Google Sheets

What is mcp-google-sheets?

mcp-google-sheets is a Python-based MCP (Multi-Client Protocol) server that acts as a bridge between MCP-compatible clients (like Claude Desktop) and the Google Sheets API. It enables AI-driven automation and data manipulation workflows by allowing natural language interaction with Google Spreadsheets.

How to use mcp-google-sheets?

To use mcp-google-sheets, you need to set up Google Cloud Platform credentials, preferably a Service Account, and enable the Google Sheets API and Google Drive API. The server can be run easily using uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest, which automatically downloads and executes the latest version. Essential environment variables for authentication (e.g., SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH, DRIVE_FOLDER_ID) must be set. Once the server is running, configure your MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop) to connect to it. For development, you can clone the repository and run it using uv run mcp-google-sheets.

Key Features of mcp-google-sheets

• Seamless Integration: Connects directly to Google Drive & Google Sheets APIs.
• Comprehensive Tools: Offers a wide range of operations including CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete), listing, batching, sharing, and formatting of spreadsheets.
• Flexible Authentication: Supports Service Accounts (recommended), OAuth 2.0, and direct credential injection via environment variables, as well as Application Default Credentials (ADC).
• Easy Deployment: Can be run instantly with uvx for a zero-install experience or cloned for development.
• AI-Ready: Designed for use with MCP-compatible clients, facilitating natural language interaction with spreadsheets.

Use Cases of mcp-google-sheets

mcp-google-sheets can be used for various AI-driven spreadsheet automation tasks, such as:

• Listing all accessible spreadsheets.
• Creating new spreadsheets with specified titles.
• Reading and updating data within specific ranges or entire sheets.
• Adding new rows or columns to sheets.
• Creating and renaming sheets within a spreadsheet.
• Sharing spreadsheets with specific users and roles.
• Getting summaries of multiple spreadsheets.
• Integrating with AI assistants to manage and manipulate data in Google Sheets through natural language commands.

FAQ about mcp-google-sheets

Q: What is the recommended authentication method? A: Service Account is recommended for server environments and automation due to its headless nature and security.

Q: How do I ensure I'm running the latest version? A: Always use @latest when running with uvx, e.g., uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest.

Q: Can I use this with Claude Desktop? A: Yes, configuration examples for Claude Desktop are provided in the README, covering various authentication methods.

Q: What Google Cloud APIs need to be enabled? A: You need to enable Google Sheets API and Google Drive API in your Google Cloud Project.

Q: What is uvx? A: uvx is part of uv, a fast Python package installer and resolver, used here to easily run the server without a full installation.

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🤔 What is this?

mcp-google-sheets is a Python-based MCP server that acts as a bridge between any MCP-compatible client (like Claude Desktop) and the Google Sheets API. It allows you to interact with your Google Spreadsheets using a defined set of tools, enabling powerful automation and data manipulation workflows driven by AI.

🚀 Quick Start (Using uvx)

Essentially the server runs in one line: uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest.

This cmd will automatically download the latest code and run it. We recommend always using @latest to ensure you have the newest version with the latest features and bug fixes.

1. ☁️ Prerequisite: Google Cloud Setup

   • You must configure Google Cloud Platform credentials and enable the necessary APIs first. We strongly recommend using a Service Account.
   • ➡️ Jump to the Detailed Google Cloud Platform Setup guide below.

2. 🐍 Install uv

   • uvx is part of uv, a fast Python package installer and resolver. Install it if you haven't already:

     # macOS / Linux
     curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
     # Windows
     powershell -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"
     # Or using pip:
     # pip install uv
     

     Follow instructions in the installer output to add uv to your PATH if needed.

3. 🔑 Set Essential Environment Variables (Service Account Recommended)

   • You need to tell the server how to authenticate. Set these variables in your terminal:
   • (Linux/macOS)

     # Replace with YOUR actual path and folder ID from the Google Setup step
     export SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH="/path/to/your/service-account-key.json"
     export DRIVE_FOLDER_ID="YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID"
     

   • (Windows CMD)

     set SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH="C:\path\to\your\service-account-key.json"
     set DRIVE_FOLDER_ID="YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID"
     

   • (Windows PowerShell)

     $env:SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH = "C:\path\to\your\service-account-key.json"
     $env:DRIVE_FOLDER_ID = "YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID"
     

   • ➡️ See Detailed Authentication & Environment Variables for other options (OAuth, CREDENTIALS_CONFIG).

4. 🏃 Run the Server!

   • uvx will automatically download and run the latest version of mcp-google-sheets:

     uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest
     

   • The server will start and print logs indicating it's ready.

