Excel MCP Server

Excel workbook manipulation and data analysis via OpenPyXL for AI agents.

Data last scanned last week · Reviewed last month

Overview

The Excel MCP Server allows AI models to interact with, create, and modify Excel files directly. Built on Python and the OpenPyXL library, it provides tools for managing worksheets, formatting, styling, and performing complex data operations like pivot table generation and charting without needing Excel software installed on the machine. Integration is handled by configuring an environment variable for the desired file storage directory, which the server then uses as a base path. The server supports SSE communication, making it compatible with various MCP clients, including the Cursor IDE.

Our verdict

With a security score of 18/100, this server is classified as high-risk. The repository has not been updated in 498 days and lacks an editorial review, leaving potential vulnerabilities unaddressed. Given the single-contributor bus factor and lack of authentication review, it should be used with caution, primarily in isolated development environments rather than on production systems.

Uses zero direct dependencies for a smaller surface
Licensed under the permissive MIT license
Provides comprehensive workbook formatting and styling features

Security score is 18/100 indicating high risk
No code updates for over 498 days
Single-contributor project with limited maintenance
Authentication and read-only mode have not been reviewed

Tools

Tool	Description	Risk
create_workbook	Creates a new Excel workbook.	medium
create_worksheet	Creates a new worksheet in an existing workbook.	medium
get_workbook_metadata	Get metadata about workbook including sheets and ranges.	low
write_data_to_excel	Write data to Excel worksheet.	medium
read_data_from_excel	Read data from Excel worksheet.	low
format_range	Apply formatting to a range of cells.	medium
merge_cells	Merge a range of cells.	medium
unmerge_cells	Unmerge a previously merged range of cells.	medium
apply_formula	Apply Excel formula to cell.	medium
validate_formula_syntax	Validate Excel formula syntax without applying it.	low

Compatibility

Client	Local	Docker	Remote	Read-only
ChatGPT
Claude Desktop
Cursor
VS Code
Windsurf

Frequently asked questions

›Do I need to have Microsoft Excel installed to use this server?

No, the server uses OpenPyXL to manipulate Excel files and does not require Microsoft Excel to be installed.

›What are the software prerequisites for running this server?

You must have Python 3.10 or higher, MCP SDK 1.2.0 or higher, and OpenPyXL 3.1.2 or higher installed.

›How can I specify the directory where my Excel files are stored?

You can set the EXCEL_FILES_PATH environment variable to your desired directory. If not set, the server defaults to using a directory named ./excel_files.

›How do I connect the server to the Cursor IDE?

Once the server is running, you can connect to it in Cursor IDE using the SSE endpoint at http://localhost:8000/sse.