Qiskit MCP Server — Claude Code MCP server: use and install
An MCP server for inspecting and transpiling quantum circuits with Qiskit. Use it when circuits must be adapted to a target basis or topology.
claude mcp add qiskit-mcp-server -- uvx qiskit-mcp-serverWhat Qiskit MCP Server does
Qiskit MCP Server accepts circuits in QASM or QPY, inspects their structure, and transpiles them through Qiskit pass managers. Requests can set an optimization level from 0 to 3, choose a basis-gate preset, and provide a linear, ring, grid, or custom coupling map.
Its tools cover circuit analysis, optimization-level comparison, and conversion between OpenQASM 2.0, OpenQASM 3.0, and QPY. QPY output can feed a later operation, which helps chain circuit transformations. The server supports async MCP calls as well as sync use from scripts and Jupyter.
Python 3.10 or newer is required. The uvx setup runs qiskit-mcp-server, so that requirement matters before you connect it to an agent.
What it helps with
- transpile a quantum circuit for IBM Heron
- compare optimization levels for one circuit
- inspect circuit depth and two-qubit gates
- convert a circuit between QASM and QPY
- apply a custom qubit coupling topology
Example prompts for the agent
- Transpile this quantum circuit for IBM Heron at optimization level 3.
- Analyze the circuit depth and count its two-qubit gates.
- Compare optimization levels 0 through 3 and report the resulting circuit sizes.
How to install Qiskit MCP Server
Platform CLI
claude mcp add qiskit-mcp-server -- uvx qiskit-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from qiskit-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add qiskit-mcp-server -- uvx qiskit-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from qiskit-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"qiskit-mcp-server": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"qiskit-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from qiskit-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"qiskit-mcp-server": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"qiskit-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from qiskit-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add qiskit-mcp-server uvx qiskit-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from qiskit-mcp-server <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Qiskit MCP Server
How do I install Qiskit MCP Server in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add qiskit-mcp-server -- uvx qiskit-mcp-server.
What does Qiskit MCP Server do?
It analyzes and transpiles quantum circuits with Qiskit, using selected optimization levels, basis gates, and coupling topologies.
Which circuit formats does the server support?
It handles OpenQASM 2.0, OpenQASM 3.0, and QPY, with conversion tools between these formats.
