Excel

What is excel-mcp-server?

excel-mcp-server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server written in Python that enables manipulation of Excel files without requiring Microsoft Excel to be installed. It allows AI agents to create, read, and modify Excel workbooks programmatically.

How to use excel-mcp-server?

The server supports three transport methods:

1. Stdio Transport (for local use): Run uvx excel-mcp-server stdio.
2. SSE Transport (Server-Sent Events - Deprecated): Run uvx excel-mcp-server sse.
3. Streamable HTTP Transport (Recommended for remote connections): Run uvx excel-mcp-server streamable-http.

For SSE and Streamable HTTP transports, you must set the EXCEL_FILES_PATH environment variable to specify where Excel files are read from and written to. The FASTMCP_PORT environment variable can also be set to change the server's listening port. For Stdio transport, the file path is provided with each tool call.

Key Features of excel-mcp-server

• Excel Operations: Create, read, and update workbooks and worksheets.
• Data Manipulation: Supports formulas, formatting, charts, pivot tables, and Excel tables.
• Data Validation: Built-in validation for ranges, formulas, and data integrity.
• Formatting: Comprehensive formatting options including font styling, colors, borders, alignment, and conditional formatting.
• Table Operations: Create and manage Excel tables with custom styling.
• Chart Creation: Generate various chart types (line, bar, pie, scatter, etc.).
• Pivot Tables: Create dynamic pivot tables for data analysis.
• Sheet Management: Easily copy, rename, and delete worksheets.
• Transport Support: Offers stdio, SSE (deprecated), and streamable HTTP transport options.
• Remote & Local: Functions both locally and as a remote service.

Use Cases of excel-mcp-server

• Automating Excel tasks in environments without Microsoft Excel.
• Integrating Excel manipulation capabilities into AI agents and applications.
• Programmatic generation of reports and data analysis in Excel format.
• Batch processing of Excel files for data extraction or transformation.

FAQ about excel-mcp-server

• Do I need Microsoft Excel installed to use this server? No, the server allows you to manipulate Excel files without needing Microsoft Excel installed.
• Which transport method is recommended for remote connections? The Streamable HTTP Transport is recommended for remote connections.
• How do I specify the file path for Excel operations? For SSE and Streamable HTTP transports, set the EXCEL_FILES_PATH environment variable. For Stdio transport, the file path is provided with each tool call.
• Can I change the port the server listens on? Yes, you can set the FASTMCP_PORT environment variable to control the port.

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that lets you manipulate Excel files without needing Microsoft Excel installed. Create, read, and modify Excel workbooks with your AI agent.

Features

• 📊 Excel Operations: Create, read, update workbooks and worksheets
• 📈 Data Manipulation: Formulas, formatting, charts, pivot tables, and Excel tables
• 🔍 Data Validation: Built-in validation for ranges, formulas, and data integrity
• 🎨 Formatting: Font styling, colors, borders, alignment, and conditional formatting
• 📋 Table Operations: Create and manage Excel tables with custom styling
• 📊 Chart Creation: Generate various chart types (line, bar, pie, scatter, etc.)
• 🔄 Pivot Tables: Create dynamic pivot tables for data analysis
• 🔧 Sheet Management: Copy, rename, delete worksheets with ease
• 🔌 Triple transport support: stdio, SSE (deprecated), and streamable HTTP
• 🌐 Remote & Local: Works both locally and as a remote service

Usage

The server supports three transport methods:

1. Stdio Transport (for local use)

uvx excel-mcp-server stdio

{
   "mcpServers": {
      "excel": {
         "command": "uvx",
         "args": ["excel-mcp-server", "stdio"]
      }
   }
}

2. SSE Transport (Server-Sent Events - Deprecated)

uvx excel-mcp-server sse

SSE transport connection:

{
   "mcpServers": {
      "excel": {
         "url": "http://localhost:8000/sse",
      }
   }
}

3. Streamable HTTP Transport (Recommended for remote connections)

uvx excel-mcp-server streamable-http

Streamable HTTP transport connection:

{
   "mcpServers": {
      "excel": {
         "url": "http://localhost:8000/mcp",
      }
   }
}

Environment Variables & File Path Handling

SSE and Streamable HTTP Transports

When running the server with the SSE or Streamable HTTP protocols, you must set the EXCEL_FILES_PATH environment variable on the server side. This variable tells the server where to read and write Excel files.

• If not set, it defaults to ./excel_files.

You can also set the FASTMCP_PORT environment variable to control the port the server listens on (default is 8000 if not set).

• Example (Windows PowerShell):

  $env:EXCEL_FILES_PATH="E:\MyExcelFiles"
  $env:FASTMCP_PORT="8007"
  uvx excel-mcp-server streamable-http
  

• Example (Linux/macOS):

  EXCEL_FILES_PATH=/path/to/excel_files FASTMCP_PORT=8007 uvx excel-mcp-server streamable-http
  

Stdio Transport

When using the stdio protocol, the file path is provided with each tool call, so you do not need to set EXCEL_FILES_PATH on the server. The server will use the path sent by the client for each operation.

Available Tools

The server provides a comprehensive set of Excel manipulation tools. See TOOLS.md for complete documentation of all available tools.

Star History

License

MIT License - see LICENSE for details.