Comparison

Piping Abacus vs Piping Engineering Toolbox

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

Head to head
About

Piping Abacus

This app serves as a comprehensive mobile reference for piping information, acting as a digital "Blue Book" for pipe fitters and related professionals. It includes a built-in calculator for on-the-fly computations and offers multiple interfaces for accessing detailed data, quick references, and browsing pipe schedules.

Highlights
  • Comprehensive piping reference database
  • Integrated calculator for on-the-fly computations
  • Catalog, Chart, and Wheels interfaces
  • Detailed fitting and valve information
  • Support for various units (Imperial/Metric, Decimal/Fraction)
  • Educational information on fitting types and standards
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

PipingAbacus is the most advanced and powerful mobile app for piping information; it is the modern Pipe Fitter's "Blue Book". It is designed to be used by draftsman, designer, pipefitter (s), engineer, and construction personnel. Piping Abacus now supports iPhone 5. Piping Abacus is the modern Pipe Fitter's "Blue Book". Piping Abacus is a powerful piping reference database utility. Piping Abacus is unique; it is the only piping reference resource that incorporates a built in calculator to the reference data. The basic idea is: if you are referring to the data ( datum ), than you probably need to add it or subtract it. But it can also be used just as easily for a reference tool. PipingAbacus now has three interfaces (windows) to access the piping information - Catalog, Chart, and Wheels. It works the way you want it to work. For example, use the catalog if you want very detailed and specific information about a valve or fitting. If you are checking or adding takeouts, then use the easy and fast chart. Like to quickly browse pipe schedules, then use the wheel view. Use the right view to match your task. Accurate - All data was carefully entered upon entry. It was re-checked after the program was written. The program has been regularly used for over two years in the field by piping designers and construction personnel ( fitter fabrication ). Complete - All common Buttweld, SocketWeld, Threaded, welding, and Flanged Fittings and Valve (s) are presented in the "catalog" section of the app ANSI, ASME, etc. The user can easily add o'all lengths, weights, 1/2 OD's etc. Sizes include 1/8" through 60" (DIN and Imperial). Flange ratings 150 through 2500. Schedules: 10 - XXS. The menu system was designed to provide the user with graphical pipe fitting images that are large enough to provide details that are commonly found in manufacturer catalogs. All fitting properties are displayed in a scrolling table below the image with a clear description, value and a add/sub button. Versatile - Use the catalog section for detailed information. Use the chart or wheels for quick and easy reference. Output and input - imperial metric, fraction, decimals - you decide. Educational - What is the difference between a gate and a globe? What ASTM or ANSI does a particular fitting conform to? This information is now at your fingertips. Easy and intuitive - Uses common symbology. Useful - Other apps or programs simply present partial fitting dimensions to the user. PipingAbacus presents all catalog information. If a computation is required (how common it is to have add multiple fittings together)? The abacus part of the catalog adds fitting dimensions on the fly. But there's more versatility: units include: decimal, inch, ft-in input. You owe it to yourself: check out the you-tube videos through the web site. Compare our app against others. Their app may be good, but our app is BETTER! Go to our website www.jplanaux.com to learn more or search "PipingAbacus" at you-tube before you buy any other piping info app. PipingAbacus is easier to use, is regularly updated, has tons of information, is more versatile, and loads fast. Piping Abacus is a work in progress, and it keeps getting more xtreme through your comments and email contact. We are the best most advanced and powerful Piping Mobile iPhone App!" The best piping iPhone app keeps adding more information - for free. Most recent additional information includes: Orifice Flanges, Bolt Torque, Series A and Series B Flanges, wrench sizes for bolting, pipe spacing, malleable iron, and butt-weld valves and a "fitting chart" which includes built in calc buttons. Added tutorial links and email support link. Not quite sure that this is the right app for you? Visit our web site by clicking on the support link to find out more info about our app.

About

Piping Engineering Toolbox

This app provides piping engineers with essential tools, dimensions, and standards for design and analysis. It includes calculators, checklists, software shortcuts, and educational resources to streamline work and enhance knowledge.

Highlights
  • Pipe wall thickness calculator
  • Branch reinforcement calculator
  • Piping checklists
  • Fitting dimensions
  • Software shortcuts (AutoCAD, MicroStation)
  • Piping standards references (ASME, ASTM)
  • Industry blog and quizzes
Features
Read full description

