# BuildCalc vs Construction Master 5 Calc

The clearest difference is price: Construction Master 5 Calc at Free against BuildCalc's $24.99. Construction Master 5 Calc also leads on ratings volume (13K vs 71) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). BuildCalc's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and review sentiment (87% vs 68%). On rating, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Construction Master 5 Calc is free to download; BuildCalc costs $24.99 up front. Construction Master 5 Calc sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. BuildCalc asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for BuildCalc against 4.8 for Construction Master 5 Calc. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Construction Master 5 Calc has 13K ratings behind it against 71, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 87% of BuildCalc's written reviews are positive against 68% of Construction Master 5 Calc's.

BuildCalc ships an update every 3 weeks, Construction Master 5 Calc every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BuildCalc | Construction Master 5 Calc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc/id333369423/reviews) | **[4.8 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/construction-master-5-calc/id370412148/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 71 | **13K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.4% of reviews** | 67.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#63** | #185 |
| Size | 15 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [42nd Parallel](https://appshunter.io/developer/333369426) | [Calculated Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/370406449) |

## 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


### Construction Master 5 Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/construction-master-5-calc/id370412148)

**Currently charting:** #185 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app is a powerful feet-inch-fraction calculator designed for construction professionals. It offers advanced calculation capabilities for layouts, bids, and estimates, simplifying complex measurements and conversions for enhanced project accuracy and efficiency.

**Highlights:** Feet-inch-fraction calculations, Right angle and rafter calculations, Area and volume solutions, Board feet and cost per unit, Dimensional math and conversions, Save or email calculations, Context-sensitive help

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Full Access | $3.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Full Access | $34.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient to have on phone
- 💡 Useful for construction work
- 🚀 Performs like physical calculator
- 👍 Helpful for calculations and estimates
- 👍 Great tool for framers and carpenters

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🤔 Prefer one-time purchase option
- 🤔 Subscription cost as much as physical calculator
- 🤔 Should allow trial before subscription
- 🐛 Issues with restoring purchases

**Reported bugs**

- App not working without internet connection
- Crashes or freezes on some devices
- Login/purchase issues when switching devices

**Requested features**

- Add Apple Watch support
- Offer one-time purchase option
- Improve compatibility with older devices
- Provide a free version with limited features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BuildCalc free?

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

### Is Construction Master 5 Calc free?

Construction Master 5 Calc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BuildCalc or Construction Master 5 Calc?

Construction Master 5 Calc is rated higher. BuildCalc averages 4.7 out of 5 from 71 ratings, while Construction Master 5 Calc averages 4.8 from 13K ratings.

### Do BuildCalc or Construction Master 5 Calc have ads?

Neither BuildCalc nor Construction Master 5 Calc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BuildCalc or Construction Master 5 Calc?

BuildCalc ships an update every 3 weeks, and Construction Master 5 Calc every 3 months. Most recently, BuildCalc was updated on September 23, 2026 and Construction Master 5 Calc on September 26, 2026.

### Which is more popular, BuildCalc or Construction Master 5 Calc?

BuildCalc currently peaks at #63 in the App Store charts, and Construction Master 5 Calc at #185. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*