HoldCalcPro vs MGRS@Work
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HoldCalcPro
This app calculates precise headings and times for flight holding patterns and entry procedures. It offers visual and textual representations of the procedure, aiding pilots in understanding and executing them correctly. Features include synchronized views and playback for detailed analysis.
- Precise heading and time calculations
- Visual graph of holding pattern
- Textual step-by-step instructions
- Simulated cockpit PFD view
- Synchronized multi-view playback
- Wind direction and speed indicator
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HoldCalcPro calculates the precise headings and times required to perform the proper entry procedure, and holding pattern. A simple input page allows a pilot to quickly enter the hold data with the onscreen keyboard and selector buttons, without the need to direct attention away from other tasks. Press "Calculate" to update the answer screens: a "Graph" for an overhead view, a "Text" page listing all the steps for the entry and the holding pattern, and a "PFD" page allowing the pilot to see what the indications in the cockpit would look like while performing each step. Once your hold has been calculated the graph view allows orienting the hold as it would be on a chart (North Up) or with the holding course toward the top of the screen. The graph view also includes a wind direction and speed indicator, a legend for a sense of scale, a North indicator, and the outbound heading and time required for the hold. A yellow, segmented line indicates the FAA's "70° line" for determining which entry procedure to use, and this line is drawn 1 NM to either side of the fix to help with the scale of the hold. The text view plainly shows the required entry procedure, and EVERY heading needed to complete the entire entry and hold, as well as the time for each segment. No other holding pattern calculator gives you the exact headings and times to fly for the entry procedure - there is no guesswork involved in getting you to line up with the inbound course exactly as you roll out of your turn. The PFD view allows the pilot to see what the indications will look like when the procedure is executed properly, helping instrument students compare the procedure to the instrument readings, and enhancing the development of situational awareness. Compare different views side-by-side (2 views on iPhone in landscape, and 3 views simultaneously on iPad) and use the playback controls to go through the hold second-by-second. The entry and hold are divided into segments, and as you move through the procedure (with the Play, Next, and Prev buttons) the graph view, text view, and PFD view show a synchronized movement through every second. This is the ultimate in building the visualization required for instrument flying, as the overhead view clearly shows where the plane is, as the PFD shows CDI movements, RMI needles, DME readout, and each segment can be played, and replayed. To get a quick preview of the entire hold, set the playback speed to 8X, and the playback to "Auto", and the entire procedure will sequence itself. For the seasoned professional pilot, the "answer" you want is in the upper-left corner of the graph view. No more adjusting the outbound time or heading to eventually get the "perfect" roll out on the inbound. Just do it the first time. This app is a must-have for instrument flight instructors hoping to help their instrument students develop the ability to turn holding instructions into action. The entry steps alone can help you perform flawless procedure turns that join the final approach course as you roll out on the required heading to track the final! While holding patterns are not usually done for entertainment, why increase your workload while there are more important things to consider (like: Where is the weather good? How long can I spend in this hold before "Bingo"? and, Are there alternates I've yet to consider?) Make your instrument flying more comfortable and enjoyable by giving yourself the opportunity to manage your flight, rather than play "guess-and-check" bracketing your outbound course and time.
MGRS@Work
This navigation app provides precise location data using the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) and an advanced compass. Designed for professionals in demanding fields, it offers an intuitive interface for quick access to critical navigation information.
- MGRS coordinate support
- Advanced real-time compass
- User-friendly interface
- Quick access to critical data
- Reliable performance in demanding environments
- Apple Watch companion app
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MGRS@Work is your ultimate tool for accurate and reliable navigation, built specifically for professionals who require precise location data in challenging environments. Whether you’re in the military, search and rescue, or any high-stress field, this app delivers powerful features with an intuitive design. Key Features: MGRS Support: Easily access your location using the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS), providing precise coordinates that are essential for tactical operations and mission planning. Advanced Compass: A highly responsive, easy-to-read compass that aligns perfectly with your needs. Navigate confidently with accurate directional data displayed in real-time. User-Friendly Interface: Designed for use in high-pressure situations, the app offers a clean and straightforward interface, allowing you to focus on what’s important without distractions. Quick Access to Critical Data: Instantly retrieve coordinates, heading, and other vital information with minimal effort, ensuring you can make quick decisions when time is of the essence. Reliable Performance: Built to perform in the most demanding environments, whether you’re in the field or on the move, ensuring you always have access to accurate and up-to-date information. MGRS@Watch: Precision navigation now on Apple Watch! Access accurate MGRS coordinates and an advanced compass in a user-friendly interface even without your iPhone. MGRS@Work is more than just a compass—it's a critical tool for professionals who demand the best in navigation technology. With its focus on precision, ease of use, and reliability, this app is your trusted companion in any mission.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: MGRS@Work at Free against HoldCalcPro's $4.99. MGRS@Work also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 25 months). HoldCalcPro's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). On ads and in-app purchases 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
MGRS@Work is free to download; HoldCalcPro costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HoldCalcPro holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.
HoldCalcPro ships an update every 25 months, MGRS@Work every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HoldCalcPro | MGRS@Work |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better | 4.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 25 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 14.5 — better | 17.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kingswell Productions | Henning Bjorneng Sagen |
Customer experience
HoldCalcPro
MGRS@Work
In-app purchases
HoldCalcPro
No in-app purchases
MGRS@Work
No in-app purchases









