get_sheet
Get a spreadsheet (sheet, excel, workbook) by ID, including all tabs and their cell data in A1 notation.
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | Sheet (workbook) ID |
Get a spreadsheet (sheet, excel, workbook) by ID, including all tabs and their cell data in A1 notation.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | Sheet (workbook) ID |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the return scope: all tabs and cell data in A1 notation, which is useful for understanding the operation's output. However, it does not explicitly state it is a read-only operation or mention potential performance implications of retrieving all tabs, leaving some behavioral aspects implicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that is front-loaded with the core action ('Get a spreadsheet... by ID') and concisely states the key return detail (all tabs and cell data in A1 notation). There is no redundancy or unnecessary elaboration.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With only one parameter and no output schema, the description adequately covers the tool's core function and expected return. It clearly states the result includes all tabs and cell data in A1 notation. It could specify whether formulas, formatting, or empty cells are included, but for a simple get-by-ID tool, this is sufficient. It omits error handling or size caveats, but those are not critical for a basic retrieval.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides a full description of the id parameter ('Sheet (workbook) ID'). The description repeats this with synonyms but adds no additional meaning about the parameter's format, constraints, or usage details. Schema coverage is 100%, so the description offers only marginal value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves a spreadsheet by ID, including all tabs and cell data in A1 notation. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_sheet_tab, which likely retrieves a single tab, and from get_document. The parenthetical synonyms (sheet, excel, workbook) remove ambiguity about what type of resource is meant.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
There is no explicit when-to-use guidance or mention of alternatives. The phrase 'including all tabs and their cell data' implies this is for full-sheet retrieval, but it does not directly state when to use this over get_sheet_tab or other list tools. The usage context is implied rather than clearly stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Every tool targets a distinct resource and action: document, sheet, tab, or presentation. Even similar operations like append_rows, append_slides, and append_to_document are clearly differentiated by their intended target.
The naming follows a predictable verb_noun pattern with create_, get_, list_, update_, delete_, and append_. Minor deviations like append_to_document (uses 'to') and the use of 'slide_presentation' vs 'slides' keep it from being perfectly uniform.
At 23 tools, the count is slightly above the ideal range, but each tool serves a clear purpose across three resource types (documents, sheets, slides). The volume is justified by supporting tab-level operations and append functionality.
The server provides full CRUD plus listing for each resource type, along with tab management and append operations. Minor gaps exist, such as lack of a direct 'set cell value' operation and no slide reorder or delete individual slide, but core workflows are well covered.