   • 💡 Pro Tip: Always use @latest to ensure you get the newest version with bug fixes and features. Without @latest, uvx may use a cached older version.

5. 🔌 Connect your MCP Client

   • Configure your client (e.g., Claude Desktop) to connect to the running server.
   • Depending on the client you use, you might not need step 4 because the client can launch the server for you. But it's a good practice to test run step 4 anyway to make sure things are set up properly.
   • ➡️ See Usage with Claude Desktop for examples.

You're ready! Start issuing commands via your MCP client.

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✨ Key Features

• Seamless Integration: Connects directly to Google Drive & Google Sheets APIs.
• Comprehensive Tools: Offers a wide range of operations (CRUD, listing, batching, sharing, formatting, etc.).
• Flexible Authentication: Supports Service Accounts (recommended), OAuth 2.0, and direct credential injection via environment variables.
• Easy Deployment: Run instantly with uvx (zero-install feel) or clone for development using uv.
• AI-Ready: Designed for use with MCP-compatible clients, enabling natural language spreadsheet interaction.

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🛠️ Available Tools & Resources

This server exposes the following tools for interacting with Google Sheets:

(Input parameters are typically strings unless otherwise specified)

• list_spreadsheets: Lists spreadsheets in the configured Drive folder (Service Account) or accessible by the user (OAuth).
  • Returns: List of objects [{id: string, title: string}]
• create_spreadsheet: Creates a new spreadsheet.
  • title (string): The desired title.
  • Returns: Object with spreadsheet info, including spreadsheetId.
• get_sheet_data: Reads data from a range in a sheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string): Name of the sheet.
  • range (optional string): A1 notation (e.g., 'A1:C10', 'Sheet1!B2:D'). If omitted, reads the whole sheet.
  • Returns: Full grid data structure from Google Sheets API with all metadata preserved.
• get_sheet_formulas: Reads formulas from a range in a sheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string): Name of the sheet.
  • range (optional string): A1 notation (e.g., 'A1:C10', 'Sheet1!B2:D'). If omitted, reads the whole sheet.
  • Returns: 2D array of cell formulas.
• update_cells: Writes data to a specific range. Overwrites existing data.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string)
  • range (string): A1 notation.
  • data (2D array): Values to write.
  • Returns: Update result object.
• batch_update_cells: Updates multiple ranges in one API call.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string)
  • ranges (object): Dictionary mapping range strings (A1 notation) to 2D arrays of values { "A1:B2": [[1, 2], [3, 4]], "D5": [["Hello"]] }.
  • Returns: Batch update result object.
• add_rows: Appends rows to the end of a sheet (after the last row with data).
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string)
  • data (2D array): Rows to append.
  • Returns: Update result object.
• list_sheets: Lists all sheet names within a spreadsheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • Returns: List of sheet name strings ["Sheet1", "Sheet2"].
• create_sheet: Adds a new sheet (tab) to a spreadsheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • title (string): Name for the new sheet.
  • Returns: New sheet properties object.
• get_multiple_sheet_data: Fetches data from multiple ranges across potentially different spreadsheets in one call.
  • queries (array of objects): Each object needs spreadsheet_id, sheet, and range. [{spreadsheet_id: 'abc', sheet: 'Sheet1', range: 'A1:B2'}, ...].
  • Returns: List of objects, each containing the query params and fetched data or an error.
• get_multiple_spreadsheet_summary: Gets titles, sheet names, headers, and first few rows for multiple spreadsheets.
  • spreadsheet_ids (array of strings)
  • rows_to_fetch (optional integer, default 5): How many rows (including header) to preview.
  • Returns: List of summary objects for each spreadsheet.
• share_spreadsheet: Shares a spreadsheet with specified users/emails and roles.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • recipients (array of objects): [{email_address: 'user@example.com', role: 'writer'}, ...]. Roles: reader, commenter, writer.
  • send_notification (optional boolean, default True): Send email notifications.
  • Returns: Dictionary with successes and failures lists.
• add_columns: Adds columns to a sheet. (Verify parameters if implemented)
• copy_sheet: Duplicates a sheet within a spreadsheet. (Verify parameters if implemented)
• rename_sheet: Renames an existing sheet. (Verify parameters if implemented)

MCP Resources:

• spreadsheet://{spreadsheet_id}/info: Get basic metadata about a Google Spreadsheet.
  • Returns: JSON string with spreadsheet information.

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☁️ Google Cloud Platform Setup (Detailed)

This setup is required before running the server.

1. Create/Select a GCP Project: Go to the Google Cloud Console.
2. Enable APIs: Navigate to "APIs & Services" -> "Library". Search for and enable:
   • Google Sheets API
   • Google Drive API
3. Configure Credentials: You need to choose one authentication method below (Service Account is recommended).

