# Stair Calculator vs Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

Stair Calculator and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut both sit at 4.1 stars, but that hides the real split: 63% of Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut's written reviews are positive against 21% of Stair Calculator's. Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 months). Stair Calculator's advantage is ratings volume (740 vs 45). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stair Calculator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stair Calculator has 740 ratings behind it against 45, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Stair Calculator's written reviews are positive against 63% of Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut's.

Stair Calculator ships an update every 3 months, Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stair Calculator | Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (740 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stair-calculator-construction/id1493037366/reviews) | **[4.3 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cutlist-optimizer-4-smartcut/id1579298749/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **740** | 45 |
| Positive reviews | 21.4% of reviews | **62.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Phan Nhat Đang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1437390098) | [JG Media Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1109848746) |

## What reviewers say

### Stair Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stair-calculator-construction/id1493037366)

This app calculates essential parameters for stair construction, offering flexibility in input and providing multiple step set options. It supports various units and allows results to be easily copied.

**Highlights:** Calculate stair construction parameters, Flexible input for Run or Total Run, Determine largest and smallest step sets, Support for various units, Copy results to clipboard

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Premium Package | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlock all features | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Helpful information
- 🚀 Provides useful calculations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work as expected
- 🔒 No way to cancel subscription
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel trial
- 🤬 Obnoxious ads
- 🤬 Misleading as a learning tool

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription numbers don't add up
- Doesn't provide promised features after purchase

**Requested features**

- Option to uninstall app
- Ability to calculate run based on rise and landing space
- Provide more detailed diagrams and visuals


### Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cutlist-optimizer-4-smartcut/id1579298749)

This app optimizes material usage by generating efficient cut list diagrams. It supports various material types and cutting scenarios, helping users save money and reduce waste. Export cut plans to PDF for workshop use.

**Highlights:** Sheet/2D/boards/panels optimization, Linear/1D/bars/rods optimization, Decimal & fraction support, Blade width and grain direction consideration, Edge banding and trim options, Infinite stock option, PDF export for workshop

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stair Calculator free?

Stair Calculator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut free?

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Stair Calculator or Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut?

Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut is rated higher. Stair Calculator averages 4.1 out of 5 from 740 ratings, while Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut averages 4.3 from 45 ratings.

### Do Stair Calculator or Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut have ads?

Neither Stair Calculator nor Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Stair Calculator or Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut?

Stair Calculator ships an update every 3 months, and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut every 4 days. Most recently, Stair Calculator was updated on November 3, 2026 and Cutlist Optimizer 4 / SmartCut on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*