xlsx-for-ai — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
MCP server with 52 tools for inspecting, recalculating, and editing .xlsx spreadsheets up to 100MB. It protects formulas, pivot tables, and formatting from corruption.
claude mcp add xlsx-for-ai -- npx -y xlsx-for-aiWhat xlsx-for-ai does
Standard tabular parsers often strip merged cells, named ranges, and embedded charts. The xlsx-for-ai server (shorthand xfa) exposes 52 tools to read, audit, diff, and write Excel spreadsheets without breaking complex topology. It preserves comments, VBA code, slicers, and conditional formatting.
The server includes diagnostic tools like xlsx_doctor and xlsx_validate to catch file corruption early. Calculations are handled by a dedicated hosted recalculation backend rather than local script sandboxes.
All file parsing runs through the remote endpoint, so the server fails immediately without an active internet connection and initial device login.
What it helps with
- inspect complex .xlsx workbooks up to 100MB without dropping charts or macros
- recalculate spreadsheet formulas through a server-side engine
- detect corrupted references and workbook structure issues
- diff two spreadsheets to track cell-level modifications
Example prompts for the agent
- Use xfa to run xlsx_doctor on annual_report.xlsx and summarize the structure.
- Recalculate the formulas in quarterly_model.xlsx and export the verified values.
How to install xlsx-for-ai
Platform CLI
claude mcp add xlsx-for-ai -- npx -y xlsx-for-aiPlatform CLI
codex mcp add xlsx-for-ai -- npx -y xlsx-for-aiConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"xlsx-for-ai": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"xlsx-for-ai"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"xlsx-for-ai": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"xlsx-for-ai"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add xlsx-for-ai npx -y xlsx-for-aiStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about xlsx-for-ai
How to install xlsx-for-ai in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add xlsx-for-ai -- npx -y xlsx-for-ai. On the first request, follow the browser login link to authenticate your device.
What does the xlsx-for-ai MCP server do?
It provides 52 spreadsheet tools to inspect, diff, repair, and modify Excel workbooks. The server keeps merged cells, charts, formulas, and VBA code intact.
Does xlsx-for-ai process files locally?
No, it uses a hosted service for file parsing and formula recalculation. You must have network access and sign in once via the authorization link.
