Comparison

MathTappers vs ZipGrade

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MathTappers

This app helps learners develop an intuitive understanding of fractions by relating them to halves and using estimation in addition and subtraction problems. It emphasizes sense-making through visual models before procedural mastery, and is best used alongside classroom activities.

Highlights
  • Intuitive fraction understanding
  • Estimation for addition/subtraction
  • Visual models for fractions
  • Sense-making before procedures
  • Supports classroom learning
Features
Read full description

MathTappers: Fraction Estimation is designed to help learners to build their intuitive understanding of fractions by helping them to relate fractions (both symbols and pictures) to the nearest half (e.g., 0, 1/2 1, 1 1/2, 2, etc.) and then to extend their understanding by challenging them to use fraction estimates in addition and subtraction problems. Learners should be able to master the challenges in this app before moving on to formal operations with fractions. We recommend that this app be used in conjunction with classroom or tutoring activities to support consolidation, mastery and fluency through a series of manageable challenges. The purpose of this app is to support learners as they are developing their understanding of fractions, fraction symbols and fraction operations by emphasizing sense-making through estimation and the use of visual models. Evidence suggests that if learners are taught formulas and procedures before they develop understanding, then they may not be motivated to spend the effort needed to make sense of what they are doing. We want to support sense-making before procedural mastery. This app is not intended to be mastered in one shot – rather levels should be assigned judiciously to support classroom learning activities. After introducing each fraction idea (fraction estimation, and estimation of sums and differences) in a classroom presentation, explanation or discussion this app may be used in small group and individual activities to support exploration, sense-making, consolidation and remediation. Design: Tim Pelton & Leslee Francis Pelton Programming: Mike Anderson, Joshua E. Smith & Garrett Reimer The designers of the MathTappers apps are math educators and researchers seeking to create simple games that will help learners to make sense of mathematics one concept at a time. We have designed MathTappers apps to support students in learning mathematics by providing relevant visual models, focused content linked games and helpful suggestions for parents and educators. Please check out all of our MathTappers apps (links found at MathTappers.com): MathTappers: MultiMatch--a matching app that challenges learners to match sets of cards placed on the table. This is our newest MathTappers app. Although it comes with a deck and you can download others from our website, it was really designed to encourage teachers and students make and share their own matching game decks to capture their understanding and challenge others. Please go to mathtappers.com and check out our instructions on the right to find out how to make your own decks MathTappers: Clock Master--learn to tell time MathTappers: Estimate Fractions--make sense of fraction sums and differences MathTappers: Find Sums--learn basic facts for addition and subtraction MathTappers: Multiples--learn basic facts for multiplication and division MathTappers: Equivalents--equivalent fractions, decimals and percents MathTappers: Numberline--find relative positions of numbers on a numberline, MathTappers: Carbon Choices--help students explore their carbon footprint.

About

ZipGrade

Instantly grade multiple-choice tests and quizzes using your device's camera. This app offers a fast and accurate way for educators to assess student work, with features for organizing and exporting results. It provides immediate feedback to inform lesson planning and assignments.

Highlights
  • Instant grading with device camera
  • Supports multiple choice tests and quizzes
  • Organizes and exports results (PDF, Excel)
  • Free answer sheet templates available
  • Companion website for data management
  • Stores results by student, subject, and quiz
Features
Read full description

Teachers can grade multiple choice tests, quizzes, and assessments instantly in the classroom by using their iPhone or iPad's camera as a scanner. It is the most cost effective, fastest, and most accurate way to grade tests in the classroom or where ever you are. -------------------------------------------------------- * Free answer sheets available in several formats and sizes up to 100 questions (including custom form wizard) * Organizes results for reporting and exporting via PDF and Excel-readable format * Uses student ID numbers or written name of student for reporting. * Use companion website (www.zipgrade.com) to manage your data and upload student lists and review results in dozens of reports and exports. -------------------------------------------------------- Use for exit tickets, formative assessments, or regular quizzes. Stores results by students, subject, and quiz. By giving teachers the flexibility to grade papers instantly anywhere, ZipGrade provides immediate feedback on current knowledge and can be used to better focus lessons and assignments. Download ZipGrade free with access to all features and website, but limited to 100 scans per month. After you've used it for a class or two, use the in-app purchase a non-recurring subscription with unlimited scanning.

Screenshots

MathTappers4 screens
ZipGrade3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ZipGrade at 4.9 against MathTappers's 3.1. ZipGrade also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 33 months) and ratings volume (36K vs 80). MathTappers's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MathTappers sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ZipGrade sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ZipGrade holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZipGrade has 36K ratings behind it against 80, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of MathTappers's written reviews are positive against 86% of ZipGrade's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MathTappers ships an update every 33 months, ZipGrade every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
MathTappers versus ZipGrade: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMathTappersZipGrade
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (80 ratings)4.9 (36K ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews85.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings8036K — better
Update frequencyEvery 33 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJoshua SmithZipGrade LLC

Customer experience

MathTappers

All ratings80 ratings
Positive46.3%
Neutral11.3%
Negative42.5%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

ZipGrade

All ratings36,274 ratings
Positive98.3%
Neutral0.9%
Negative0.9%
Written reviews505 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral3.2%
Negative11.1%

Bugs and requests

MathTappers

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

ZipGrade

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Scanning issues with flat surface detection
  • Incorrect answer marking due to eraser marks

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to change question point values in bulk
  • Option to create/edit answer keys on website
  • Support for non-multiple choice question types
  • Improved data export/integration with other systems

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MathTappers

One-time1
  • Expanded Version$0.99
1 purchases

ZipGrade

One-time1
  • Add 1 year of use$6.99

Questions

Is MathTappers free?
MathTappers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ZipGrade free?
ZipGrade is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MathTappers or ZipGrade?
ZipGrade is rated higher. MathTappers averages 3.1 out of 5 from 80 ratings, while ZipGrade averages 4.9 from 36K ratings.
Do MathTappers or ZipGrade have ads?
Neither MathTappers nor ZipGrade shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MathTappers or ZipGrade?
MathTappers ships an update every 33 months, and ZipGrade every 6 weeks. Most recently, MathTappers was updated on September 29, 2026 and ZipGrade on October 14, 2026.

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