Scientific Xlsx
'Use this skill any time a spreadsheet file is the primary input or output. This means any task where the user wants to: open, read, edit, or fix an existing .xlsx, .xlsm, .csv, or .tsv file (e.g., adding columns, computing formulas, formatting, c...
Your collaborator sent a massive Excel file that needs new computed columns, reformatting, and pivot summaries — but doing it manually would take all day. This workflow handles reading, writing, editing, and transforming .xlsx, .xlsm, .csv, and .tsv files programmatically with full formula and formatting support.
Who it's for: data analysts transforming and cleaning Excel files received from business stakeholders, research assistants reformatting experimental data spreadsheets for statistical analysis, operations managers automating recurring Excel report generation, financial analysts building computed columns and pivot summaries from raw data exports, project managers merging and consolidating spreadsheets from multiple teams
Example
"Add computed profit margin columns and conditional formatting to our sales spreadsheet" → XLSX pipeline: read existing workbook preserving formulas, add calculated columns with profit margin formulas, apply conditional formatting (green/red for above/below threshold), generate summary pivot sheet by region and product, and save as formatted .xlsx ready for stakeholder distribution
New here? 3-minute setup guide → | Already set up? Copy the template below.
# Requirements for Outputs
## All Excel files
### Professional Font
- Use a consistent, professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) for all deliverables unless otherwise instructed by the user
### Zero Formula Errors
- Every Excel model MUST be delivered with ZERO formula errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #N/A, #NAME?)
### Preserve Existing Templates (when updating templates)
- Study and EXACTLY match existing format, style, and conventions when modifying files
- Never impose standardized formatting on files with established patterns
- Existing template conventions ALWAYS override these guidelines
## Financial models
### Color Coding Standards
Unless otherwise stated by the user or existing template
#### Industry-Standard Color Conventions
- **Blue text (RGB: 0,0,255)**: Hardcoded inputs, and numbers users will change for scenarios
- **Black text (RGB: 0,0,0)**: ALL formulas and calculations
- **Green text (RGB: 0,128,0)**: Links pulling from other worksheets within same workbook
- **Red text (RGB: 255,0,0)**: External links to other files
- **Yellow background (RGB: 255,255,0)**: Key assumptions needing attention or cells that need to be updated
### Number Formatting Standards
#### Required Format Rules
- **Years**: Format as text strings (e.g., "2024" not "2,024")
- **Currency**: Use $#,##0 format; ALWAYS specify units in headers ("Revenue ($mm)")
- **Zeros**: Use number formatting to make all zeros "-", including percentages (e.g., "$#,##0;($#,##0);-")
- **Percentages**: Default to 0.0% format (one decimal)
- **Multiples**: Format as 0.0x for valuation multiples (EV/EBITDA, P/E)
- **Negative numbers**: Use parentheses (123) not minus -123
### Formula Construction Rules
#### Assumptions Placement
- Place ALL assumptions (growth rates, margins, multiples, etc.) in separate assumption cells
- Use cell references instead of hardcoded values in formulas
- Example: Use =B5*(1+$B$6) instead of =B5*1.05
#### Formula Error Prevention
- Verify all cell references are correct
- Check for off-by-one errors in ranges
- Ensure consistent formulas across all projection periods
- Test with edge cases (zero values, negative numbers)
- Verify no unintended circular references
#### Documentation Requirements for Hardcodes
- Comment or in cells beside (if end of table). Format: "Source: [System/Document], [Date], [Specific Reference], [URL if applicable]"
- Examples:
- "Source: Company 10-K, FY2024, Page 45, Revenue Note, [SEC EDGAR URL]"
- "Source: Company 10-Q, Q2 2025, Exhibit 99.1, [SEC EDGAR URL]"
- "Source: Bloomberg Terminal, 8/15/2025, AAPL US Equity"
- "Source: FactSet, 8/20/2025, Consensus Estimates Screen"
# XLSX creation, editing, and analysis
## Overview
A user may ask you to create, edit, or analyze the contents of an .xlsx file. You have different tools and workflows available for different tasks.