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🔑 Authentication & Environment Variables (Detailed)

The server needs credentials to access Google APIs. Choose one method:

Method A: Service Account (Recommended for Servers/Automation) ✅

• Why? Headless (no browser needed), secure, ideal for server environments. Doesn't expire easily.
• Steps:
  1. Create Service Account: In GCP Console -> "IAM & Admin" -> "Service Accounts".
     • Click "+ CREATE SERVICE ACCOUNT". Name it (e.g., mcp-sheets-service).
     • Grant Roles: Add Editor role for broad access, or more granular roles (like roles/drive.file and specific Sheets roles) for stricter permissions.
     • Click "Done". Find the account, click Actions (⋮) -> "Manage keys".
     • Click "ADD KEY" -> "Create new key" -> JSON -> "CREATE".
     • Download and securely store the JSON key file.
  2. Create & Share Google Drive Folder:
     • In Google Drive, create a folder (e.g., "AI Managed Sheets").
     • Note the Folder ID from the URL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/THIS_IS_THE_FOLDER_ID.
     • Right-click the folder -> "Share" -> "Share".
     • Enter the Service Account's email (from the JSON file client_email).
     • Grant Editor access. Uncheck "Notify people". Click "Share".
  3. Set Environment Variables:
     • SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH: Full path to the downloaded JSON key file.
     • DRIVE_FOLDER_ID: The ID of the shared Google Drive folder. (See Ultra Quick Start for OS-specific examples)

Method B: OAuth 2.0 (Interactive / Personal Use) 🧑‍💻

• Why? For personal use or local development where interactive browser login is okay.
• Steps:
  1. Configure OAuth Consent Screen: In GCP Console -> "APIs & Services" -> "OAuth consent screen". Select "External", fill required info, add scopes (.../auth/spreadsheets, .../auth/drive), add test users if needed.
  2. Create OAuth Client ID: In GCP Console -> "APIs & Services" -> "Credentials". "+ CREATE CREDENTIALS" -> "OAuth client ID" -> Type: Desktop app. Name it. "CREATE". Download JSON.
  3. Set Environment Variables:
     • CREDENTIALS_PATH: Path to the downloaded OAuth credentials JSON file (default: credentials.json).
     • TOKEN_PATH: Path to store the user's refresh token after first login (default: token.json). Must be writable.

Method C: Direct Credential Injection (Advanced) 🔒

• Why? Useful in environments like Docker, Kubernetes, or CI/CD where managing files is hard, but environment variables are easy/secure. Avoids file system access.
• How? Instead of providing a path to the credentials file, you provide the content of the file, encoded in Base64, directly in an environment variable.
• Steps:
  1. Get your credentials JSON file (either Service Account key or OAuth Client ID file). Let's call it your_credentials.json.
  2. Generate the Base64 string:
     • (Linux/macOS): base64 -w 0 your_credentials.json
     • (Windows PowerShell):

       $filePath = "C:\path\to\your_credentials.json"; # Use actual path
       $bytes = [System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes($filePath);
       $base64 = [System.Convert]::ToBase64String($bytes);
       $base64 # Copy this output
       

     • (Caution): Avoid pasting sensitive credentials into untrusted online encoders.
  3. Set the Environment Variable:
     • CREDENTIALS_CONFIG: Set this variable to the full Base64 string you just generated.

       # Example (Linux/macOS) - Use the actual string generated
       export CREDENTIALS_CONFIG="ewogICJ0eXBlIjogInNlcnZpY2VfYWNjb..."
       

Method D: Application Default Credentials (ADC) 🌐

• Why? Ideal for Google Cloud environments (GKE, Compute Engine, Cloud Run) and local development with gcloud auth application-default login. No explicit credential files needed.
• How? Uses Google's Application Default Credentials chain to automatically discover credentials from multiple sources.
• ADC Search Order:
  1. GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS environment variable (path to service account key) - Google's standard variable
  2. gcloud auth application-default login credentials (local development)
  3. Attached service account from metadata server (GKE, Compute Engine, etc.)
• Setup:
  • Local Development: Run gcloud auth application-default login once
  • Google Cloud: Attach a service account to your compute resource
  • Environment Variable: Set GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS=/path/to/service-account.json (Google's standard)
• No additional environment variables needed - ADC is used automatically as a fallback when other methods fail.

Note: GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS is Google's official standard environment variable, while SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH is specific to this MCP server. If you set GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS, ADC will find it automatically.

