Excel MCP Server#

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#

• 📊 Create and modify Excel workbooks
• 📝 Read and write data
• 🎨 Apply formatting and styles
• 📈 Create charts and visualizations
• 📊 Generate pivot tables
• 🔄 Manage worksheets and ranges
• 🔌 Dual transport support: stdio and SSE

Quick Start#

Prerequisites#

• Python 3.10 or higher

Running the Server#

The server supports two transport modes: stdio and SSE.

Using stdio transport

Stdio transport is ideal for direct integration with tools like Cursor Desktop or local development, which can manipulate local files:

bash
uvx excel-mcp-server stdio

Using SSE transport

SSE transport is perfect for remote connections, which manipulate remote files:

bash
uvx excel-mcp-server sse

Using with AI Tools#

1. Add this configuration to your client, choosing the appropriate transport method for your needs:

Stdio transport connection (for local integration):

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

SSE transport connection:

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

1. The Excel tools will be available through your AI assistant.

Environment Variables & File Path Handling#

SSE Transport#

When running the server with the SSE protocol, 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):

  powershell
  $env:EXCEL_FILES_PATH="E:\MyExcelFiles"
  $env:FASTMCP_PORT="8080"
  uvx excel-mcp-server sse
  

• Example (Linux/macOS):

  bash
  EXCEL_FILES_PATH=/path/to/excel_files FASTMCP_PORT=8080 uvx excel-mcp-server sse
  

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.