sheets_merge_cells · Mcp Gsheets MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What sheets_merge_cells does on Mcp Gsheets

AI agents use sheets_merge_cells to create or update resources in Mcp Gsheets — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Mcp Gsheets environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why sheets_merge_cells needs a policy

Merging cells is a data formatting operation that modifies the spreadsheet structure. While reversible (cells can be unmerged), it constitutes a Write action as it changes the state of the sheet. It's not Read (no query), not Execute (no code execution), not Destructive (reversible), not Financial.

From the tool's definition sheets_merge_cells: 'Merge cells in a Google Sheet' - modifies cell formatting and structure by combining multiple cells into one, which is a reversible write operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

sheets_merge_cells Rate-limited

sheets_merge_cells stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "sheets_merge_cells": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "sheets_merge_cells_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Mcp Gsheets, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about sheets_merge_cells

What does the sheets_merge_cells tool do? +

Merge cells in a Google Sheet. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Gsheets MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on sheets_merge_cells? +

Register the Mcp Gsheets MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sheets_merge_cells: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Mcp Gsheets. Nothing to install.

What risk level is sheets_merge_cells? +

sheets_merge_cells is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit sheets_merge_cells? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sheets_merge_cells rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block sheets_merge_cells completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for sheets_merge_cells. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides sheets_merge_cells? +

sheets_merge_cells is provided by the Mcp Gsheets MCP server (mcp-gsheets). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.