# PCalc vs Plus42

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Plus42 at none against PCalc's 4. Plus42 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). PCalc's advantage is ratings volume (770 vs 79) and chart position (#161 vs unranked). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

PCalc costs $9.99 and Plus42 $9.99 up front. PCalc sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Plus42 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Plus42 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PCalc has 770 ratings behind it against 79, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of PCalc's written reviews are positive against 92% of Plus42's.

PCalc ships an update every 6 weeks, Plus42 weekly. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PCalc | Plus42 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (770 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pcalc/id284666222/reviews) | **[4.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plus42/id1597963622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **770** | 79 |
| Positive reviews | 83.6% of reviews | **92.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#161** | — |
| Size | 81 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TLA Systems Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284666225) | [Thomas Okken](https://appshunter.io/developer/337692632) |

## What reviewers say

### PCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pcalc/id284666222)

**Currently charting:** #161 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

A powerful calculator designed for professionals and students, offering advanced features like RPN mode, multi-line display, and extensive unit conversions. It supports various number systems and includes an Apple Watch app for on-the-go calculations.

**Highlights:** Optional RPN mode, Multi-line display, Extensive unit conversions, Paper tape, Multiple undo/redo, Hexadecimal, octal, binary support, Apple Watch app

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Enormous Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


### Plus42

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plus42/id1597963622)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PCalc free?

PCalc costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Plus42 free?

Plus42 costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PCalc or Plus42?

Plus42 is rated higher. PCalc averages 4.7 out of 5 from 770 ratings, while Plus42 averages 4.9 from 79 ratings.

### Do PCalc or Plus42 have ads?

Neither PCalc nor Plus42 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PCalc or Plus42?

PCalc ships an update every 6 weeks, and Plus42 weekly. Most recently, PCalc was updated on October 13, 2026 and Plus42 on October 13, 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.*