This app is designed to be the ultimate resource for piping engineers, combining essential tools, detailed dimensions, and comprehensive standards in one convenient platform. Whether you're calculating critical design parameters or referencing piping standards like ASME and ASTM, this app provides everything you need to streamline your work. The inclusion of various calculators—ranging from pipe wall thickness to branch reinforcement—ensures that you can quickly and accurately complete your design and analysis tasks with confidence. Beyond calculators and standards, the app offers valuable resources like piping checklists, detailed dimensions of various fittings, and essential software shortcuts for commonly used engineering tools such as AutoCAD and MicroStation. The Piping Blog keeps you updated with the latest industry insights, while the quizzes and video library offer opportunities to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead in the field. This app is an indispensable companion for any piping engineer, providing all the tools and information required to excel in the industry. Comprehensive Piping Engineering Tools and Resources in One App Piping Fittings Dimensions: - Steel Pipes - Socket Weld Fittings - Threaded Fittings - Buttweld Fittings - Flanges - Line Blanks - MSS Fittings - Valves Piping Checklists: - Plot Plan Design - Plot Plan Drafting - Equipment Layout Design - Equipment Layout Drafting - MTO General Checklist - MTO - Tie-ins - MTO - 3D Model Extraction - Piping Isometric Drawing Piping Standards Lists: - ASME B31 Codes - ASME Dimensional Standards - MSS Dimensional Standards - ASTM Materials for Pipes - ASTM Materials for Fittings - OISD Standards - API Standards for Equipment - NFPA Standards Software Shortcuts: - AutoCAD - Microstation - PDMS - Excel - Word Piping Quizzes: - Dimensional Standards - Materials of Construction In conclusion, this app is more than just a toolkit—it's a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the demands of modern piping engineering. With its user-friendly interface, extensive resources, and continuous updates, it empowers engineers to perform at their best, whether they're in the office, on-site, or anywhere in between. By centralizing critical tools, standards, and educational content, this app ensures that you have everything you need at your fingertips, making it an invaluable asset for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field. In app purchase included : Weekly for 1.99$ Monthly for 3.99$ Yearly for 5.99$ Life time for 19.99$ Privacy policy : https://privacypolicy50.wordpress.com/privacy-policy-subscription/ Terms and condition :https://privacypolicy50.wordpress.com/terms-and-condition/

Screenshots

Piping Abacus4 screens
Piping Engineering Toolbox4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Piping Engineering Toolbox at Free against Piping Abacus's $9.99. Piping Abacus's advantage is review sentiment (92% vs 50%) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On rating, ratings volume, ads 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

Piping Engineering Toolbox is free to download; Piping Abacus costs $9.99 up front. Piping Engineering Toolbox sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Piping Abacus asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Piping Abacus holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of Piping Abacus's written reviews are positive against 50% of Piping Engineering Toolbox's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Piping Abacus ships an update every 4 weeks, Piping Engineering Toolbox every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Piping Abacus versus Piping Engineering Toolbox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPiping AbacusPiping Engineering Toolbox
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating3.9 (9 ratings) — better3.7 (9 ratings)
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings99
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#143 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB61 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJean-Paul LanauxShital Gorasiya

Customer experience

Piping Abacus

All ratings9 ratings
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%
Written reviews78 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral1.3%
Negative6.4%

Piping Engineering Toolbox

All ratings9 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

Piping Abacus

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • Calculator store and recall functions not working
  • Clear button clears everything instead of last input
  • Notes display truncated data ('...')
  • Background grid lines too visible after update
  • Calculator can be glitchy
Show 2 more
  • Application bugged/not working on iPhone
  • Issues with finding different size fittings and changing thickness

Requested features

19 requests
  • Remove background grid lines
  • Update app to remove background grid lines
  • Add rolling offset chart
  • Add saddle layout
  • Add U-BOLT DIMENSIONS
Show 14 more
  • Add offset calculations
  • Add double 45, 45 off 90, 45 off tee and other 45 offset measurements
  • Add bolt size and wrench info for flanges
  • Add weights for various pipe metals
  • Add plug valve data
  • Add 150lb TH fittings data
  • Add more detail like saddle layout for big pipe
  • Add more formula related stuff like rolling offsets
  • Improve calculator functions (store, recall, clear)
  • Clear button should only clear last input mistake
  • Add dark mode option
  • Add advanced analytics dashboard
  • Add relief valves
  • Add inside/outside measurements for cutting elbows to any angle

Piping Engineering Toolbox

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Piping Abacus

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Piping Engineering Toolbox

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Premium$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium$3.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$12.99

Questions

Is Piping Abacus free?
Piping Abacus costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Piping Engineering Toolbox free?
Piping Engineering Toolbox is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Piping Abacus or Piping Engineering Toolbox?
Piping Abacus is rated higher. Piping Abacus averages 3.9 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Piping Engineering Toolbox averages 3.7 from 9 ratings.
Do Piping Abacus or Piping Engineering Toolbox have ads?
Neither Piping Abacus nor Piping Engineering Toolbox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Piping Abacus or Piping Engineering Toolbox?
Piping Abacus ships an update every 4 weeks, and Piping Engineering Toolbox every 3 months. Most recently, Piping Abacus was updated on September 24, 2026 and Piping Engineering Toolbox on August 26, 2026.

Other comparisons