xlsx_skill

Overview

This skill provides comprehensive spreadsheet creation, editing, and analysis with full support for formulas, formatting, data analysis, and visualization. It prioritizes dynamic models by placing assumptions in dedicated cells and using Excel formulas rather than hardcoded results. The skill also automates formula recalculation and error checking using LibreOffice integration.

How this skill works

I use pandas for data manipulation and openpyxl for creating and preserving formulas and formatting. New or existing workbooks are modified using cell formulas, styled to match templates, then saved and recalculated with the provided scripts/recalc.py to detect and fix any formula errors. The workflow includes automated checks for #REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, and similar errors and returns a clear JSON summary.

When to use it

• Create new financial or analytical spreadsheets that remain fully dynamic and auditable
• Read and analyze Excel data with pandas and produce updated sheets or visualizations
• Update existing templates while preserving exact formatting and conventions
• Add formulas, ratios, and linked sheets instead of hardcoding results
• Recalculate and validate all formulas across a workbook using LibreOffice

Best practices

• Always place assumptions in dedicated cells and reference them with absolute references
• Use Excel formulas for calculations (SUM, AVERAGE, IF, etc.) instead of computing in Python
• Match existing template formatting exactly when modifying files; do not impose new styles
• Run scripts/recalc.py after saving to recalculate formulas and fix any errors
• Follow number and color conventions for financial models (years as text, currency headers with units, color-coded inputs/links)

Example use cases

• Build a 5-year financial model with assumption section, formulas, and formatted output ready for review
• Import transaction data with pandas, generate pivot tables and charts, and write back formulas to the workbook
• Update a client template with new quarterly data while preserving all cell styles and formulas
• Add valuation multiples as formula-driven cells formatted as 0.0x and link them to model outputs
• Recalculate and validate a workbook to identify and resolve any formula errors before delivery