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Excel MCP Server

MCP server for Excel file manipulation with real-time formula calculation using HyperFormula.

Installation

Add the following to your MCP client configuration file.

Configuration

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "jauinones-xlsx-mcp": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/excel-mcp/dist/index.js"
      ]
    }
  }
}

You run an MCP server that manipulates Excel workbooks and evaluates formulas in real time using a headless engine. This lets you read calculated results directly from cells, perform multi‑workbook operations, and generate accurate spreadsheets without opening Excel.

How to use

You interact with the Excel MCP Server through an MCP client. Use the provided tools to create and manage workbooks, manipulate sheets, and read or write cell data. The server returns the calculated result for reads, so you always get the actual value of formulas like =SUM(A1:A2) when reading a cell. You can chain operations to build invoices, reports, or data pipelines that depend on precise mathematical calculations.

Key usage patterns you can perform:

Create new workbook in memory with a unique ID
Open existing .xlsx files to bring them under MCP control

Write values or formulas with an explicit = prefix for formulas
Write ranges to populate sheets in bulk

Read a single cell to get calculatedValue and the raw formula
Read a range to pull multiple calculated results

Force recalculation of all formulas in a workbook

When you read a formula cell, you receive an object that includes calculatedValue and formula, ensuring you have both the computed result and the original formula for auditing.

How it benefits you

Real-time formula evaluation enables precise financial calculations, accurate data aggregations, and reliable report generation. You no longer need to export to a spreadsheet app to verify results, since the MCP server returns the calculated outcomes directly.

Example workflow

1) Create a workbook and define headers and data.

2) Write a range with mixed values and formulas.

3) Read a summary cell to confirm the calculated total.

4) Save the workbook to disk for persistence.

Available tools

create_workbook

Create a new workbook in memory and return its ID for subsequent operations.

open_workbook

Open an existing .xlsx file so you can manipulate its sheets and cells.

save_workbook

Save the current workbook to disk, persisting changes.

close_workbook

Close a workbook and free the memory it used.

list_workbooks

List all workbooks that are currently open in the MCP server.

list_sheets

List all sheets within a given workbook.

create_sheet

Add a new sheet to a workbook.

delete_sheet

Remove a sheet from a workbook.

rename_sheet

Rename an existing sheet.

get_sheet_info

Retrieve dimensions and metadata for a sheet.

read_cell

Read a cell’s value and receive the calculated result along with the formula.

write_cell

Write a value or a formula to a cell (prefix formulas with =).

read_range

Read a rectangular range of cells and return their calculated results.

write_range

Write a 2D array to a range of cells in a sheet.

list_columns

List columns with headers for quick navigation.

get_formula

Get the raw formula string from a cell without evaluating it.

recalculate

Force a recalculation of all formulas across the workbook.

create_chart

Create charts (bar, line, pie, scatter) from data.

delete_chart

Remove a chart from a sheet.

create_pivot_table

Create a pivot table from a data range.

import_markdown_table

Import a markdown table directly into an Excel worksheet.