# BuildCalc vs Chippy Tools

The clearest difference is price: Chippy Tools at Free against BuildCalc's $24.99. Chippy Tools also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (905 vs 71). BuildCalc's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and review sentiment (87% vs 55%). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Chippy Tools is free to download; BuildCalc costs $24.99 up front. Chippy Tools sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. BuildCalc asks for nothing beyond the download.

BuildCalc holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chippy Tools has 905 ratings behind it against 71, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of BuildCalc's written reviews are positive against 55% of Chippy Tools's.

BuildCalc ships an update every 3 weeks, Chippy Tools every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BuildCalc | Chippy Tools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc/id333369423/reviews)** | [4.5 (905 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chippy-tools-construction/id1579138717/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 71 | **905** |
| Positive reviews | **87.4% of reviews** | 55.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#63** | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [42nd Parallel](https://appshunter.io/developer/333369426) | [Peth Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/662891650) |

## What reviewers say

### BuildCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc/id333369423)

**Currently charting:** #63 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This app enhances traditional construction calculators with advanced functions for layout, material estimation, and complex calculations. It offers interactive features, customizable material sizes, and streamlined results presentation to reduce complexity and improve accuracy for professionals.

**Highlights:** Advanced baluster and stair layout, Fence post and material estimation, Interactive calculation adjustments, Customizable material sizes, Miter saw vs. protractor rafter calculations, Streamlined results display and saving

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Chippy Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chippy-tools-construction/id1579138717)

This app simplifies complex calculations for construction professionals. It offers a variety of tools for tasks like spacing, measurements, and material estimation, helping to reduce errors and save time on job sites. Available on iPhone and iPad, it aims to be an essential tool for tradespeople.

**Highlights:** Baluster spacing calculator, Flat run attached baluster calculator, Square calculator, Concrete calculator, Stair calculator, Supports millimeters, feet, and inches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Quarterly | $4.99 | per 3 months |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| One Time Purchase | $85.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 💡 Useful construction tools
- 🙌 Great for DIY projects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Confusing interface
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Inaccurate calculations
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Square check feature not working
- Measurements disappear after partial use

**Requested features**

- Add more construction-related calculators
- Improve stair and rafter tools
- Include material quantity estimations
- Add support for metric and imperial units


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BuildCalc free?

BuildCalc costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Chippy Tools free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BuildCalc or Chippy Tools?

BuildCalc is rated higher. BuildCalc averages 4.7 out of 5 from 71 ratings, while Chippy Tools averages 4.5 from 905 ratings.

### Do BuildCalc or Chippy Tools have ads?

Neither BuildCalc nor Chippy Tools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BuildCalc or Chippy Tools?

BuildCalc ships an update every 3 weeks, and Chippy Tools every 8 days. Most recently, BuildCalc was updated on September 23, 2026 and Chippy Tools on September 24, 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.*