## Important Requirements
**LibreOffice Required for Formula Recalculation**: You can assume LibreOffice is installed for recalculating formula values using the `scripts/recalc.py` script. The script automatically configures LibreOffice on first run, including in sandboxed environments where Unix sockets are restricted (handled by `scripts/office/soffice.py`)
## Reading and analyzing data
### Data analysis with pandas
For data analysis, visualization, and basic operations, use **pandas** which provides powerful data manipulation capabilities:
```python
import pandas as pd
# Read Excel
df = pd.read_excel('file.xlsx') # Default: first sheet
all_sheets = pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', sheet_name=None) # All sheets as dict
# Analyze
df.head() # Preview data
df.info() # Column info
df.describe() # Statistics
# Write Excel
df.to_excel('output.xlsx', index=False)
```
## Excel File Workflows
## CRITICAL: Use Formulas, Not Hardcoded Values
**Always use Excel formulas instead of calculating values in Python and hardcoding them.** This ensures the spreadsheet remains dynamic and updateable.
### ❌ WRONG - Hardcoding Calculated Values
```python
# Bad: Calculating in Python and hardcoding result
total = df['Sales'].sum()
sheet['B10'] = total # Hardcodes 5000
# Bad: Computing growth rate in Python
growth = (df.iloc[-1]['Revenue'] - df.iloc[0]['Revenue']) / df.iloc[0]['Revenue']
sheet['C5'] = growth # Hardcodes 0.15
# Bad: Python calculation for average
avg = sum(values) / len(values)
sheet['D20'] = avg # Hardcodes 42.5
```
### ✅ CORRECT - Using Excel Formulas
```python
# Good: Let Excel calculate the sum
sheet['B10'] = '=SUM(B2:B9)'
# Good: Growth rate as Excel formula
sheet['C5'] = '=(C4-C2)/C2'
# Good: Average using Excel function
sheet['D20'] = '=AVERAGE(D2:D19)'
```
This applies to ALL calculations - totals, percentages, ratios, differences, etc. The spreadsheet should be able to recalculate when source data changes.
## Common Workflow
1. **Choose tool**: pandas for data, openpyxl for formulas/formatting
2. **Create/Load**: Create new workbook or load existing file
3. **Modify**: Add/edit data, formulas, and formatting
4. **Save**: Write to file
5. **Recalculate formulas (MANDATORY IF USING FORMULAS)**: Use the scripts/recalc.py script
```bash
python scripts/recalc.py output.xlsx
```
6. **Verify and fix any errors**:
- The script returns JSON with error details
- If `status` is `errors_found`, check `error_summary` for specific error types and locations
- Fix the identified errors and recalculate again
- Common errors to fix:
- `#REF!`: Invalid cell references
- `#DIV/0!`: Division by zero
- `#VALUE!`: Wrong data type in formula
- `#NAME?`: Unrecognized formula name
### Creating new Excel files
```python
# Using openpyxl for formulas and formatting
from openpyxl import Workbook
from openpyxl.styles import Font, PatternFill, Alignment
wb = Workbook()
sheet = wb.active
# Add data
sheet['A1'] = 'Hello'
sheet['B1'] = 'World'
sheet.append(['Row', 'of', 'data'])
# Add formula
sheet['B2'] = '=SUM(A1:A10)'
# Formatting
sheet['A1'].font = Font(bold=True, color='FF0000')
sheet['A1'].fill = PatternFill('solid', start_color='FFFF00')
sheet['A1'].alignment = Alignment(horizontal='center')
# Column width
sheet.column_dimensions['A'].width = 20
wb.save('output.xlsx')
```
### Editing existing Excel files
```python
# Using openpyxl to preserve formulas and formatting
from openpyxl import load_workbook
# Load existing file
wb = load_workbook('existing.xlsx')
sheet = wb.active # or wb['SheetName'] for specific sheet
# Working with multiple sheets
for sheet_name in wb.sheetnames:
sheet = wb[sheet_name]
print(f"Sheet: {sheet_name}")
# Modify cells
sheet['A1'] = 'New Value'
sheet.insert_rows(2) # Insert row at position 2
sheet.delete_cols(3) # Delete column 3
# Add new sheet
new_sheet = wb.create_sheet('NewSheet')
new_sheet['A1'] = 'Data'
wb.save('modified.xlsx')
```
## Recalculating formulas
Excel files created or modified by openpyxl contain formulas as strings but not calculated values. Use the provided `scripts/recalc.py` script to recalculate formulas:
```bash
python scripts/recalc.py <excel_file> [timeout_seconds]
```
Example:
```bash
python scripts/recalc.py output.xlsx 30
```
The script:
- Automatically sets up LibreOffice macro on first run
- Recalculates all formulas in all sheets
- Scans ALL cells for Excel errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!, etc.)
