Excel MCP Server
Create, read, and modify Excel workbooks directly via your AI agent without Excel installed.
Data last scanned today · Reviewed today
Overview
The Excel MCP Server allows AI models to perform complex spreadsheet operations, including data entry, formula application, and formatting, directly from an environment where Microsoft Excel is not installed. It supports managing worksheets, creating pivot tables, and generating various chart types through standard MCP communication channels. The server is designed for flexibility, supporting local execution via stdio or remote connections using streamable HTTP protocols. Users can automate data manipulation, file creation, and table styling by integrating the server into their existing AI-driven workflows.
Our verdict
With a security score of 47/100, this server carries a high-risk level and should be handled with caution. The score reflects that the project is maintained by a community member rather than the official vendor, and critical security aspects—specifically the read-only mode and OAuth authentication mechanisms—have not yet been editorially reviewed.
- Zero direct dependencies minimize the software supply chain surface.
- Comprehensive support for charts, pivot tables, and data validation.
- Three distinct transport protocols for local and remote connectivity.
- MIT licensed open-source repository.
- Security score of 47/100 indicates significant unverified risks.
- Lack of editorial review for authentication and read-only mode.
- Community-maintained project without official vendor oversight.
- Last commit occurred over 100 days ago.
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 |
| get_merged_cells | Get merged cells in a worksheet. | low |
| apply_formula | Apply Excel formula to cell. | medium |
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 allows you to create, read, and modify Excel workbooks without requiring Microsoft Excel to be installed on your system.
›What is the purpose of the EXCEL_FILES_PATH environment variable?
This variable defines the base directory for file operations when using SSE or Streamable HTTP transports. It defaults to ./excel_files if not explicitly set.
›How do file paths work when using the stdio transport?
With the stdio transport, you provide the file path directly with each tool call, and the server does not rely on the EXCEL_FILES_PATH environment variable.
›Are absolute file paths supported in SSE or Streamable HTTP modes?
No, when using these transports, all file paths must be relative to the EXCEL_FILES_PATH directory, and absolute paths or directory traversal attempts are rejected.
›How can I change the default port for the server?
You can change the listening port by setting the FASTMCP_PORT environment variable; it defaults to 8017 if left unset.
Alternatives
Changelog
Badge
Maintain this server? Add the live badge to your README.