# Smartsheet MCP server introduction

Unlock the power of AI by connecting Smartsheet with Claude and other AI clients through the Smartsheet MCP (Model Context Protocol) server. Using AI, you can read, analyze, and manage Smartsheet data, to compliment how you make decisions and get work done.

Requirements
**Plan:** Business, Enterprise, or Advanced Work Management

Ready to dive in? Start here
Our [Quickstart](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/mcp-quickstart) walks you through connecting the Smartsheet MCP server as an interactive companion in Claude Code. (These connection principles work across MCP-compatible AI clients.)

## Why use the MCP server?

The Smartsheet MCP server bridges the gap between Smartsheet and AI models, allowing you to:

- Access Smartsheet data in real time
- Apply AI reasoning with Smartsheet's project and data management features
- Integrate with popular AI platforms including Claude, Cursor, custom AI clients, and more
- Automate complex tasks that require both data analysis and decision-making


Instead of manually copying data or writing custom API integrations, you can use AI clients to query Smartsheet, transform data, and trigger actions.

## How It Works

The MCP server exposes Smartsheet capabilities as tools that AI models can invoke. When you integrate Smartsheet with an AI client:

1. The AI client can access (with your consent) predefined tools to summarize sheets, create rows, update data, and more.
2. The client determines which tools are needed to solve your requests
3. The MCP server executes the request and returns structured data
4. The AI client processes the results and provides a response


This enables natural interactions like: *"Show me all overdue tasks from the Marketing sheet and create a summary report"* or *"Update all project statuses based on the latest timeline changes."*

## Getting Started

Dive into the following articles to connect your AI clients to the MCP server and familiarize yourself with the server's tools.

- [Quickstart](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/mcp-quickstart) walks you through connecting the Smartsheet MCP server as an interactive companion in Claude Code. Query sheet structure, examine data patterns, and gather the information you need to write effective API code for sheet updates and more. (These connection principles work across MCP-compatible AI clients.)
- [Install the Smartsheet MCP server](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/install-the-smartsheet-mcp-server) has step-by-step instructions for connecting to the Smartsheet MCP server on your development environment.
- [Smartsheet MCP server tools](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/mcp-server-tools) introduces some of the most popular tools and demonstrates how to get the latest details and sample prompts for *all* of the tools.


## What's Next?

After connecting to the MCP server and familiarizing yourself with available tools, you can:

- Create AI-powered automation workflows
- Integrate Smartsheet into broader AI agent systems
- Build custom Claude Skills that leverage Smartsheet data
- Develop bots that manage sheets and data autonomously


As you explore these possibilities, AI and the Smartsheet MCP server open the door to a new era of intelligent work management--where AI doesn't just assist, but actively helps you build, organize, and act on the data that drives your projects forward.