# How to connect Excel MCP with VS Code ```json { "title": "How to connect Excel MCP with VS Code", "toolkit": "Excel", "toolkit_slug": "excel", "framework": "VS Code", "framework_slug": "vscode", "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/vscode", "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/vscode.md", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T08:11:03.552Z" } ``` ## Introduction ### How to connect Excel MCP with VS Code VS Code is the most popular code editor out there. With its recent AI makeover, it can do more than just help you write code. You can connect your applications to it and let LLMs automate many of the mundane tasks in your workflow. In this guide, I will explain how to connect Excel with VS Code in the most secure and robust way possible via Composio. ## Also integrate Excel with - [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/chatgpt) - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/claude-code) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/codex) - [Cursor](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/cursor) - [OpenCode](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/opencode) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/crew-ai) ## TL;DR ### Why use Composio? Composio provides: - Access to 1,000+ managed apps from a single MCP endpoint. This makes it convenient for agents to run cross-app workflows. - Programmatic tool calling. Allows LLMs to write its code in a remote workbench to handle complex tool chaining. Reduces to-and-fro with LLMs for frequent tool calling. - Large tool response handling outside the LLM context. This minimizes context bloat from large tool responses. - Dynamic just-in-time access to thousands of tools across hundreds of apps. Composio loads the tools your agent needs, so LLMs are not overwhelmed by tools they do not need. ## Connect Excel to VS Code ### Integrate Excel MCP with VS Code ### 1. Install with one click Click the button below to add Composio to VS Code. You will be prompted to authorize. This requires VS Code 1.99+ with GitHub Copilot. [+Install in VS Code](vscode:mcp/install?%7B%22name%22%3A%22composio%22%2C%22type%22%3A%22http%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fconnect.composio.dev%2Fmcp%22%7D) ### 2. Or add manually Open or create .vscode/mcp.json in your project root and add the following configuration: ```bash { "servers": { "composio": { "type": "http", "url": "https://connect.composio.dev/mcp" } } } ``` ## What is the Excel MCP server, and what's possible with it? The Excel MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Excel account. It provides structured and secure access to your spreadsheets, so your agent can perform actions like adding data, creating tables, managing worksheets, generating charts, and sharing workbooks on your behalf. - Automated data entry and updates: Let your agent add rows, columns, or clear specific ranges in any worksheet—keeping your data fresh, organized, and accurate. - Effortless table and worksheet management: Direct your agent to create tables, add new worksheets, or organize data structures for seamless tracking and reporting. - Dynamic chart generation: Have your agent visualize your data instantly by adding charts to any worksheet for quick insights and analysis. - Advanced filtering and sorting: Ask your agent to apply filters or custom sorts to tables, making it easy to focus on what matters most in your datasets. - Secure sharing and permission control: Empower your agent to grant access or update permissions on workbooks, ensuring your team can collaborate safely and efficiently. ## Supported Tools | Tool slug | Name | Description | |---|---|---| | `EXCEL_ADD_CHART` | Add Chart | Add a chart to a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_ADD_SHAREPOINT_WORKSHEET` | Add SharePoint Worksheet | Add a new worksheet to a sharepoint excel workbook using microsoft graph sites api. | | `EXCEL_ADD_TABLE` | Add Table | Create a table in a workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_ADD_TABLE_COLUMN` | Add Table Column | Add a column to a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_ADD_TABLE_ROW` | Add Table Row | Add a row to a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_ADD_WORKBOOK_PERMISSION` | Add Workbook Permission | Tool to grant access to a workbook via invite. use when you need to share a specific workbook file with designated recipients and roles. | | `EXCEL_ADD_WORKSHEET` | Add Worksheet | Add a new worksheet to an excel workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_APPLY_TABLE_FILTER` | Apply Table Filter | Apply a filter to a table column using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_APPLY_TABLE_SORT` | Apply Table Sort | Apply a sort to a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_CLEAR_RANGE` | Clear Range | Tool to clear values, formats, or contents in a specified worksheet range. use when you need to reset cells before adding new data. | | `EXCEL_CLEAR_TABLE_FILTER` | Clear Table Filter | Clear a filter from a table column using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_CLOSE_SESSION` | Close Excel Session | Tool to close an existing excel workbook session. use when you need to explicitly end a persistent session to release workbook locks. | | `EXCEL_CONVERT_TABLE_TO_RANGE` | Convert Table To Range | Convert a table to a range using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_CREATE_WORKBOOK` | Create Workbook | Tool to create a new workbook file at a specified drive path. use when uploading a new .xlsx file to onedrive. | | `EXCEL_DELETE_TABLE_COLUMN` | Delete Table Column | Delete a column from a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_DELETE_TABLE_ROW` | Delete Table Row | Delete a row from a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_DELETE_WORKSHEET` | Delete Worksheet | Tool to delete a worksheet from the workbook. use when cleaning up unused or temporary sheets after verifying no dependencies exist. example: "delete 'sheet2' after review." | | `EXCEL_GET_CHART_AXIS` | Get Chart Axis | Tool to retrieve a specific axis