Comparison

Life's a Gantt vs Stringer

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

Head to head
About

Life's a Gantt

Features
Read full description

Life's a Gantt is a real tool that solves real problems. It's a timeline-based task scheduler that handles location-aware task planning with actual drive-time calculations, flexible time constraints (not just deadlines), and local-only data storage. Set a location for each task and get actual drive-time estimates. Plot tasks on a timeline so you can see overlaps before they happen. Define flexible time constraints - start tasks at a specific time, finish before a deadline, or complete them between two times. Not everything fits a simple due date. Features - Timeline view with drive-time estimates between tasks - Flexible time constraints (start at, finish by, finish after, etc.) - Repeating tasks that don't schedule until they're needed - Conflict warnings when tasks overlap - Pin important tasks to keep them visible - Search your tasks - Task completion metrics - Local storage - all data stays on your device ABOUT * Data is stored on your device locally, and uninstalling will delete all your data. * Terms of Service ( https://cycosoft.com/lag/terms ) * Privacy Policy ( https://cycosoft.com/lag/privacy )

About

Stringer

This app calculates stair stringer dimensions for builders and DIYers. It provides clear options based on rise and going, with code compliance checks. All calculations and projects are saved on the device for offline use.

Highlights
  • Stair stringer calculations
  • Imperial/metric unit support
  • Building code references
  • Offline functionality
  • Project saving
  • Visual results and cut sheets
Features
Read full description

Stringer is a focused stair and stair-stringer calculator for builders, remodelers, deck crews, finish carpenters, makers, inspectors, and careful DIYers who want usable numbers before cutting timber. Enter the total rise and the going, choose imperial or metric units, pick the building-code reference you want to compare against, and Stringer turns the job into clear stair options you can read on site. Privacy is built into the workflow: Offline / No Login / Privacy First / On Device / No Cloud Upload. You can open the app in a basement, garage, workshop, rural jobsite, or anywhere without reliable service. Calculations, saved projects, settings, and exported cut sheets stay on the device. There is no account to create, no sync step to wait for, and no project data being uploaded to a cloud service. Use Stringer when you need to decide how many risers fit a stair, what each riser height should be, how many treads are needed, and what total run and pitch that choice creates. The results screen highlights a recommended option, then lists nearby alternatives so you can compare 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19 risers at a glance. Each option shows the riser height, tread count, total run, pitch angle, and code status, making it easier to choose a layout that works for the space instead of guessing from a scrap of paper. The calculator is made for real construction details. Set total rise, going or tread run, maximum available run, stair width, nosing, tread thickness, stringer stock, stock price, standard or flush construction, and whether the bottom stringer should be dropped. Switch between inches and millimetres as needed. The app also estimates board length, cut count, throat depth, first cut, and the framing-square rise and run values you need when laying out a stringer by hand. Code references are available for quick checks against common stair rules, including IRC for US/CA work, NCC for Australia, and Doc K for the UK. Stringer can flag riser height, tread depth, pitch, stair width, and headroom notes in a readable compliance panel. These checks are intended as a field aid, not as a replacement for local code review, permits, or professional judgement. Always verify site conditions, headroom, landings, guards, handrails, and local amendments before final construction. The visual results are designed to reduce mistakes. View the stair elevation, the full stringer shape, or the cut sheet. Dimension callouts show rise, going, total rise, total run, pitch, board length, throat depth, plumb angle, and first cut. The stringer layout view helps you see how the stair will land on the stock before you mark the board. This is useful when checking whether a 2x12 has enough throat, whether the run fits the opening, or whether a different riser count gives a better balance. Projects help keep jobsite numbers organized. Save a project, create a new one, return to previous calculations, and keep your settings ready for the next stair. When the layout is ready, export a professional-looking Stair Cut Sheet PDF with a summary, diagram, code-compliance table, and stringer layout notes. Share it with a crew member, client, inspector, or your own future self before lumber is cut. Stringer is intentionally simple: no login wall, no cloud workspace, no noisy collaboration feed, and no hidden web requirement. It is a practical stair layout tool for people who need fast answers, readable drawings, and repeatable numbers while keeping project information private and local. Stringer now requires an active Stringer Pro subscription to use the app. The subscription unlocks stair layout calculations, code checks, saved projects, and PDF cut sheet export. Privacy Policy https://woodcuttool.com/legal/Stringer/privacy/ Terms of Use https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Life's a Gantt4 screens
Stringer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Stringer at none against Life's a Gantt's 2. Stringer also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). Life's a Gantt's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Life's a Gantt sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Stringer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Life's a Gantt ships an update every 5 weeks, Stringer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Life's a Gantt versus Stringer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLife's a GanttStringer
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.4 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—5 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCycosoft, LLC家宝 戴

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Life's a Gantt

Subscriptions2
  • Life's a Gantt Premium1 Month trial$2.991 Month
  • Life's a Gantt Premium1 Month trial$24.991 Year
None

Stringer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Life's a Gantt free?
Life's a Gantt is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Stringer free?
Stringer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Life's a Gantt or Stringer have ads?
Neither Life's a Gantt nor Stringer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Life's a Gantt or Stringer?
Life's a Gantt ships an update every 5 weeks, and Stringer weekly. Most recently, Life's a Gantt was updated on October 16, 2026 and Stringer on October 24, 2026.

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