# BuildCalc vs Span Calc

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BuildCalc at 87% against Span Calc's 30%. BuildCalc also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.9) and chart position (#142 vs unranked). Span Calc's advantage is price (Free vs $24.99) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Span Calc is free to download; BuildCalc costs $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

BuildCalc holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 72 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of BuildCalc's written reviews are positive against 30% of Span Calc's.

BuildCalc ships an update every 3 weeks, Span Calc every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BuildCalc | Span Calc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (72 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc/id333369423/reviews)** | [2.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/span-calc/id380481343/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **72** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **87.4% of reviews** | 29.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#142** | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 168 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [42nd Parallel](https://appshunter.io/developer/333369426) | [American Wood Council](https://appshunter.io/developer/380481346) |

## What reviewers say

### BuildCalc

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

**Currently charting:** #142 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


### Span Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/span-calc/id380481343)

Calculate maximum horizontal spans for wood joists and rafters using various lumber species and grades. Compares multiple options for common loading conditions based on NDS® standards.

**Highlights:** Calculates joist and rafter spans, Supports all softwood and hardwood lumber, Uses 2021 NDS® for Wood Construction, Compares multiple species and grades, Handles common loading conditions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BuildCalc free?

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

### Is Span Calc free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BuildCalc or Span Calc?

BuildCalc is rated higher. BuildCalc averages 4.7 out of 5 from 72 ratings, while Span Calc averages 2.9 from 15 ratings.

### Do BuildCalc or Span Calc have ads?

Neither BuildCalc nor Span Calc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BuildCalc or Span Calc?

BuildCalc ships an update every 3 weeks, and Span Calc every 10 days. Most recently, BuildCalc was updated on October 15, 2026 and Span Calc 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.*