# Math Ref Lite vs PocketCAS

Math Ref Lite and PocketCAS both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 91% of PocketCAS's written reviews are positive against 61% of Math Ref Lite's. PocketCAS also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (204 vs 7). Math Ref Lite's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Ref Lite sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and PocketCAS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Math Ref Lite against 4.6 for PocketCAS. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PocketCAS has 204 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 61% of Math Ref Lite's written reviews are positive against 91% of PocketCAS's.

Math Ref Lite ships an update every 2 months, PocketCAS every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Ref Lite | PocketCAS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-ref-lite/id312756358/reviews) | **[4.6 (204 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketcas-graphing-calculator/id517249689/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **204** |
| Positive reviews | 61.3% of reviews | **90.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 65 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Happy Maau Studios, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/301384060) | [Timing Software GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/333261118) |

## 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


### PocketCAS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketcas-graphing-calculator/id517249689)

This advanced math application assists with a wide range of mathematical problems, from basic arithmetic to calculus, algebra, and statistics. It functions as a graphing calculator replacement, aids in homework, and supports complex calculations for academic and professional use.

**Highlights:** 2D and 3D plotting, Calculus functions (limits, derivatives), Linear algebra operations, Equation solving, Scripting language, Physical units and constants, iCloud sync

**Features:** Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PocketCAS Pro | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 📊 Excellent graphing capabilities with 3D visualization
- 💰 Free version available with substantial features
- 🧮 Powerful mathematical computation engine
- 📱 Convenient mobile alternative to expensive calculators

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Recent updates cause crashes on older documents
- 💸 Expensive compared to free alternatives
- 🔒 Limited free version functionality
- 🎮 Clunky interface in some areas
- ❌ Cannot plot certain advanced functions

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading previously saved documents
- Crashes with no error feedback or debugging information
- Cannot plot certain mathematical functions
- Zoom scaling issues with 3D graphs (scales Z-axis incorrectly)
- Compatibility broken with iOS 6 after iOS 7 update

**Requested features**

- Dark theme/dark mode for UI
- Multiple polynomials on single graph
- Inverse button functionality
- Better zoom functionality for 3D graphs
- Improved documentation and tutorials


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Ref Lite free?

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

### Is PocketCAS free?

PocketCAS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Math Ref Lite or PocketCAS?

PocketCAS is rated higher. Math Ref Lite averages 4.6 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while PocketCAS averages 4.6 from 204 ratings.

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

Neither Math Ref Lite nor PocketCAS shows ads.

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

Math Ref Lite ships an update every 2 months, and PocketCAS every 3 months. Most recently, Math Ref Lite was updated on October 23, 2026 and PocketCAS on October 29, 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.*