mcp-google-sheets

🤔 What is this?

mcp-google-sheets is a Python-based MCP server that acts as a bridge between any MCP-compatible client (like Claude Desktop) and the Google Sheets API. It allows you to interact with your Google Spreadsheets using a defined set of tools, enabling powerful automation and data manipulation workflows driven by AI.

🚀 Quick Start (Using uvx)

Essentially the server runs in one line: uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest.

This cmd will automatically download the latest code and run it. We recommend always using @latest to ensure you have the newest version with the latest features and bug fixes.

1. ☁️ Prerequisite: Google Cloud Setup

   • You must configure Google Cloud Platform credentials and enable the necessary APIs first. We strongly recommend using a Service Account.
   • ➡️ Jump to the Detailed Google Cloud Platform Setup guide below.

2. 🐍 Install uv

   • uvx is part of uv, a fast Python package installer and resolver. Install it if you haven't already:

     # macOS / Linux
     curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
     # Windows
     powershell -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"
     # Or using pip:
     # pip install uv
     

     Follow instructions in the installer output to add uv to your PATH if needed.

3. 🔑 Set Essential Environment Variables (Service Account Recommended)

   • You need to tell the server how to authenticate. Set these variables in your terminal:
   • (Linux/macOS)

     # Replace with YOUR actual path and folder ID from the Google Setup step
     export SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH="/path/to/your/service-account-key.json"
     export DRIVE_FOLDER_ID="YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID"
     

   • (Windows CMD)

     set SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH="C:\path\to\your\service-account-key.json"
     set DRIVE_FOLDER_ID="YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID"
     

   • (Windows PowerShell)

     $env:SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH = "C:\path\to\your\service-account-key.json"
     $env:DRIVE_FOLDER_ID = "YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID"
     

   • ➡️ See Detailed Authentication & Environment Variables for other options (OAuth, CREDENTIALS_CONFIG).

4. 🏃 Run the Server!

   • uvx will automatically download and run the latest version of mcp-google-sheets:

     uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest
     

   • The server will start and print logs indicating it's ready.

   • 💡 Pro Tip: Always use @latest to ensure you get the newest version with bug fixes and features. Without @latest, uvx may use a cached older version.

5. 🔌 Connect your MCP Client

   • Configure your client (e.g., Claude Desktop) to connect to the running server.
   • Depending on the client you use, you might not need step 4 because the client can launch the server for you. But it's a good practice to test run step 4 anyway to make sure things are set up properly.
   • ➡️ See Usage with Claude Desktop for examples.

You're ready! Start issuing commands via your MCP client.

✨ Key Features

• Seamless Integration: Connects directly to Google Drive & Google Sheets APIs.
• Comprehensive Tools: Offers a wide range of operations (CRUD, listing, batching, sharing, formatting, etc.).
• Flexible Authentication: Supports Service Accounts (recommended), OAuth 2.0, and direct credential injection via environment variables.
• Easy Deployment: Run instantly with uvx (zero-install feel) or clone for development using uv.
• AI-Ready: Designed for use with MCP-compatible clients, enabling natural language spreadsheet interaction.

🛠️ Available Tools & Resources

This server exposes the following tools for interacting with Google Sheets:

(Input parameters are typically strings unless otherwise specified)

