# Pattern Sets vs Number Rack, by MLC

The clearest difference is rating: Pattern Sets at 5.0 against Number Rack, by MLC's 3.2. Pattern Sets also leads on update cadence (every 7 months vs every 25 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Number Rack, by MLC's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Pattern Sets holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Number Rack, by MLC has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Pattern Sets ships an update every 7 months, Number Rack, by MLC every 25 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pattern Sets | Number Rack, by MLC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-sets/id415152649/reviews)** | [3.2 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-rack-by-mlc/id1469094747/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 7 months** | Every 25 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 38 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 14.7 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Classroom Focused Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/406741679) | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) |

## What reviewers say

### Pattern Sets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-sets/id415152649)

This app helps young learners develop number sense by practicing subitizing, the ability to quickly recognize quantities without counting. It features various dot patterns, dice patterns, and 10-frames for practice, with adjustable settings for exposure time and quantity range.

**Highlights:** Subitizing practice, Dot patterns, Dice patterns, 10-frames, Adjustable time and quantity, Two-color patterns

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Number Rack, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-rack-by-mlc/id1469094747)

This virtual manipulative tool helps children develop number sense through interactive bead groupings. It supports exploration of addition and subtraction strategies with customizable rows and colors. Ideal for elementary classrooms, it includes annotation and sharing features.

**Highlights:** 1-10 rows of 10 beads, Resizable bead covers for subtraction, Color-coded bead rows, Annotation and drawing tools, Math text and writing tools, Shareable work via image or code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pattern Sets free?

Pattern Sets is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Number Rack, by MLC free?

Number Rack, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Pattern Sets or Number Rack, by MLC?

Pattern Sets is rated higher. Pattern Sets averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Number Rack, by MLC averages 3.2 from 9 ratings.

### Do Pattern Sets or Number Rack, by MLC have ads?

Neither Pattern Sets nor Number Rack, by MLC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pattern Sets or Number Rack, by MLC?

Pattern Sets ships an update every 7 months, and Number Rack, by MLC every 25 months. Most recently, Pattern Sets was updated on September 24, 2026 and Number Rack, by MLC on September 28, 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.*