# Math Ref Lite vs Derivative

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Derivative at none against Math Ref Lite's 5. Math Ref Lite's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Ref Lite sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Derivative asks for nothing beyond the download.

Math Ref Lite ships an update every 2 months, Derivative monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Ref Lite | Derivative |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-ref-lite/id312756358/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7** | — |
| Positive reviews | 61.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 65 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Happy Maau Studios, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/301384060) | [Om Prakash Chapagain](https://appshunter.io/developer/1618620262) |

## What reviewers say

### Math Ref Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-ref-lite/id312756358)

Access a sample of over 700 essential math formulas, figures, tips, and examples across various subjects. This educational tool is ideal for students, teachers, and professionals needing quick math references.

**Highlights:** Over 700 math formulas, figures, and examples, Tools from Algebra to Physics, Search functionality, Print support for equations, Editable notes, Multiple math categories

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Full Unlock | $1.99 | one-time |
| Great Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Awesome Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great reference app
- 👍 Handy for homework
- 👍 Useful for students
- 👍 Comprehensive information
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Not working after updates
- 🐛 Incompatible with older devices
- 🐛 Poor definitions/errors
- 🐛 Lacks examples

**Reported bugs**

- App not supported on iPhone 5
- App not compatible with iPad 4 after update
- App crashes on launch for iPad Air
- App crashes often
- Update not initiating

**Requested features**

- Add language option
- Include physics equations
- Add more examples
- Add a search function
- Option to copy formulas


### Derivative

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/derivative-calculus/id1618969952)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Ref Lite free?

Math Ref Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Derivative free?

Derivative is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Math Ref Lite or Derivative have ads?

Derivative shows ads; Math Ref Lite does not.

### Which is updated more often, Math Ref Lite or Derivative?

Math Ref Lite ships an update every 2 months, and Derivative monthly. Most recently, Math Ref Lite was updated on October 4, 2026 and Derivative on October 12, 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.*