• list_spreadsheets: Lists spreadsheets in the configured Drive folder (Service Account) or accessible by the user (OAuth).
  • Returns: List of objects [{id: string, title: string}]
• create_spreadsheet: Creates a new spreadsheet.
  • title (string): The desired title.
  • Returns: Object with spreadsheet info, including spreadsheetId.
• get_sheet_data: Reads data from a range in a sheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string): Name of the sheet.
  • range (optional string): A1 notation (e.g., 'A1:C10', 'Sheet1!B2:D'). If omitted, reads the whole sheet.
  • include_grid_data (optional boolean, default False): If True, includes cell formatting and other metadata (larger response). If False, returns values only (more efficient).
  • Returns: If include_grid_data=True, full grid data with metadata. If False, a values result object from the Values API.
• get_sheet_formulas: Reads formulas from a range in a sheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string): Name of the sheet.
  • range (optional string): A1 notation (e.g., 'A1:C10', 'Sheet1!B2:D'). If omitted, reads the whole sheet.
  • Returns: 2D array of cell formulas.
• update_cells: Writes data to a specific range. Overwrites existing data.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string)
  • range (string): A1 notation.
  • data (2D array): Values to write.
  • Returns: Update result object.
• batch_update_cells: Updates multiple ranges in one API call.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string)
  • ranges (object): Dictionary mapping range strings (A1 notation) to 2D arrays of values { "A1:B2": [[1, 2], [3, 4]], "D5": [["Hello"]] }.
  • Returns: Batch update result object.
• add_rows: Appends rows to the end of a sheet (after the last row with data).
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • sheet (string)
  • data (2D array): Rows to append.
  • Returns: Update result object.
• list_sheets: Lists all sheet names within a spreadsheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • Returns: List of sheet name strings ["Sheet1", "Sheet2"].
• create_sheet: Adds a new sheet (tab) to a spreadsheet.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • title (string): Name for the new sheet.
  • Returns: New sheet properties object.
• get_multiple_sheet_data: Fetches data from multiple ranges across potentially different spreadsheets in one call.
  • queries (array of objects): Each object needs spreadsheet_id, sheet, and range. [{spreadsheet_id: 'abc', sheet: 'Sheet1', range: 'A1:B2'}, ...].
  • Returns: List of objects, each containing the query params and fetched data or an error.
• get_multiple_spreadsheet_summary: Gets titles, sheet names, headers, and first few rows for multiple spreadsheets.
  • spreadsheet_ids (array of strings)
  • rows_to_fetch (optional integer, default 5): How many rows (including header) to preview.
  • Returns: List of summary objects for each spreadsheet.
• share_spreadsheet: Shares a spreadsheet with specified users/emails and roles.
  • spreadsheet_id (string)
  • recipients (array of objects): [{email_address: 'user@example.com', role: 'writer'}, ...]. Roles: reader, commenter, writer.
  • send_notification (optional boolean, default True): Send email notifications.
  • Returns: Dictionary with successes and failures lists.
• add_columns: Adds columns to a sheet. (Verify parameters if implemented)
• copy_sheet: Duplicates a sheet within a spreadsheet. (Verify parameters if implemented)
• rename_sheet: Renames an existing sheet. (Verify parameters if implemented)

MCP Resources:

• spreadsheet://{spreadsheet_id}/info: Get basic metadata about a Google Spreadsheet.
  • Returns: JSON string with spreadsheet information.

☁️ Google Cloud Platform Setup (Detailed)

This setup is required before running the server.

1. Create/Select a GCP Project: Go to the Google Cloud Console.
2. Enable APIs: Navigate to "APIs & Services" -> "Library". Search for and enable:
   • Google Sheets API
   • Google Drive API
3. Configure Credentials: You need to choose one authentication method below (Service Account is recommended).

🔑 Authentication & Environment Variables (Detailed)

The server needs credentials to access Google APIs. Choose one method:

Method A: Service Account (Recommended for Servers/Automation) ✅

• Why? Headless (no browser needed), secure, ideal for server environments. Doesn't expire easily.
• Steps:
  1. Create Service Account: In GCP Console -> "IAM & Admin" -> "Service Accounts".
     • Click "+ CREATE SERVICE ACCOUNT". Name it (e.g., mcp-sheets-service).
     • Grant Roles: Add Editor role for broad access, or more granular roles (like roles/drive.file and specific Sheets roles) for stricter permissions.
     • Click "Done". Find the account, click Actions (⋮) -> "Manage keys".
     • Click "ADD KEY" -> "Create new key" -> JSON -> "CREATE".
     • Download and securely store the JSON key file.
  2. Create & Share Google Drive Folder:
     • In Google Drive, create a folder (e.g., "AI Managed Sheets").
     • Note the Folder ID from the URL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/THIS_IS_THE_FOLDER_ID.
     • Right-click the folder -> "Share" -> "Share".
     • Enter the Service Account's email (from the JSON file client_email).
     • Grant Editor access. Uncheck "Notify people". Click "Share".
  3. Set Environment Variables:
     • SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH: Full path to the downloaded JSON key file.
     • DRIVE_FOLDER_ID: The ID of the shared Google Drive folder. (See Ultra Quick Start for OS-specific examples)

