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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheet Best?​

Sheet Best turns a Google Sheet into a REST API. Each connection gives you an HTTPS endpoint you can use to read, write, update, and delete rows with standard HTTP requests.

How do I get started?​

Connect a Google Sheet, copy the API URL, and start making requests. The full walkthrough is in the Quickstart.

Can an AI assistant work with my Sheet Best connections?​

Yes. Sheet Best provides a remote MCP server that lets compatible AI clients list or create connections, inspect permissions, and work with sheet rows. MCP uses a separate bearer token that you manage from Settings → Integrations → AI assistants · MCP. Start with the MCP overview.

Do I need an API key?​

API keys are optional. By default an endpoint is reachable by anyone with the URL. To require authentication, enable the API key under Connection → Advanced Settings and pass it on every request via the X-Api-Key header. See API Keys.

What's the difference between filtering and querying?​

  • Filtering matches text in column values. You can filter via the URL path (/Name/John) or the /search endpoint, and use * as a wildcard.
  • Querying uses operators on the /query endpoint for numeric and date comparisons, e.g. ?Age=__gt(18).

Use filtering for text matches, querying for ranges and comparisons.

How do I update or delete a row?​

Use PATCH (partial update) or PUT (replace) — see Updating rows. Use DELETE to remove rows — see Deleting rows. Both can target rows by index or by a column match.

Are responses paginated?​

Sheet Best does not paginate responses automatically. Use _limit and _offset query parameters to page through large sheets. See Pagination.

Why are numbers returned as strings?​

Cell values are returned as strings by default to preserve formatting. Append _raw=1 to any GET request to receive native types (numbers, booleans). See Data Formats.

Can I keep my sheet private?​

Yes. Use the Connect with Drive flow to authorize Sheet Best against a sheet that isn't shared via "Anyone with the link". See Private Sheets.

What happens when I exhaust my plan?​

When X-RateLimit-Remaining reaches 0, requests return 402 Payment Required with the throttle error code. Upgrade your plan to continue.

What are the rate limits?​

The monthly request allowance depends on your plan. Inspect X-RateLimit-Limit and X-RateLimit-Remaining on any response, or see the pricing page.

Does Sheet Best work with multiple tabs?​

Yes — append the tab name to the URL: https://api.sheetbest.com/sheets/<id>/tabs/<TabName>. See Tabs.

Can I call Sheet Best from the browser?​

You can, but if you've enabled an API key it will be visible to anyone inspecting network traffic. For protected endpoints, call the API from a server you control.