clean-data-xls
Clean up messy spreadsheet data — trim whitespace, fix inconsistent casing, convert numbers-stored-as-text, standardize dates, remove duplicates, and flag mixed-type columns. Use when data is messy, inconsistent, or needs prep before analysis. Triggers on "clean this data", "clean up this sheet", "normalize this data", "fix formatting", "dedupe", "standardize this column", "this data is messy".
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/anthropics/financial-services --skill clean-data-xls- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads clean-data-xls automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Clean Data
Clean messy data in the active sheet or a specified range.
Environment
- If running inside Excel (Office Add-in / Office JS): Use Office JS directly (
Excel.run(async (context) => {...})). Read viarange.values, write helper-column formulas viarange.formulas = [["=TRIM(A2)"]]. The in-place vs helper-column decision still applies. - If operating on a standalone .xlsx file: Use Python/openpyxl.
Workflow
Step 1: Scope
- If a range is given (e.g.
A1:F200), use it - Otherwise use the full used range of the active sheet
- Profile each column: detect its dominant type (text / number / date) and identify outliers
Step 2: Detect issues
| Issue | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Whitespace | leading/trailing spaces, double spaces |
| Casing | inconsistent casing in categorical columns (usa / USA / Usa) |
| Number-as-text | numeric values stored as text; stray $, ,, % in number cells |
| Dates | mixed formats in the same column (3/8/26, 2026-03-08, March 8 2026) |
| Duplicates | exact-duplicate rows and near-duplicates (case/whitespace differences) |
| Blanks | empty cells in otherwise-populated columns |
| Mixed types | a column that's 98% numbers but has 3 text entries |
| Encoding | mojibake (é, ’), non-printing characters |
| Errors | #REF!, #N/A, #VALUE!, #DIV/0! |
Step 3: Propose fixes
Show a summary table before changing anything:
| Column | Issue | Count | Proposed Fix |
|---|
Step 4: Apply
- Prefer formulas over hardcoded cleaned values — where the cleaned output can be expressed as a formula (e.g.
=TRIM(A2),=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(B2,"$","")),=UPPER(C2),=DATEVALUE(D2)), write the formula in an adjacent helper column rather than computing the result in Python and overwriting the original. This keeps the transformation transparent and auditable. - Only overwrite in place with computed values when the user explicitly asks for it, or when no sensible formula equivalent exists (e.g. encoding/mojibake repair)
- For destructive operations (removing duplicates, filling blanks, overwriting originals), confirm with the user first
- After each category of fix (whitespace → casing → number conversion → dates → dedup), show the user a sample of what changed and get confirmation before moving to the next category
- Report a before/after summary of what changed
FAQ
What does the clean-data-xls skill do?
Clean up messy spreadsheet data — trim whitespace, fix inconsistent casing, convert numbers-stored-as-text, standardize dates, remove duplicates, and flag mixed-type columns. Use when data is messy, inconsistent, or needs prep before analysis. Triggers on "clean this data", "clean up this sheet", "normalize this data", "fix formatting", "dedupe", "standardize this column", "this data is messy".
How do I install clean-data-xls?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/anthropics/financial-services --skill clean-data-xls in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/clean-data-xls/ (personal) or .claude/skills/clean-data-xls/ (project).
Which AI agents can use clean-data-xls?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is clean-data-xls safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains clean-data-xls?
It is published by anthropics in anthropics/financial-services, and it is an official skill from the maker of the technology it covers. It has 2,076 recorded installs.
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