Airtable OAuth MCP Server

search_records

Search Airtable records by applying a formula filter to retrieve matching data from a specified base and table.

Instructions

Search records using a formula filter

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "base_id": "<base_id>",
      "table_id": "<table_id>",
      "filter_by_formula": "<filter_by_formula>"
    },
    "name": "search_records"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`base_id`	Yes	The Airtable base ID
`table_id`	Yes	The table ID or name
`filter_by_formula`	Yes	Airtable formula for filtering
`view`	No	View name or ID
`fields`	No	Specific fields to include (field name or array of field names)

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`result`	Yes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.1.0Jun 21, 2026

TDQS

B3.3/5.0

Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It does not state that this is a read-only operation, nor mention any potential side effects, pagination, or limits. While search is likely safe, the lack of explicit disclosure leaves uncertainty.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single concise sentence with no wasted words. It is front-loaded and efficiently communicates the core purpose.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has 5 parameters and an output schema, the description is adequate but minimal. It does not mention that the tool returns multiple records or any pagination details, but the output schema may cover the return structure. Overall, it meets minimum viability.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Input schema coverage is 100%, so parameters are already well-documented. The description adds minimal value beyond restating the filter mechanism. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the description does not significantly enhance understanding of parameters.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool searches records using a formula filter. The verb 'search' and resource 'records' are specific, and the mention of 'formula filter' distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_records (likely unfiltered) and get_record (single record by ID). However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from these siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance is provided. The usage is implied by the description: use when you need to filter records via a formula. But alternatives like list_records or get_record are not mentioned, leaving the agent to infer.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Deploy Server