Comparison

Plus42 vs BVCalc

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

Head to head
About

Plus42

This advanced scientific calculator simulates the classic HP-42S RPN calculator with enhanced features. It offers algebraic expressions, unit conversions, directories for storage, a larger resizable display, financial functions, and 2D plotting with integral and root finding.

Highlights
  • HP-42S RPN calculator simulation
  • Algebraic expressions
  • Attached units and conversions
  • Program and variable directories
  • Resizable 8-row, 22-column display
  • Time value of money and amortization
  • 2D function plotting with zoom and pan
Features
Read full description

Plus42 is an advanced scientific programmable calculator, based on Free42. Free42, in turn, is a complete re-implementation of the HP-42S scientific programmable RPN calculator, which was made from 1988 until 1995 by Hewlett-Packard. Free42 is a complete rewrite and contains no HP code whatsoever. Plus42 builds on Free42 and adds: Algebraic expressions modeled after those used on the HP-27S and HP-17B/19B; attached units and unit conversions modeled after those used on the HP-48/49/50 series; directories for more organized storage of programs and variables; a larger display, with 8 rows and 22 columns (131x64 pixels) by default, which the user may resize at will; time value of money and amortization schedules; and two-dimensional plotting of functions, with ability to zoom and pan, and find integrals and roots from points in the plot.

About

BVCalc

Features
Read full description

Calculate with confidence. BVCalc combines live-updating algebraic entry with an RPN stack that shows the full expression behind every value. Reuse past work with a tap, switch modes anytime, and audit every step. Why BVCalc • Live result as you type, so no need for a “=” key • Reuse expressions, not just values • Shared tape/stack with readable infix history • Switch between Algebraic ↔ RPN mid-calculation • Touch-friendly stack gestures (tap to swap/roll) • Basic & Scientific keyboards + external keyboard support • Long-press to edit any past step; copy/paste everywhere • Color-coded parentheses, themes, high-contrast mode • Memory for reusable snippets • No ads BVCalc makes partial-step workflows fast and reliable: what you see is the math you actually entered.

Screenshots

Plus424 screens
BVCalc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Plus42 at weekly against BVCalc's every 5 weeks. Plus42 also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). BVCalc's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $9.99). On ads, in-app purchases 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

Plus42 costs $9.99 and BVCalc $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Plus42 ships an update weekly, BVCalc every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Plus42 versus BVCalc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlus42BVCalc
Price$9.99$4.99 — better
Rating4.9 (79 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings79 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas OkkenBrian Kenneth Vogel

In-app purchases

None

Plus42

No in-app purchases

None

BVCalc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Plus42 free?
Plus42 costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is BVCalc free?
BVCalc costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Plus42 or BVCalc have ads?
Neither Plus42 nor BVCalc shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Plus42 or BVCalc?
Plus42 ships an update weekly, and BVCalc every 5 weeks. Most recently, Plus42 was updated on October 13, 2026 and BVCalc on October 7, 2026.

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