Google Sheets API

Can I batch-read values from multiple ranges in a single API call?

Yes. The GET /v4/spreadsheets/{spreadsheetId}/values:batchGet endpoint accepts an array of range parameters and returns all requested values in one response. This reduces API calls and avoids per-request rate limit consumption. You specify ranges using A1 notation (e.g., Sheet1!A1:C10) and choose a rendering option for dates and formulas via the valueRenderOption parameter.

What are the rate limits for the Google Sheets API?

Google Sheets API enforces a quota of 300 read requests and 300 write requests per minute per project by default. Batch endpoints (batchGet, batchUpdate) count as single requests regardless of how many ranges they include, making them the preferred approach for high-volume operations. Per-user limits are 60 requests per minute. These quotas are configurable in the Google Cloud Console.

How do I append rows to a sheet through Jentic?

Search Jentic for 'append rows to google sheet' to find the values:append operation. The agent receives the schema for POST /v4/spreadsheets/{spreadsheetId}/values/{range}:append, which requires the spreadsheet ID, a target range (Jentic returns this in the schema), and a request body with the values array. Set insertDataOption to INSERT_ROWS and valueInputOption to USER_ENTERED or RAW. Execute the call and the API appends data after the last row with content in the specified range.

Can I format cells and apply conditional formatting through the API?

Yes. The POST /v4/spreadsheets/{spreadsheetId}:batchUpdate endpoint accepts an array of request objects that include formatting operations like RepeatCellRequest, UpdateCellsRequest, AddConditionalFormatRuleRequest, and UpdateBordersRequest. Each request targets specific ranges and applies formatting properties including number formats, text styles, background colors, and conditional rules. All formatting changes in a single batchUpdate call are applied atomically.

What is the difference between values:update and spreadsheets:batchUpdate?

The PUT /v4/spreadsheets/{spreadsheetId}/values/{range} endpoint (values:update) writes raw cell values to a specified range. The POST /v4/spreadsheets/{spreadsheetId}:batchUpdate endpoint applies structural and formatting changes - adding sheets, merging cells, setting data validation, applying conditional formatting, and resizing columns. Use values:update for data writes and batchUpdate for sheet structure and formatting modifications.

Is the Google Sheets API free to use?

The Google Sheets API is free within Google Cloud's standard quotas. There is no per-request charge. You need a Google Cloud project with the Sheets API enabled, and usage counts against your project's quota (300 read and 300 write requests per minute by default). Quota increases are available through the Google Cloud Console at no additional cost for most use cases.

Can I limit what my agent is allowed to do with the Google Sheets API?

Yes. Because you run Jentic One yourself, you decide which Sheets operations your agent may call and which OAuth credential it uses at execution time. Since the spreadsheet ID sits in the URL path, your rules can pin the agent to a single spreadsheet and to specific operations, such as reading a range and appending rows with values:append, while leaving out a structural spreadsheets:batchUpdate unless you explicitly add it. The agent only ever gets the operations you grant it, and nothing more.