- Returns JSON with detailed error locations and counts
- Works on both Linux and macOS
## Formula Verification Checklist
Quick checks to ensure formulas work correctly:
### Essential Verification
- [ ] **Test 2-3 sample references**: Verify they pull correct values before building full model
- [ ] **Column mapping**: Confirm Excel columns match (e.g., column 64 = BL, not BK)
- [ ] **Row offset**: Remember Excel rows are 1-indexed (DataFrame row 5 = Excel row 6)
### Common Pitfalls
- [ ] **NaN handling**: Check for null values with `pd.notna()`
- [ ] **Far-right columns**: FY data often in columns 50+
- [ ] **Multiple matches**: Search all occurrences, not just first
- [ ] **Division by zero**: Check denominators before using `/` in formulas (#DIV/0!)
- [ ] **Wrong references**: Verify all cell references point to intended cells (#REF!)
- [ ] **Cross-sheet references**: Use correct format (Sheet1!A1) for linking sheets
### Formula Testing Strategy
- [ ] **Start small**: Test formulas on 2-3 cells before applying broadly
- [ ] **Verify dependencies**: Check all cells referenced in formulas exist
- [ ] **Test edge cases**: Include zero, negative, and very large values
### Interpreting scripts/recalc.py Output
The script returns JSON with error details:
```json
{
"status": "success", // or "errors_found"
"total_errors": 0, // Total error count
"total_formulas": 42, // Number of formulas in file
"error_summary": { // Only present if errors found
"#REF!": {
"count": 2,
"locations": ["Sheet1!B5", "Sheet1!C10"]
}
}
}
```
## Best Practices
### Library Selection
- **pandas**: Best for data analysis, bulk operations, and simple data export
- **openpyxl**: Best for complex formatting, formulas, and Excel-specific features
### Working with openpyxl
- Cell indices are 1-based (row=1, column=1 refers to cell A1)
- Use `data_only=True` to read calculated values: `load_workbook('file.xlsx', data_only=True)`
- **Warning**: If opened with `data_only=True` and saved, formulas are replaced with values and permanently lost
- For large files: Use `read_only=True` for reading or `write_only=True` for writing
- Formulas are preserved but not evaluated - use scripts/recalc.py to update values
### Working with pandas
- Specify data types to avoid inference issues: `pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', dtype={'id': str})`
- For large files, read specific columns: `pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', usecols=['A', 'C', 'E'])`
- Handle dates properly: `pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', parse_dates=['date_column'])`
## Code Style Guidelines
**IMPORTANT**: When generating Python code for Excel operations:
- Write minimal, concise Python code without unnecessary comments
- Avoid verbose variable names and redundant operations
- Avoid unnecessary print statements
**For Excel files themselves**:
- Add comments to cells with complex formulas or important assumptions
- Document data sources for hardcoded values
- Include notes for key calculations and model sectionsWhat This Does
A user may ask you to create, edit, or analyze the contents of an .xlsx file. You have different tools and workflows available for different tasks.
Quick Start
Step 1: Create a Project Folder
mkdir -p ~/Projects/xlsx
Step 2: Download the Template
Click Download above, then:
mv ~/Downloads/CLAUDE.md ~/Projects/xlsx/
Step 3: Start Claude Code
cd ~/Projects/xlsx
claude
All Excel files
Professional Font
- Use a consistent, professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) for all deliverables unless otherwise instructed by the user
Zero Formula Errors
- Every Excel model MUST be delivered with ZERO formula errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #N/A, #NAME?)