Method B: OAuth 2.0 (Interactive / Personal Use) 🧑‍💻

• Why? For personal use or local development where interactive browser login is okay.
• Steps:
  1. Configure OAuth Consent Screen: In GCP Console -> "APIs & Services" -> "OAuth consent screen". Select "External", fill required info, add scopes (.../auth/spreadsheets, .../auth/drive), add test users if needed.
  2. Create OAuth Client ID: In GCP Console -> "APIs & Services" -> "Credentials". "+ CREATE CREDENTIALS" -> "OAuth client ID" -> Type: Desktop app. Name it. "CREATE". Download JSON.
  3. Set Environment Variables:
     • CREDENTIALS_PATH: Path to the downloaded OAuth credentials JSON file (default: credentials.json).
     • TOKEN_PATH: Path to store the user's refresh token after first login (default: token.json). Must be writable.

Method C: Direct Credential Injection (Advanced) 🔒

• Why? Useful in environments like Docker, Kubernetes, or CI/CD where managing files is hard, but environment variables are easy/secure. Avoids file system access.
• How? Instead of providing a path to the credentials file, you provide the content of the file, encoded in Base64, directly in an environment variable.
• Steps:
  1. Get your credentials JSON file (either Service Account key or OAuth Client ID file). Let's call it your_credentials.json.
  2. Generate the Base64 string:
     • (Linux/macOS): base64 -w 0 your_credentials.json
     • (Windows PowerShell):

       $filePath = "C:\path\to\your_credentials.json"; # Use actual path
       $bytes = [System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes($filePath);
       $base64 = [System.Convert]::ToBase64String($bytes);
       $base64 # Copy this output
       

     • (Caution): Avoid pasting sensitive credentials into untrusted online encoders.
  3. Set the Environment Variable:
     • CREDENTIALS_CONFIG: Set this variable to the full Base64 string you just generated.

       # Example (Linux/macOS) - Use the actual string generated
       export CREDENTIALS_CONFIG="ewogICJ0eXBlIjogInNlcnZpY2VfYWNjb..."
       

Method D: Application Default Credentials (ADC) 🌐

• Why? Ideal for Google Cloud environments (GKE, Compute Engine, Cloud Run) and local development with gcloud auth application-default login. No explicit credential files needed.
• How? Uses Google's Application Default Credentials chain to automatically discover credentials from multiple sources.
• ADC Search Order:
  1. GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS environment variable (path to service account key) - Google's standard variable
  2. gcloud auth application-default login credentials (local development)
  3. Attached service account from metadata server (GKE, Compute Engine, etc.)
• Setup:
  • Local Development:
    1. Run gcloud auth application-default login --scopes=https://www.googleapis.com/auth/cloud-platform,https://www.googleapis.com/auth/spreadsheets,https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive once
    2. Set a quota project: gcloud auth application-default set-quota-project <project_id> (replace <project_id> with your Google Cloud project ID)
  • Google Cloud: Attach a service account to your compute resource
  • Environment Variable: Set GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS=/path/to/service-account.json (Google's standard)
• No additional environment variables needed - ADC is used automatically as a fallback when other methods fail.

Note: GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS is Google's official standard environment variable, while SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH is specific to this MCP server. If you set GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS, ADC will find it automatically.

