Plus42 vs BVCalc
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
BVCalc
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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
Verdict
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
Plus42 costs $9.99 and BVCalc $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Plus42 ships an update weekly, BVCalc every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Plus42 | BVCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | $4.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.9 (79 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 92.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 79 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Thomas Okken | Brian Kenneth Vogel |
In-app purchases
Plus42
No in-app purchases
BVCalc
No in-app purchases









