MATLAB
The MATLAB MCP server provides AI users with powerful scientific computing and data analysis capabilities. It allows users to execute MATLAB code directly in conversations, generate MATLAB scripts from natural language descriptions, and access MATLAB
What is MATLAB?
MATLAB is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to matlab mcp server provides ai users with powerful scientific computing and data analysis capabilities. it allows users to execute matlab code directly in conversations, generate matlab scripts from na...
The MATLAB MCP server provides AI users with powerful scientific computing and data analysis capabilities. It allows users to execute MATLAB code directly in conversations, generate MATLAB scripts from natural language descriptions, and access MATLAB
This server falls under the Data Science & ML category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- The MATLAB MCP server provides AI users with powerful scient
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx matlab-mcp-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use MATLAB
The MATLAB MCP Server enables AI assistants to execute MATLAB code directly within conversations and generate complete MATLAB scripts from natural language descriptions, bridging the gap between conversational AI and scientific computing. It connects to a local MATLAB installation via the MATLAB_PATH environment variable and exposes two primary tools: execute_matlab_code for running any MATLAB commands and returning output, and generate_matlab_code for translating plain-language requests into executable scripts. Scientists, engineers, and data analysts use it to perform numerical analysis, signal processing, and statistical computations from within Claude without switching to a separate MATLAB session.
Prerequisites
- MATLAB R2020b or later installed on your machine (a valid MATLAB license is required)
- Node.js 18 or higher with npm and npx available
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop
- The absolute path to your MATLAB executable (e.g., /Applications/MATLAB_R2023b.app/bin/matlab on macOS)
Install the MATLAB MCP Server
Install the matlab-mcp-server package globally via npm.
npm install -g matlab-mcp-serverFind your MATLAB executable path
Locate the full path to your MATLAB binary. This differs by operating system and MATLAB version.
# macOS (adjust version as needed)
/Applications/MATLAB_R2023b.app/bin/matlab
# Windows
C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2023b\bin\matlab.exe
# Linux
/usr/local/MATLAB/R2023b/bin/matlabConfigure the server in your MCP client
Add the MATLAB server to your claude_desktop_config.json, setting MATLAB_PATH to your MATLAB executable.
{
"mcpServers": {
"matlab-server": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/usr/local/lib/node_modules/matlab-mcp-server/build/index.js"],
"env": {
"MATLAB_PATH": "/Applications/MATLAB_R2023b.app/bin/matlab"
}
}
}
}Restart Claude Desktop
Quit and reopen Claude Desktop to load the MATLAB server. The execute_matlab_code and generate_matlab_code tools will appear in the available tools list.
Test with a simple MATLAB command
Ask Claude to run a basic MATLAB computation to verify the connection is working.
MATLAB Examples
Client configuration
Example claude_desktop_config.json for the MATLAB MCP Server on macOS with MATLAB R2023b.
{
"mcpServers": {
"matlab-server": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/usr/local/lib/node_modules/matlab-mcp-server/build/index.js"],
"env": {
"MATLAB_PATH": "/Applications/MATLAB_R2023b.app/bin/matlab"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
After connecting, use these prompts to run MATLAB computations through Claude.
- "Generate MATLAB code to compute the FFT of a 1kHz sine wave sampled at 44.1kHz and plot the frequency spectrum"
- "Execute MATLAB code: A = magic(5); disp(A); disp(det(A))"
- "Write and run a MATLAB script that fits a polynomial to the data points x=[1,2,3,4,5], y=[2.1,4.0,6.2,8.1,10.3]"
- "Generate MATLAB code to solve the ODE dy/dt = -0.5*y with initial condition y(0)=10 over t=[0,10]"
- "Run a MATLAB simulation of a damped harmonic oscillator and return the peak amplitude"Troubleshooting MATLAB
MATLAB fails to start or 'MATLAB_PATH not found' error
Verify the MATLAB_PATH value by running that exact path in a terminal (e.g., `/Applications/MATLAB_R2023b.app/bin/matlab -nojvm -nodisplay -r "disp('ok'); exit"`). Update the path in your MCP config to match your installed MATLAB version directory.
MATLAB launches but code execution times out
MATLAB startup takes 10–30 seconds on first invocation. If timeout errors persist, check that your MATLAB license is valid and the license server is reachable. Running MATLAB once manually before connecting the MCP server can help warm up the license check.
Generated MATLAB code contains errors or doesn't match request
Use execute_matlab_code to run the generated code and provide the error output back to Claude. Claude can then revise the script. For complex toolbox-specific tasks, specify the toolbox name in your prompt (e.g., 'using the Signal Processing Toolbox').
Frequently Asked Questions about MATLAB
What is MATLAB?
MATLAB is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that matlab mcp server provides ai users with powerful scientific computing and data analysis capabilities. it allows users to execute matlab code directly in conversations, generate matlab scripts from natural language descriptions, and access matlab It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install MATLAB?
Follow the installation instructions on the MATLAB GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with MATLAB?
MATLAB works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is MATLAB free to use?
Yes, MATLAB is open source and available under the Apache 2.0 license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up MATLAB in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
Ready to use MATLAB?
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