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:
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
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
# 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
Common Pitfalls
Formula Testing Strategy
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=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 sections
Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
1---2name: damilola-elegbede-org-claude-config-5ad01dbe-xlsx3description: Requirements for Outputs4---56# Requirements for Outputs78## All Excel files910### Professional Font1112- Use a consistent, professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) for all13 deliverables unless otherwise instructed by the user1415### Zero Formula Errors1617- Every Excel model MUST be delivered with ZERO formula errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!,18 #VALUE!, #N/A, #NAME?)1920### Preserve Existing Templates (when updating templates)2122- Study and EXACTLY match existing format, style, and conventions when modifying23 files24- Never impose standardized formatting on files with established patterns25- Existing template conventions ALWAYS override these guidelines2627## Financial models2829### Color Coding Standards3031Unless otherwise stated by the user or existing template3233#### Industry-Standard Color Conventions3435- **Blue text (RGB: 0,0,255)**: Hardcoded inputs, and numbers users will change36 for scenarios37- **Black text (RGB: 0,0,0)**: ALL formulas and calculations38- **Green text (RGB: 0,128,0)**: Links pulling from other worksheets within same39 workbook40- **Red text (RGB: 255,0,0)**: External links to other files41- **Yellow background (RGB: 255,255,0)**: Key assumptions needing attention or42 cells that need to be updated4344### Number Formatting Standards4546#### Required Format Rules4748- **Years**: Format as text strings (e.g., "2024" not "2,024")49- **Currency**: Use $#,##0 format; ALWAYS specify units in headers50 ("Revenue ($mm)")51- **Zeros**: Use number formatting to make all zeros "-", including percentages52 (e.g., "$#,##0;($#,##0);-")53- **Percentages**: Default to 0.0% format (one decimal)54- **Multiples**: Format as 0.0x for valuation multiples (EV/EBITDA, P/E)55- **Negative numbers**: Use parentheses (123) not minus -1235657### Formula Construction Rules5859#### Assumptions Placement6061- Place ALL assumptions (growth rates, margins, multiples, etc.) in separate62 assumption cells63- Use cell references instead of hardcoded values in formulas64- Example: Use =B5*(1+$B$6) instead of =B5*1.056566#### Formula Error Prevention6768- Verify all cell references are correct69- Check for off-by-one errors in ranges70- Ensure consistent formulas across all projection periods71- Test with edge cases (zero values, negative numbers)72- Verify no unintended circular references7374#### Documentation Requirements for Hardcodes7576- Comment or in cells beside (if end of table). Format:77 "Source: [System/Document], [Date], [Specific Reference],78 [URL if applicable]"79- Examples:80 - "Source: Company 10-K, FY2024, Page 45, Revenue Note, [SEC EDGAR URL]"81 - "Source: Company 10-Q, Q2 2025, Exhibit 99.1, [SEC EDGAR URL]"82 - "Source: Bloomberg Terminal, 8/15/2025, AAPL US Equity"83 - "Source: FactSet, 8/20/2025, Consensus Estimates Screen"8485## XLSX creation, editing, and analysis8687## Overview8889A user may ask you to create, edit, or analyze the contents of an .xlsx file.90You have different tools and workflows available for different tasks.9192## Important Requirements9394**LibreOffice Required for Formula Recalculation**: You can assume LibreOffice95is installed for recalculating formula values using the `scripts/recalc.py`96script. The script automatically configures LibreOffice on first run, including97in sandboxed environments where Unix sockets are restricted (handled by98`scripts/office/soffice.py`)99100## Reading and analyzing data101102### Data analysis with pandas103104For data analysis, visualization, and basic operations, use **pandas** which105provides powerful data manipulation capabilities:106107```python108import pandas as pd109110# Read Excel111df = pd.read_excel('file.xlsx') # Default: first sheet112all_sheets = pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', sheet_name=None) # All sheets as dict113114# Analyze115df.head() # Preview data116df.info() # Column info117df.describe() # Statistics118119# Write Excel120df.to_excel('output.xlsx', index=False)121```122123## Excel File Workflows124125## CRITICAL: Use Formulas, Not Hardcoded Values126127**Always use Excel formulas instead of calculating values in Python and128hardcoding them.** This ensures the spreadsheet remains dynamic and updateable.129130### WRONG - Hardcoding Calculated Values131132```python133# Bad: Calculating in Python and hardcoding result134total = df['Sales'].sum()135sheet['B10'] = total # Hardcodes 5000136137# Bad: Computing growth rate in Python138growth = (df.iloc[-1]['Revenue'] - df.iloc[0]['Revenue']) / df.iloc[0]['Revenue']139sheet['C5'] = growth # Hardcodes 0.15140141# Bad: Python calculation for average142avg = sum(values) / len(values)143sheet['D20'] = avg # Hardcodes 42.5144```145146### CORRECT - Using Excel Formulas147148```python149# Good: Let Excel calculate the sum150sheet['B10'] = '=SUM(B2:B9)'151152# Good: Growth rate as Excel formula153sheet['C5'] = '=(C4-C2)/C2'154155# Good: Average using Excel function156sheet['D20'] = '=AVERAGE(D2:D19)'157```158159This applies to ALL calculations - totals, percentages, ratios, differences,160etc. The spreadsheet should be able to recalculate when source data changes.161162## Common Workflow1631641. **Choose tool**: pandas for data, openpyxl for formulas/formatting1652. **Create/Load**: Create new workbook or load existing file1663. **Modify**: Add/edit data, formulas, and formatting1674. **Save**: Write to file1685. **Recalculate formulas (MANDATORY IF USING FORMULAS)**: Use the169 scripts/recalc.py script170171 ```bash172 python scripts/recalc.py output.xlsx173 ```1741756. **Verify and fix any errors**:176 - The script returns JSON with error details177 - If `status` is `errors_found`, check `error_summary` for specific error178 types and locations179 - Fix the identified errors and recalculate again180 - Common errors to fix:181 - `#REF!