wolfram-alpha

name	wolfram-alpha
description	Queries Wolfram|Alpha for up-to-date computational results and retrieves contextual information via semantic search. Use this skill when the user needs real-world data, calculations, or factual answers about entities in science, math, geography, history, finance, and more.
compatibility	Requires the Wolfram MCP server or wolframscript on PATH
metadata	{"author":"Wolfram Research","version":"2.1.28"}

Wolfram|Alpha

Query Wolfram|Alpha for computational answers and retrieve contextual information using semantic search.

Prerequisites

These scripts require wolframscript. If it is not installed or not on your PATH, read references/GetWolframEngine.md (relative to this skill directory) for installation instructions.

Usage

With MCP Server (preferred)

If you have Wolfram|Alpha MCP tools available in your tool list (e.g., mcp__WolframLanguage__WolframAlpha), use those directly. They provide richer integration and better performance than the bundled scripts.

For a richer experience, consider setting up the Wolfram MCP server. See references/SetUpWolframMCPServer.md (relative to this skill directory) for instructions.

With Bundled Scripts

If no MCP tools are available, use the bundled scripts in the scripts/ directory (relative to this skill directory). Run them with:

wolframscript -f scripts/<ScriptName>.wls <arguments>

Pass --usage to any script to see its argument documentation:

wolframscript -f scripts/<ScriptName>.wls --usage

For detailed usage, arguments, and invocation syntax for each script, see references/Scripts.md (relative to this skill directory).

Reminder: These scripts are only relevant when you do not have the equivalent MCP tool available.

Available Tools

Script	When to use
WolframAlphaContext	Retrieve contextual information about a topic via semantic search
WolframAlpha	Query Wolfram|Alpha for computational answers and real-world data

WolframAlphaContext

Always use WolframAlphaContext as a first step before querying WolframAlpha. It uses semantic search to retrieve relevant background information and helps ensure you have up-to-date context. The context argument should be written in natural language (not as a search query) and be as detailed as possible (up to 250 words).

If your MCP server provides a WolframContext tool, you can use that instead of WolframAlphaContext. It's effectively equivalent, except it may include additional context from Wolfram Language documentation.

WolframAlpha

Use WolframAlpha for natural language queries that need computational answers or real-world data. This is especially useful for questions about:

• Mathematics (equations, calculus, algebra, statistics)
• Science (physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy)
• Geography and demographics
• History and culture
• Finance and economics
• Unit conversions and comparisons
• Weather, dates, and time zones

Queries should be phrased in natural language, similar to how you would ask a question. For example: "population of France", "integrate sin(x) from 0 to pi", "distance from Earth to Mars".

Other Tips

• Always call WolframAlphaContext before WolframAlpha to ensure you have the most up-to-date context for your query.
• If a query returns unexpected results, try rephrasing it or being more specific.
• For complex mathematical expressions, use standard notation that Wolfram|Alpha understands (e.g., sin(x), x^2, sqrt(x)).