Preserve Existing Templates (when updating templates)
- Study and EXACTLY match existing format, style, and conventions when modifying files
- Never impose standardized formatting on files with established patterns
- Existing template conventions ALWAYS override these guidelines
Financial models
Color Coding Standards
Unless otherwise stated by the user or existing template
Industry-Standard Color Conventions
- Blue text (RGB: 0,0,255): Hardcoded inputs, and numbers users will change for scenarios
- Black text (RGB: 0,0,0): ALL formulas and calculations
- Green text (RGB: 0,128,0): Links pulling from other worksheets within same workbook
- Red text (RGB: 255,0,0): External links to other files
- Yellow background (RGB: 255,255,0): Key assumptions needing attention or cells that need to be updated
Number Formatting Standards
Required Format Rules
- Years: Format as text strings (e.g., "2024" not "2,024")
- Currency: Use $#,##0 format; ALWAYS specify units in headers ("Revenue ($mm)")
- Zeros: Use number formatting to make all zeros "-", including percentages (e.g., "$#,##0;($#,##0);-")
- Percentages: Default to 0.0% format (one decimal)
- Multiples: Format as 0.0x for valuation multiples (EV/EBITDA, P/E)
- Negative numbers: Use parentheses (123) not minus -123
Formula Construction Rules
Assumptions Placement
- Place ALL assumptions (growth rates, margins, multiples, etc.) in separate assumption cells
- Use cell references instead of hardcoded values in formulas
- Example: Use =B5*(1+$B$6) instead of =B5*1.05
Formula Error Prevention
- Verify all cell references are correct
- Check for off-by-one errors in ranges
- Ensure consistent formulas across all projection periods
- Test with edge cases (zero values, negative numbers)
- Verify no unintended circular references
Documentation Requirements for Hardcodes
- Comment or in cells beside (if end of table). Format: "Source: [System/Document], [Date], [Specific Reference], [URL if applicable]"
- Examples:
- "Source: Company 10-K, FY2024, Page 45, Revenue Note, [SEC EDGAR URL]"
- "Source: Company 10-Q, Q2 2025, Exhibit 99.1, [SEC EDGAR URL]"
- "Source: Bloomberg Terminal, 8/15/2025, AAPL US Equity"
- "Source: FactSet, 8/20/2025, Consensus Estimates Screen"
XLSX creation, editing, and analysis
Important Requirements
LibreOffice Required for Formula Recalculation: You can assume LibreOffice is installed for recalculating formula values using the scripts/recalc.py script. The script automatically configures LibreOffice on first run, including in sandboxed environments where Unix sockets are restricted (handled by scripts/office/soffice.py)
Reading and analyzing data
Data analysis with pandas
For data analysis, visualization, and basic operations, use pandas which provides powerful data manipulation capabilities:
import pandas as pd
# Read Excel
df = pd.read_excel('file.xlsx') # Default: first sheet
all_sheets = pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', sheet_name=None) # All sheets as dict
# Analyze
df.head() # Preview data
df.info() # Column info
df.describe() # Statistics
# Write Excel
df.to_excel('output.xlsx', index=False)
Excel File Workflows
CRITICAL: Use Formulas, Not Hardcoded Values
Always use Excel formulas instead of calculating values in Python and hardcoding them. This ensures the spreadsheet remains dynamic and updateable.
❌ WRONG - Hardcoding Calculated Values
# Bad: Calculating in Python and hardcoding result
total = df['Sales'].sum()
sheet['B10'] = total # Hardcodes 5000
# Bad: Computing growth rate in Python
growth = (df.iloc[-1]['Revenue'] - df.iloc[0]['Revenue']) / df.iloc[0]['Revenue']
sheet['C5'] = growth # Hardcodes 0.15
# Bad: Python calculation for average
avg = sum(values) / len(values)
sheet['D20'] = avg # Hardcodes 42.5
✅ CORRECT - Using Excel Formulas
# Good: Let Excel calculate the sum
sheet['B10'] = '=SUM(B2:B9)'
# Good: Growth rate as Excel formula
sheet['C5'] = '=(C4-C2)/C2'
# Good: Average using Excel function
sheet['D20'] = '=AVERAGE(D2:D19)'
This applies to ALL calculations - totals, percentages, ratios, differences, etc. The spreadsheet should be able to recalculate when source data changes.