`: Invalid cell references182 - `#DIV/0!`: Division by zero183 - `#VALUE!`: Wrong data type in formula184 - `#NAME?`: Unrecognized formula name185186### Creating new Excel files187188```python189# Using openpyxl for formulas and formatting190from openpyxl import Workbook191from openpyxl.styles import Font, PatternFill, Alignment192193wb = Workbook()194sheet = wb.active195196# Add data197sheet['A1'] = 'Hello'198sheet['B1'] = 'World'199sheet.append(['Row', 'of', 'data'])200201# Add formula202sheet['B2'] = '=SUM(A1:A10)'203204# Formatting205sheet['A1'].font = Font(bold=True, color='FF0000')206sheet['A1'].fill = PatternFill('solid', start_color='FFFF00')207sheet['A1'].alignment = Alignment(horizontal='center')208209# Column width210sheet.column_dimensions['A'].width = 20211212wb.save('output.xlsx')213```214215### Editing existing Excel files216217```python218# Using openpyxl to preserve formulas and formatting219from openpyxl import load_workbook220221# Load existing file222wb = load_workbook('existing.xlsx')223sheet = wb.active # or wb['SheetName'] for specific sheet224225# Working with multiple sheets226for sheet_name in wb.sheetnames:227 sheet = wb[sheet_name]228 print(f"Sheet: {sheet_name}")229230# Modify cells231sheet['A1'] = 'New Value'232sheet.insert_rows(2) # Insert row at position 2233sheet.delete_cols(3) # Delete column 3234235# Add new sheet236new_sheet = wb.create_sheet('NewSheet')237new_sheet['A1'] = 'Data'238239wb.save('modified.xlsx')240```241242## Recalculating formulas243244Excel files created or modified by openpyxl contain formulas as strings but not245calculated values. Use the provided `scripts/recalc.py` script to recalculate246formulas:247248```bash249python scripts/recalc.py <excel_file> [timeout_seconds]250```251252Example:253254```bash255python scripts/recalc.py output.xlsx 30256```257258The script:259260- Automatically sets up LibreOffice macro on first run261- Recalculates all formulas in all sheets262- Scans ALL cells for Excel errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!, etc.)263- Returns JSON with detailed error locations and counts264- Works on both Linux and macOS265266## Formula Verification Checklist267268Quick checks to ensure formulas work correctly:269270### Essential Verification271272- [ ] **Test 2-3 sample references**: Verify they pull correct values before273 building full model274- [ ] **Column mapping**: Confirm Excel columns match (e.g., column 64 = BL,275 not BK)276- [ ] **Row offset**: Remember Excel rows are 1-indexed (DataFrame row 5 =277 Excel row 6)278279### Common Pitfalls280281- [ ] **NaN handling**: Check for null values with `pd.notna()`282- [ ] **Far-right columns**: FY data often in columns 50+283- [ ] **Multiple matches**: Search all occurrences, not just first284- [ ] **Division by zero**: Check denominators before using `/` in formulas285 (#DIV/0!)286- [ ] **Wrong references**: Verify all cell references point to intended cells287 (#REF!)288- [ ] **Cross-sheet references**: Use correct format (Sheet1!A1) for linking289 sheets290291### Formula Testing Strategy292293- [ ] **Start small**: Test formulas on 2-3 cells before applying broadly294- [ ] **Verify dependencies**: Check all cells referenced in formulas exist295- [ ] **Test edge cases**: Include zero, negative, and very large values296297### Interpreting scripts/recalc.py Output298299The script returns JSON with error details:300301```json302{303 "status": "success", // or "errors_found"304 "total_errors": 0, // Total error count305 "total_formulas": 42, // Number of formulas in file306 "error_summary": { // Only present if errors found307 "#REF!": {308 "count": 2,309 "locations": ["Sheet1!B5", "Sheet1!C10"]310 }311 }312}313```314315## Best Practices316317### Library Selection318319- **pandas**: Best for data analysis, bulk operations, and simple data export320- **openpyxl**: Best for complex formatting, formulas, and Excel-specific321 features322323### Working with openpyxl324325- Cell indices are 1-based (row=1, column=1 refers to cell A1)326- Use `data_only=True` to read calculated values:327 `load_workbook('file.xlsx', data_only=True)`328- **Warning**: If opened with `data_only=True` and saved, formulas are replaced329 with values and permanently lost330- For large files: Use `read_only=True` for reading or `write_only=True` for331 writing332- Formulas are preserved but not evaluated - use scripts/recalc.py to update333 values334335### Working with pandas336337- Specify data types to avoid inference issues:338 `pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', dtype={'id': str})`339- For large files, read specific columns:340 `pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', usecols=['A', 'C', 'E'])`341- Handle dates properly:342 `pd.read_excel('file.xlsx', parse_dates=['date_column'])`343344## Code Style Guidelines345346**IMPORTANT**: When generating Python code for Excel operations:347348- Write minimal, concise Python code without unnecessary comments349- Avoid verbose variable names and redundant operations350- Avoid unnecessary print statements351352**For Excel files themselves**:353354- Add comments to cells with complex formulas or important assumptions355- Document data sources for hardcoded values356- Include notes for key calculations and model sections357358---359> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/damilola-elegbede-org) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.360<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-16 -->