Authentication Priority & Summary

The server checks for credentials in this order:

1. CREDENTIALS_CONFIG (Base64 content)
2. SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH (Path to Service Account JSON)
3. CREDENTIALS_PATH (Path to OAuth JSON) - triggers interactive flow if token is missing/expired
4. Application Default Credentials (ADC) - automatic fallback

Environment Variable Summary:

Variable	Method(s)	Description	Default
SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH	Service Account	Path to the Service Account JSON key file (MCP server specific).	-
GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS	ADC	Path to service account key (Google's standard variable).	-
DRIVE_FOLDER_ID	Service Account	ID of the Google Drive folder shared with the Service Account.	-
CREDENTIALS_PATH	OAuth 2.0	Path to the OAuth 2.0 Client ID JSON file.	credentials.json
TOKEN_PATH	OAuth 2.0	Path to store the generated OAuth token.	token.json
CREDENTIALS_CONFIG	Service Account / OAuth 2.0	Base64 encoded JSON string of credentials content.	-

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⚙️ Running the Server (Detailed)

Method 1: Using uvx (Recommended for Users)

As shown in the Ultra Quick Start, this is the easiest way. Set environment variables, then run:

uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest

uvx handles fetching and running the package temporarily.

Method 2: For Development (Cloning the Repo)

If you want to modify the code:

1. Clone: git clone https://github.com/yourusername/mcp-google-sheets.git && cd mcp-google-sheets (Use actual URL)
2. Set Environment Variables: As described above.
3. Run using uv: (Uses the local code)

   uv run mcp-google-sheets
   # Or via the script name if defined in pyproject.toml, e.g.:
   # uv run start
   

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🔌 Usage with Claude Desktop

Add the server config to claude_desktop_config.json under mcpServers. Choose the block matching your setup:

⚠️ Important Notes:

• 🍎 macOS Users: use the full path: "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx" instead of just "uvx"

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/service-account-key.json",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_shared_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

🍎 macOS Note: If you get a spawn uvx ENOENT error, use the full path to uvx:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/service-account-key.json",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_shared_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace yourusername with your actual username.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "CREDENTIALS_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/credentials.json",
        "TOKEN_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/token.json"
      }
    }
  }
}

Note: A browser may open for Google login on first use. Ensure TOKEN_PATH is writable.

🍎 macOS Note: If you get a spawn uvx ENOENT error, replace "command": "uvx" with "command": "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx" (replace yourusername with your actual username).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "CREDENTIALS_CONFIG": "ewogICJ0eXBlIjogInNlcnZpY2VfYWNjb3VudCIsCiAgInByb2plY3RfaWQiOiAi...",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_shared_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Note: Paste the full Base64 string for CREDENTIALS_CONFIG. DRIVE_FOLDER_ID is still needed for Service Account folder context.

🍎 macOS Note: If you get a spawn uvx ENOENT error, replace "command": "uvx" with "command": "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx" (replace yourusername with your actual username).

Option 1: With GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS": "/path/to/service-account.json"
      }
    }
  }
}

Option 2: With gcloud auth (no env vars needed)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Prerequisites: Run gcloud auth application-default login first.

🍎 macOS Note: If you get a spawn uvx ENOENT error, replace "command": "uvx" with "command": "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx" (replace yourusername with your actual username).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-google-sheets-local": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "--directory",
        "/path/to/your/mcp-google-sheets",
        "mcp-google-sheets"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH": "/path/to/your/mcp-google-sheets/service_account.json",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_drive_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Note: Use --directory flag to specify the project path, and adjust paths to match your actual workspace location.

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💬 Example Prompts for Claude

Once connected, try prompts like:

• "List all spreadsheets I have access to." (or "in my AI Managed Sheets folder")
• "Create a new spreadsheet titled 'Quarterly Sales Report Q3 2024'."
• "In the 'Quarterly Sales Report' spreadsheet, get the data from Sheet1 range A1 to E10."
• "Add a new sheet named 'Summary' to the spreadsheet with ID 1aBcDeFgHiJkLmNoPqRsTuVwXyZ."
• "In my 'Project Tasks' spreadsheet, Sheet 'Tasks', update cell B2 to 'In Progress'."
• "Append these rows to the 'Log' sheet in spreadsheet XYZ: [['2024-07-31', 'Task A Completed'], ['2024-08-01', 'Task B Started']]"
• "Get a summary of the spreadsheets 'Sales Data' and 'Inventory Count'."
• "Share the 'Team Vacation Schedule' spreadsheet with team@example.com as a reader and manager@example.com as a writer. Don't send notifications."

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🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please open an issue to discuss bugs or feature requests. Pull requests are appreciated.

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📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

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🙏 Credits

• Built with FastMCP.
• Inspired by kazz187/mcp-google-spreadsheet.
• Uses Google API Python Client libraries.