Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@Excel MCP ServerAnalyze the sales sheet and format the top row with a blue background"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Excel MCP Server
A cross-platform MCP server for reading, writing, and formatting Excel files. Works with both open Excel workbooks (live) and closed .xlsx files (no Excel needed).
Two Modes
workbook— Operate on an open Excel workbook in real-time via xlwingspath— Edit closed .xlsx files directly using pure Python (preserves images, charts, and all embedded content)
Tools
Tool | workbook | path | Required |
| - | - | (none) |
| OK | OK | range |
| OK | OK | range, value |
| OK | OK | range, format |
| OK | - | workbook, code |
Requirements
Node.js 18+
Python 3.8+
xlwings (for live Excel mode —
pip install xlwings)Microsoft Excel (only needed for
workbookmode andexecute_vba)
Works on Windows and macOS. The path mode also works on Linux.
Installation
git clone https://github.com/kousunh/excel-mcp-server.git
cd excel-mcp-server
npm install
pip install -r scripts/requirements.txtConfigure MCP Client
Add to your MCP client config (Claude Desktop, Cursor, etc.):
{
"mcpServers": {
"excel-mcp": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/excel-mcp-server/src/index.js"]
}
}
}To use a specific Python executable, set the EXCEL_MCP_PYTHON environment variable:
{
"mcpServers": {
"excel-mcp": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/excel-mcp-server/src/index.js"],
"env": {
"EXCEL_MCP_PYTHON": "/path/to/python"
}
}
}
}Usage
Closed files (path mode)
read_cells path="/data/report.xlsx" range="A1:D20" formats=true
write_cells path="/data/report.xlsx" range="A1:C3" value=[["Name","Age","City"],["Alice",30,"NYC"],["Bob",25,"LA"]]
format_cells path="/data/report.xlsx" range="A1:C1" format={"bold":true,"backgroundColor":"#4472C4","fontColor":"#FFFFFF"}No Excel installation required. Images, charts, and shapes are preserved.
Open workbooks (workbook mode)
get_excel_info
read_cells workbook="Sales.xlsx" range="B2:F10"
write_cells workbook="Sales.xlsx" range="G2" value="=SUM(B2:F2)"
execute_vba workbook="Sales.xlsx" code="Range(\"A1:G10\").AutoFilter"Requires Excel to be running with the workbook open.
License
MIT
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