Common Workflow
- Choose tool: pandas for data, openpyxl for formulas/formatting
- Create/Load: Create new workbook or load existing file
- Modify: Add/edit data, formulas, and formatting
- Save: Write to file
- Recalculate formulas (MANDATORY IF USING FORMULAS): Use the scripts/recalc.py script
python scripts/recalc.py output.xlsx - Verify and fix any errors:
- The script returns JSON with error details
- If
statusiserrors_found, checkerror_summaryfor specific error types and locations - Fix the identified errors and recalculate again
- Common errors to fix:
#REF!: Invalid cell references#DIV/0!: Division by zero#VALUE!: Wrong data type in formula#NAME?: Unrecognized formula name
Creating new Excel files
# Using openpyxl for formulas and formatting
from openpyxl import Workbook
from openpyxl.styles import Font, PatternFill, Alignment
wb = Workbook()
sheet = wb.active
# Add data
sheet['A1'] = 'Hello'
sheet['B1'] = 'World'
sheet.append(['Row', 'of', 'data'])
# Add formula
sheet['B2'] = '=SUM(A1:A10)'
# Formatting
sheet['A1'].font = Font(bold=True, color='FF0000')
sheet['A1'].fill = PatternFill('solid', start_color='FFFF00')
sheet['A1'].alignment = Alignment(horizontal='center')
# Column width
sheet.column_dimensions['A'].width = 20
wb.save('output.xlsx')
Editing existing Excel files
# Using openpyxl to preserve formulas and formatting
from openpyxl import load_workbook
# Load existing file
wb = load_workbook('existing.xlsx')
sheet = wb.active # or wb['SheetName'] for specific sheet
# Working with multiple sheets
for sheet_name in wb.sheetnames:
sheet = wb[sheet_name]
print(f"Sheet: {sheet_name}")
# Modify cells
sheet['A1'] = 'New Value'
sheet.insert_rows(2) # Insert row at position 2
sheet.delete_cols(3) # Delete column 3
# Add new sheet
new_sheet = wb.create_sheet('NewSheet')
new_sheet['A1'] = 'Data'
wb.save('modified.xlsx')
Recalculating formulas
Excel files created or modified by openpyxl contain formulas as strings but not calculated values. Use the provided scripts/recalc.py script to recalculate formulas:
python scripts/recalc.py <excel_file> [timeout_seconds]
Example:
python scripts/recalc.py output.xlsx 30
The script:
- Automatically sets up LibreOffice macro on first run
- Recalculates all formulas in all sheets
- Scans ALL cells for Excel errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!, etc.)
- Returns JSON with detailed error locations and counts
- Works on both Linux and macOS
Formula Verification Checklist
Quick checks to ensure formulas work correctly:
Essential Verification
- Test 2-3 sample references: Verify they pull correct values before building full model
- Column mapping: Confirm Excel columns match (e.g., column 64 = BL, not BK)
- Row offset: Remember Excel rows are 1-indexed (DataFrame row 5 = Excel row 6)
Common Pitfalls
- NaN handling: Check for null values with
pd.notna() - Far-right columns: FY data often in columns 50+
- Multiple matches: Search all occurrences, not just first
- Division by zero: Check denominators before using
/in formulas (#DIV/0!) - Wrong references: Verify all cell references point to intended cells (#REF!)
- Cross-sheet references: Use correct format (Sheet1!A1) for linking sheets
Formula Testing Strategy
- Start small: Test formulas on 2-3 cells before applying broadly
- Verify dependencies: Check all cells referenced in formulas exist
- Test edge cases: Include zero, negative, and very large values
Interpreting scripts/recalc.py Output
The script returns JSON with error details:
{
"status": "success", // or "errors_found"
"total_errors": 0, // Total error count
"total_formulas": 42, // Number of formulas in file
"error_summary": { // Only present if errors found
"#REF!": {
"count": 2,
"locations": ["Sheet1!B5", "Sheet1!C10"]
}
}
}
Best Practices
Library Selection
- pandas: Best for data analysis, bulk operations, and simple data export
- openpyxl: Best for complex formatting, formulas, and Excel-specific features
Working with openpyxl
- Cell indices are 1-based (row=1, column=1 refers to cell A1)
- Use
data_only=Trueto read calculated values:load_workbook('file.xlsx', data_only=True) - Warning: If opened with
data_only=Trueand saved, formulas are replaced with values and permanently lost - For large files: Use
read_only=Truefor reading orwrite_only=Truefor writing - Formulas are preserved but not evaluated - use scripts/recalc.py to update values
Working with pandas
- Specify data types to avoid inference issues:
pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', dtype={'id': str}) - For large files, read specific columns:
pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', usecols=['A', 'C', 'E']) - Handle dates properly:
pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', parse_dates=['date_column'])
Code Style Guidelines
IMPORTANT: When generating Python code for Excel operations:
- Write minimal, concise Python code without unnecessary comments
- Avoid verbose variable names and redundant operations
- Avoid unnecessary print statements
For Excel files themselves:
- Add comments to cells with complex formulas or important assumptions
- Document data sources for hardcoded values
- Include notes for key calculations and model sections