Authentication Priority & Summary

The server checks for credentials in this order:

1. CREDENTIALS_CONFIG (Base64 content)
2. SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH (Path to Service Account JSON)
3. CREDENTIALS_PATH (Path to OAuth JSON) - triggers interactive flow if token is missing/expired
4. Application Default Credentials (ADC) - automatic fallback

Environment Variable Summary:

⚙️ Running the Server (Detailed)

Method 1: Using uvx (Recommended for Users)

As shown in the Ultra Quick Start, this is the easiest way. Set environment variables, then run:

uvx mcp-google-sheets@latest

uvx handles fetching and running the package temporarily.

Method 2: For Development (Cloning the Repo)

If you want to modify the code:

1. Clone: git clone https://github.com/yourusername/mcp-google-sheets.git && cd mcp-google-sheets (Use actual URL)
2. Set Environment Variables: As described above.
3. Run using uv: (Uses the local code)

   uv run mcp-google-sheets
   # Or via the script name if defined in pyproject.toml, e.g.:
   # uv run start
   

Method 3: Docker (SSE transport)

Run the server in a container using the included Dockerfile:

# Build the image
docker build -t mcp-google-sheets .

# Run (SSE on port 8000)
# NOTE: Prefer CREDENTIALS_CONFIG (Base64 credentials content) in containers.
docker run --rm -p 8000:8000 ^
  -e HOST=0.0.0.0 ^
  -e PORT=8000 ^
  -e CREDENTIALS_CONFIG=YOUR_BASE64_CREDENTIALS ^
  -e DRIVE_FOLDER_ID=YOUR_DRIVE_FOLDER_ID ^
  mcp-google-sheets

• Use CREDENTIALS_CONFIG instead of SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH inside Docker to avoid mounting secrets as files.
• The container starts with --transport sse and listens on HOST/PORT. Point your MCP client to http://localhost:8000 using SSE transport.

🔌 Usage with Claude Desktop

Add the server config to claude_desktop_config.json under mcpServers. Choose the block matching your setup:

⚠️ Important Notes:

• 🍎 macOS Users: use the full path: "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx" instead of just "uvx"

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/service-account-key.json",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_shared_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "/Users/yourusername/.local/bin/uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/service-account-key.json",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_shared_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "CREDENTIALS_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/credentials.json",
        "TOKEN_PATH": "/full/path/to/your/token.json"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "CREDENTIALS_CONFIG": "ewogICJ0eXBlIjogInNlcnZpY2VfYWNjb3VudCIsCiAgInByb2plY3RfaWQiOiAi...",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_shared_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS": "/path/to/service-account.json"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-google-sheets@latest"],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-google-sheets-local": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "--directory",
        "/path/to/your/mcp-google-sheets",
        "mcp-google-sheets"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SERVICE_ACCOUNT_PATH": "/path/to/your/mcp-google-sheets/service_account.json",
        "DRIVE_FOLDER_ID": "your_drive_folder_id_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

💬 Example Prompts for Claude

Once connected, try prompts like:

• "List all spreadsheets I have access to." (or "in my AI Managed Sheets folder")
• "Create a new spreadsheet titled 'Quarterly Sales Report Q3 2024'."
• "In the 'Quarterly Sales Report' spreadsheet, get the data from Sheet1 range A1 to E10."
• "Add a new sheet named 'Summary' to the spreadsheet with ID 1aBcDeFgHiJkLmNoPqRsTuVwXyZ."
• "In my 'Project Tasks' spreadsheet, Sheet 'Tasks', update cell B2 to 'In Progress'."
• "Append these rows to the 'Log' sheet in spreadsheet XYZ: [['2024-07-31', 'Task A Completed'], ['2024-08-01', 'Task B Started']]"
• "Get a summary of the spreadsheets 'Sales Data' and 'Inventory Count'."
• "Share the 'Team Vacation Schedule' spreadsheet with team@example.com as a reader and manager@example.com as a writer. Don't send notifications."

🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please open an issue to discuss bugs or feature requests. Pull requests are appreciated.

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🙏 Credits

• Built with FastMCP.
• Inspired by kazz187/mcp-google-spreadsheet.
• Uses Google API Python Client libraries.