from a chart. use when you need properties like min, max, interval, and formatting of the chart axis. | | `EXCEL_GET_CHART_DATA_LABELS` | Get Chart Data Labels | Tool to retrieve the data labels object of a chart. use when you need to inspect label settings like position, separator, and visibility flags after creating or updating a chart. | | `EXCEL_GET_CHART_LEGEND` | Get Chart Legend | Tool to retrieve the legend object of a chart. use after creating or updating a chart when you need to inspect legend visibility and formatting. | | `EXCEL_GET_RANGE` | Get Range | Get a range from a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_GET_SESSION` | Create Excel Session | Create a session for an excel workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_GET_SHAREPOINT_RANGE` | Get SharePoint Range | Get a range from a worksheet in sharepoint using microsoft graph sites api. | | `EXCEL_GET_SHAREPOINT_WORKSHEET` | Get SharePoint Worksheet | Get a worksheet by name or id from a sharepoint excel workbook using microsoft graph sites api. | | `EXCEL_GET_TABLE_COLUMN` | Get Table Column | Tool to retrieve a specific column from a workbook table. use when you need to fetch column properties and data by its id or name. | | `EXCEL_GET_WORKBOOK` | Get workbook | Tool to retrieve the properties and relationships of a workbook. use when you need to inspect comments, names, tables, or worksheets. | | `EXCEL_GET_WORKSHEET` | Get Worksheet | Get a worksheet by name or id from an excel workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_INSERT_RANGE` | Insert Range | Tool to insert a new cell range into a worksheet, shifting existing cells down or right. use when you need to create space for new content without overwriting. | | `EXCEL_LIST_CHARTS` | List Charts | List charts in a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_CHART_SERIES` | List Chart Series | Tool to list all data series in a chart. use when you need to enumerate chart series for further analysis. | | `EXCEL_LIST_COMMENTS` | List Comments | Tool to list comments in an excel workbook. use when you need to retrieve all workbook comments via microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_FILES` | List Drive Files | List files and folders in a drive root or specified path. | | `EXCEL_LIST_NAMED_ITEMS` | List Named Items | List named items in a workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_SHAREPOINT_TABLES` | List SharePoint Tables | List tables in a sharepoint worksheet using microsoft graph sites api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_SHAREPOINT_WORKSHEETS` | List SharePoint Worksheets | List worksheets in an excel workbook stored in sharepoint using microsoft graph sites api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_TABLE_COLUMNS` | List Table Columns | List columns in a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_TABLE_ROWS` | List Table Rows | List rows in a table using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_TABLES` | List Tables | List tables in a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_LIST_WORKBOOK_PERMISSIONS` | List Workbook Permissions | Tool to list permissions set on the workbook file. use when you need to see which users or links have access to a specific excel file by supplying its drive and item ids. example: "list permissions for workbook with drive id 'b!abc123' and item id '0123456789abcdef'." | | `EXCEL_LIST_WORKSHEETS` | List Worksheets | List worksheets in an excel workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_MERGE_CELLS` | Merge Cells | Merge cells in a worksheet range using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_PROTECT_WORKSHEET` | Protect Worksheet | Tool to protect a worksheet using optional protection options. use when you need to prevent editing certain parts of a sheet before sharing. example: "protect 'sheet1' to lock formatting and sorting." | | `EXCEL_SORT_RANGE` | Sort Range | Sort a range in a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_UPDATE_CHART` | Update Chart | Update a chart in a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_UPDATE_CHART_LEGEND` | Update Chart Legend | Tool to update formatting or position of a chart legend. use when adjusting legend settings after confirming chart and worksheet exist. | | `EXCEL_UPDATE_RANGE` | Update Range | Update a range in a worksheet using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_UPDATE_SHAREPOINT_RANGE` | Update SharePoint Range | Update a range in a sharepoint worksheet using microsoft graph sites api. | | `EXCEL_UPDATE_TABLE` | Update Table | Update a table in a workbook using microsoft graph api. | | `EXCEL_UPDATE_WORKSHEET` | Update Worksheet | Update worksheet properties (name, position) in an excel workbook using microsoft graph api. | ## Supported Triggers None listed. ## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK Once connected, VS Code can access the Excel MCP server via Composio to run the app actions you authorize, directly from your coding workflow. ## Complete Code None listed. ## Conclusion ### Way Forward Now that Excel is connected, extend your setup by connecting the other apps you already use every day, so your agent can run true cross-app workflows end to end. - Connect Calendar to turn threads into scheduled meetings automatically. - Connect Slack or Teams to post summaries, approvals, and alerts where your team works. - Connect Notion, Linear, Jira, or Asana to convert requests into tickets, tasks, and docs. - Connect Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to fetch, file, and share attachments without manual steps. - Connect HubSpot or Salesforce to log customer context, update records, and draft follow-ups. Start with one workflow you do repeatedly, then keep adding apps as you find new handoffs. With everything behind a single MCP endpoint, your agent can coordinate multiple tools safely and reliably in one conversation. ## How to build Excel MCP Agent with another framework - [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/chatgpt) - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/claude-code) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/codex) - [Cursor](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/cursor) - [OpenCode](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/opencode) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/excel/framework/crew-ai) ## Related Toolkits - [21risk](https://composio.dev/toolkits/_21risk) - 21RISK is a web app built for easy checklist, audit, and compliance management. It streamlines risk processes so teams can focus on what matters. - [Abstract](https://composio.dev/toolkits/abstract) - Abstract provides a suite of APIs for automating data validation and enrichment tasks. It helps developers streamline workflows and ensure data quality with minimal effort. - [Addressfinder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/addressfinder) - Addressfinder is a data quality platform for verifying addresses, emails, and phone numbers. It helps you ensure accurate customer and contact data every time. - [Agentql](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agentql) - Agentql is a toolkit that connects AI agents to the web using a specialized query language. It enables structured web interaction and data extraction for smarter automations. - [Agenty](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agenty) - Agenty is a web scraping and automation platform for extracting data and automating browser tasks—no coding needed. It streamlines data collection, monitoring, and repetitive online actions. - [Ambee](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ambee) - Ambee is an environmental data platform providing real-time, hyperlocal APIs for air quality, weather, and pollen. Get precise environmental insights to power smarter decisions in your apps and workflows. - [Ambient weather](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ambient_weather) - Ambient Weather is a platform for personal weather stations with a robust API for accessing local, real-time, and historical weather data. Get detailed environmental insights directly from your own sensors for smarter apps and automations. - [Anonyflow](https://composio.dev/toolkits/anonyflow) - Anonyflow is a service for encryption-based data anonymization and secure data sharing. It helps organizations meet GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA data privacy compliance requirements. - [Api ninjas](https://composio.dev/toolkits/api_ninjas) - Api ninjas offers 120+ public APIs spanning categories like weather, finance, sports, and more. Developers use it to supercharge apps with real-time data and actionable endpoints. - [Api sports](https://composio.dev/toolkits/api_sports) - Api sports is a comprehensive sports data platform covering 2,000+ competitions with live scores and 15+ years of stats. Instantly access up-to-date sports information for analysis, apps, or chatbots. - [Apify](https://composio.dev/toolkits/apify) - Apify is a cloud platform for building, deploying, and managing web scraping and automation tools called Actors. It lets you automate data extraction and workflow tasks at scale—no infrastructure headaches. - [Autom](https://composio.dev/toolkits/autom) - Autom is a lightning-fast search engine results data platform for Google, Bing, and Brave. Developers use it to access fresh, low-latency SERP data on demand. - [Beaconchain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/beaconchain) - Beaconchain is a real-time analytics platform for Ethereum 2.0's Beacon Chain. It provides detailed insights into validators, blocks, and overall network performance. - [Big data cloud](https://composio.dev/toolkits/big_data_cloud) - BigDataCloud provides APIs for geolocation, reverse geocoding, and address validation. Instantly access reliable location intelligence to enhance your applications and workflows. - [Bigpicture io](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bigpicture_io) - BigPicture.io offers APIs for accessing detailed company and profile data. Instantly enrich your applications with up-to-date insights on 20M+ businesses. - [Bitquery](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bitquery) - Bitquery is a blockchain data platform offering indexed, real-time, and historical data from 40+ blockchains via GraphQL APIs. Get unified, reliable access to complex on-chain data for analytics, trading, and research. - [Brightdata](https://composio.dev/toolkits/brightdata) - Brightdata is a leading web data platform offering advanced scraping, SERP APIs, and anti-bot tools. It lets you collect public web data at scale, bypassing blocks and friction. - [Builtwith](https://composio.dev/toolkits/builtwith) - BuiltWith is a web technology profiler that uncovers the technologies powering any website. Gain actionable insights into analytics, hosting, and content management stacks for smarter research and lead generation. - [Byteforms](https://composio.dev/toolkits/byteforms) - Byteforms is an all-in-one platform for creating forms, managing submissions, and integrating data. It streamlines workflows by centralizing form data collection and automation. - [Cabinpanda](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cabinpanda) - Cabinpanda is a data collection platform for building and managing online forms. It helps streamline how you gather, organize, and analyze responses. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Excel MCP? With a standalone Excel MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Excel tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Excel and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint. ### Can I use Tool Router MCP with VS Code? Yes, you can. VS Code fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Excel tools. ### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Excel while using Tool Router? Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Excel scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do. ### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router? All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Excel data and credentials are handled as safely as possible. --- [See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)