl G' in any version of Excel.
2. Click the 'Special' button on the 'Go To' dialog box. Select 'Blanks' and click 'OK.' Click the 'Clear' drop-down in the 'Editing' group in Excel 2007 and select 'Clear All.' In Excel 2003 or earlier, go to the 'Edit' menu, point to 'Clear' and select 'All.' This will clear any blank cells to help reduce the file size.
3. Go to the very last cell containing data in the Excel file. Select the entire row beneath this cell by clicking the number to the left of it. Hold 'Ctrl Shift' and then press the down arrow key to select all of the cells beneath this point.
4. Click the 'Clear' drop-down in the 'Editing' group in Excel 2007 and select 'Clear All.' In Excel 2003 or earlier, go to the 'Edit' menu, point to 'Clear' and select 'All.' Select the column to the right of the last cell. Hold 'Ctrl Shift' and then press the right arrow key. Again, select 'Clear All.'
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for any other Excel files that are linked to the workbook you are trying to reduce. Save the files and then check the new file size by clicking the 'Office Button' in Excel 2007. Point to 'Prepare' and then click on 'Properties.' In Excel 2003 or earlier, go to the 'File' menu and select 'Properties.' The file size will be listed on the 'General' tab.