Minitab vs.

Matlab � Which is Better

Posted by Arch on June 4, 2019
Minitab vs. Matlab
Matlab and Minitab are tools for manipulation and visual representation of data.
Although both programs have a similar purpose, some of their features are very
different.

Since these tools are not cheap and have a specific niche, you should know which
features they offer and which they lack before you make your final decision.

This article will examine the differences between these two statistical and
mathematical programs. Hopefully, it will help you decide which one is better for
you.

USER INTERFACE
minitab

When it comes to user interface, these two programs are completely different.
Minitab is generally much easier to use than Matlab.

It has an interface that allows you to enter data similar to Microsoft Excel.
There�s a simple way to input usual statistical techniques like regression or time
series on a smaller data. With a point-and-click user interface, it is extremely
beginner-friendly.

On the other hand, Matlab is a bit more complex. It targets mostly scientists and
engineers, and has a command line interface. To master this tool, you should learn
the language of the program. Performing anything other than the most basic tests
might be excruciatingly hard or even impossible otherwise. Since it takes time to
learn Matlab, it is not the best option for newbies.

PURPOSE
matlab

Matlab has plenty of built-in procedures and it can single-handedly serve as an

applied research tool. You can use it for both pure and applied mathematics, and
also numerical computing. It also offers pretty good graphics and charts of
functions and equations.

However, Minitab isn�t as powerful. It doesn�t support newer techniques and complex
data structures. Its purpose is far greater in the academic department. Thanks to a
user-friendly interface and no need to learn a coding language, students can focus
only on the statistics.

FUNCTIONS
Both of these programs can perform a variety of statistical methods. Matlab�s main
focus is on mathematical operations, so it can deal far better with functions and
large matrices. Minitab performs much better in statistics, with a lot of available
techniques.

Both tools can perform methods such as multivariate procedures, principal component
analysis, and descriptive statistics. It only depends on whether you intend to
focus on complex structures and math problems, or pure statistics.
To put it simply: Minitab is Excel for statisticians, while Matlab is Excel for
engineers.

REQUIREMENTS
The system requirements are much different for these two programs. Minitab has low
requirements, while Matlab is a heavyweight.

Minitab�s minimum requirement is 512MB of RAM, while you should have 1GB or more
for the software to work smoothly. Nowadays, everybody owning a computer should
have a better configuration than this. You�ll also need 160Mb of hard drive space.

Matlab, on the other hand, needs a stronger computer. It works best if you have at
least 2GB of RAM, while you should also have at least 4GB of free space.

Also, Matlab is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Minitab, however, can only
work with Windows.

PRICING
Minitab has several plans. If you want to use the software as an individual user,
you have to pay $2,390. There�s also an annual multi-user plan where 10 users can
use the same program for one year at around $8,000. The permanent 10-user price is
$32,250.

Matlab has many license types. The standard license is around $2,200. This means
that you�ll install, operate and administer the program yourself.

There�s also an academic individual license if you�re a professor or a student of

an educational institution. It comes at a discount, where students only pay $23 for
the duration of their studies.

WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

As you can see, both of the programs are costly and you have to consider all
aspects before opting for one. Both have their well-defined niches and will have
their set of fans, as well as dissatisfied users.

For beginners, professors, and people who don�t have any experience in scripting
languages, Minitab might be a better option. It is user-friendly and takes just a
few hours to learn. It has its own virtual assistant to guide you through easy
statistical analysis and comprehensive summaries.

For statisticians, Minitab offers a much more convenient performance. It has a

great visual output and you can easily import all the graphs to Microsoft Office,
too. The program itself is light-weight, but you need Windows to use it.

On the other hand, Matlab has much more to offer and works with multiple platforms.
However, it has a steep learning curve. It is also pricey, but offers great
discounts for students and universities. If you need a program for complex
mathematical work, you might want to try out Matlab.