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sheets_get_values

Retrieve values from a specific range in a Google Sheets spreadsheet using the spreadsheet ID, range, and optional parameters for major dimension and value rendering.

Instructions

Get values from a specified range in a Google Sheets spreadsheet

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
majorDimensionNoThe major dimension of the values (default: ROWS)
rangeYesThe A1 notation range to retrieve (e.g., "Sheet1!A1:B10")
spreadsheetIdYesThe ID of the spreadsheet (found in the URL after /d/)
valueRenderOptionNoHow values should be represented (default: FORMATTED_VALUE)

Implementation Reference

  • The main handler function that executes the sheets_get_values tool. Validates input, authenticates client, calls Google Sheets API to get values from range, formats response, and handles errors.
    export async function handleGetValues(input: any) {
      try {
        const validatedInput = validateGetValuesInput(input);
        const sheets = await getAuthenticatedClient();
    
        const response = await sheets.spreadsheets.values.get({
          spreadsheetId: validatedInput.spreadsheetId,
          range: validatedInput.range,
          majorDimension: validatedInput.majorDimension,
          valueRenderOption: validatedInput.valueRenderOption,
        });
    
        return formatValuesResponse(response.data.values || [], response.data.range);
      } catch (error) {
        return handleError(error);
      }
    }
  • Tool definition object including name, description, and inputSchema for parameter validation (spreadsheetId, range, majorDimension, valueRenderOption).
    export const getValuesTool: Tool = {
      name: 'sheets_get_values',
      description: 'Get values from a specified range in a Google Sheets spreadsheet',
      inputSchema: {
        type: 'object',
        properties: {
          spreadsheetId: {
            type: 'string',
            description: 'The ID of the spreadsheet (found in the URL after /d/)',
          },
          range: {
            type: 'string',
            description: 'The A1 notation range to retrieve (e.g., "Sheet1!A1:B10")',
          },
          majorDimension: {
            type: 'string',
            enum: ['ROWS', 'COLUMNS'],
            description: 'The major dimension of the values (default: ROWS)',
          },
          valueRenderOption: {
            type: 'string',
            enum: ['FORMATTED_VALUE', 'UNFORMATTED_VALUE', 'FORMULA'],
            description: 'How values should be represented (default: FORMATTED_VALUE)',
          },
        },
        required: ['spreadsheetId', 'range'],
      },
    };
  • src/index.ts:32-64 (registration)
    Registration of tool handlers in a Map, mapping 'sheets_get_values' to tools.handleGetValues for execution.
    const toolHandlers = new Map<string, (input: any) => Promise<any>>([
      ['sheets_check_access', tools.handleCheckAccess],
      ['sheets_get_values', tools.handleGetValues],
      ['sheets_batch_get_values', tools.handleBatchGetValues],
      ['sheets_get_metadata', tools.handleGetMetadata],
      ['sheets_update_values', tools.handleUpdateValues],
      ['sheets_batch_update_values', tools.handleBatchUpdateValues],
      ['sheets_append_values', tools.handleAppendValues],
      ['sheets_clear_values', tools.handleClearValues],
      ['sheets_create_spreadsheet', tools.handleCreateSpreadsheet],
      ['sheets_insert_sheet', tools.handleInsertSheet],
      ['sheets_delete_sheet', tools.handleDeleteSheet],
      ['sheets_duplicate_sheet', tools.handleDuplicateSheet],
      ['sheets_copy_to', tools.handleCopyTo],
      ['sheets_update_sheet_properties', tools.handleUpdateSheetProperties],
      ['sheets_format_cells', tools.formatCellsHandler],
      ['sheets_update_borders', tools.updateBordersHandler],
      ['sheets_merge_cells', tools.mergeCellsHandler],
      ['sheets_unmerge_cells', tools.unmergeCellsHandler],
      ['sheets_add_conditional_formatting', tools.addConditionalFormattingHandler],
      // Batch operations
      ['sheets_batch_delete_sheets', tools.handleBatchDeleteSheets],
      ['sheets_batch_format_cells', tools.handleBatchFormatCells],
      // Chart operations
      ['sheets_create_chart', tools.handleCreateChart],
      ['sheets_update_chart', tools.handleUpdateChart],
      ['sheets_delete_chart', tools.handleDeleteChart],
      // Link and date operations
      ['sheets_insert_link', tools.handleInsertLink],
      ['sheets_insert_date', tools.handleInsertDate],
      // Row operations
      ['sheets_insert_rows', tools.handleInsertRows],
    ]);
  • src/index.ts:67-99 (registration)
    Registration of all tool definitions in the allTools array, including getValuesTool, used for listing available tools.
    const allTools = [
      tools.checkAccessTool,
      tools.getValuesTool,
      tools.batchGetValuesTool,
      tools.getMetadataTool,
      tools.updateValuesTool,
      tools.batchUpdateValuesTool,
      tools.appendValuesTool,
      tools.clearValuesTool,
      tools.createSpreadsheetTool,
      tools.insertSheetTool,
      tools.deleteSheetTool,
      tools.duplicateSheetTool,
      tools.copyToTool,
      tools.updateSheetPropertiesTool,
      tools.formatCellsTool,
      tools.updateBordersTool,
      tools.mergeCellsTool,
      tools.unmergeCellsTool,
      tools.addConditionalFormattingTool,
      // Batch operations
      tools.batchDeleteSheetsTool,
      tools.batchFormatCellsTool,
      // Chart operations
      tools.createChartTool,
      tools.updateChartTool,
      tools.deleteChartTool,
      // Link and date operations
      tools.insertLinkTool,
      tools.insertDateTool,
      // Row operations
      tools.insertRowsTool,
    ];
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool retrieves values but lacks details on permissions required, rate limits, error handling, or response format. This is inadequate for a read operation that likely involves API calls and structured data return.

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, efficient sentence that front-loads the core purpose without unnecessary words. Every part earns its place by specifying the action, target, and context, making it easy to parse quickly.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the complexity of interacting with Google Sheets and the lack of annotations and output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain what the returned values look like, potential errors, or authentication needs, leaving significant gaps for an agent to use the tool effectively.

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?

The description mentions 'specified range' which aligns with the 'range' parameter, but adds no meaning beyond the schema's 100% coverage. Since schema descriptions fully document all parameters, the baseline score of 3 is appropriate, as the description doesn't compensate but doesn't detract either.

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 action ('Get values') and resource ('from a specified range in a Google Sheets spreadsheet'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'sheets_batch_get_values' or 'sheets_get_metadata', which also retrieve data but with different scopes or formats.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention sibling tools like 'sheets_batch_get_values' for multiple ranges or 'sheets_get_metadata' for non-value data, nor does it specify prerequisites or exclusions, leaving the agent to infer usage from context alone.

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

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