Comparison

Diffraction Grating Calculator vs OSpectrometer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Diffraction Grating Calculator

Features
Read full description

Diffraction Grating Calculator is a physics/math calculator that calculates the angles of diffracted orders of monochromatic light when shone on a reflective diffraction grating. Features: - Instant calculation. - Results are copyable to other apps. - Formulas are included as reference. - Supports up to 16 decimal places. - Supports various units for each input. - Works seamlessly on both iPhone and iPad. - Lightweight, compact app optimized for everyday use. - Ad-free and built with privacy in mind. In optics, a diffraction grating is an optical component with a periodic structure that splits and diffracts light into several beams traveling in different directions. The emerging coloration is a form of structural coloration. The directions of these beams depend on the spacing of the grating and the wavelength of the light so that the grating acts as the dispersive element. Because of this, gratings are commonly used in monochromators and spectrometers. A diffraction grating is a material that contains a large number of parallel slits separated by a distance (d). This periodic separation of slits is usually on the order of micrometers. Because this distance is on the order of the wavelength of light, when light waves pass through the grating, the slits are able to cause constructive and destructive interference among the light waves. The waves will constructively interfere if the angle of reflection delays one of the waves by a whole wavelength. Diffraction grating equation: m * λ = a * sin(θm) Where: m: The order number of the diffracted image, m = 1,2,3 ... θ: Grating angle, in radians a: Grating Spacing, in lines per meter λ: Wavelength, in meters Thanks for your support and do visit nitrio.com for more apps for your iOS devices.

About

OSpectrometer

This app uses your device's camera and screen to perform basic optical spectroscopy. Analyze the visible light spectrum of objects, map light wavelengths to RGB values, and save or share your findings. It functions offline without external hardware.

Highlights
  • Visible light spectrum analysis
  • RGB color value mapping
  • Wavelength selection and scanning
  • Front camera reflection sensing
  • Save and share results
  • Offline functionality
Features
Read full description

Optical spectroscopy in the visible light spectrum is a commonly used tool in different fields such as health, manufacturing, art, and forensic research. OSpectrometer implements basic spectrometer functions using the built-in camera and screen without requiring external devices or programs. - Visible light spectrum is transformed and mapped to a function that generates RGB (Red Green Blue) color values - A specific light wavelength can be selected and used to illuminate a desired target (i.e., close to the screen) - The whole spectrum or a specific part of the spectrum can be selected and scanned - Front camera is used to sense the reflection from the target object - Consistent and repeatable reflection/absorption amplitude with respect to the color spectrum - The result can be saved and shared - Works offline, no need to connect to any network or internet Privacy-policy: https://software.nanorescenter.com/osprectrometer-privacy-policy Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Diffraction Grating Calculator4 screens
OSpectrometer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: OSpectrometer at Free against Diffraction Grating Calculator's $2.99. OSpectrometer also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 29 months). Diffraction Grating Calculator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13 vs 15.1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

OSpectrometer is free to download; Diffraction Grating Calculator costs $2.99 up front. OSpectrometer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Diffraction Grating Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Diffraction Grating Calculator ships an update every 29 months, OSpectrometer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Diffraction Grating Calculator versus OSpectrometer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDiffraction Grating CalculatorOSpectrometer
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating—2.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 29 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB71 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNitrioNANO ELECTRONICS RESEARCH MUHENDISLIK ARASTIRMA GELISTIRME LIMITED SIRKETI

In-app purchases

None

Diffraction Grating Calculator

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

OSpectrometer

Subscriptions2
  • month3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • year3 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Diffraction Grating Calculator free?
Diffraction Grating Calculator costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is OSpectrometer free?
OSpectrometer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Diffraction Grating Calculator or OSpectrometer have ads?
Neither Diffraction Grating Calculator nor OSpectrometer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Diffraction Grating Calculator or OSpectrometer?
Diffraction Grating Calculator ships an update every 29 months, and OSpectrometer every 2 weeks. Most recently, Diffraction Grating Calculator was updated on September 29, 2026 and OSpectrometer on September 10, 2026.

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