Section 9: Integration scenarios with Claude + MCP

Scenario 89: Checking a multi-tab staffing plan in Excel

Level: Intermediate · Tools: Claude for Excel, Microsoft AppSource, Claude Skills, Excel for the web or a supported Microsoft 365 version

Who and in what situation

HR analyst Hakan changes assumptions, looks for formula errors, and prepares a revision summary in a multi-tab staffing plan.

How it is done today

Hakan traces cells across tabs, opens formulas, and checks how changes affect dependent calculations. When he finds an error, he returns to the previous copy.

How to do it with AI

  1. Install the Claude for Microsoft 365 add-in from Microsoft AppSource using Get it now. Open Excel, enable the add-in, and sign in with a Claude account. An administrator can manage organization-wide deployment through Integrated apps > Add-ins in Microsoft 365 Admin Center. [149]
  2. Ask how a value is calculated in the open workbook. Claude for Excel can provide cell-level citations, examine a multi-tab workbook, and aims to preserve formula relationships when changing an assumption. [149]
  3. Enter the prompt “Set {ASSUMPTION_CELL} to {NEW_VALUE}; list the affected tabs and formulas, and provide a summary before making the change.”
  4. For an error, say “Find the root cause of the error in {CELL} and show the proposed fix before correcting it.” Check the result against the cell references.
  5. If a Skill is enabled, it may be applied automatically in Excel; approve the changes yourself before saving the final file. [147] [149]

Example prompt

Examine {TAB_NAME} and its dependent tabs in {WORKBOOK}. Explain the impact of setting {ASSUMPTION_CELL} to {NEW_VALUE} on the staffing budget, using cell references. Show the proposal before changing any formulas, macros, or data tables.

Evidence and real-world example

Claude for Excel’s features for working with an open workbook, multiple tabs, cell-level citations, error root causes, and assumption updates are described in the official product documentation. Claude Academy also states that the entire workbook can be understood, including nested formulas and tab dependencies. [149] [72]

Points to consider

Check the supported Excel version and plan for this add-in; Excel 2016/2019 perpetual licenses, iPad, and Android are among the unsupported versions. Data table and VBA operations are not supported. Anthropic recommends human verification for final client deliverables and audit-critical calculations; files from external sources also pose a prompt injection risk. [149]

Sources for this scenario

  1. Create and edit files with Claude (support.claude.com)
  2. Use skills in Claude (support.claude.com)
  3. Use Claude for Excel (claude.com)