# Formula MAX vs Instrument Rating

The clearest difference is update cadence: Instrument Rating at every 4 months against Formula MAX's every 11 months. Instrument Rating also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). Formula MAX's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Formula MAX costs $0.99 and Instrument Rating $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Formula MAX ships an update every 11 months, Instrument Rating every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Formula MAX | Instrument Rating |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formula-max/id454108371/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **52** | — |
| Positive reviews | 79.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mallow Technologies Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/416807590) | [Bravo Zulu Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1000879252) |

## What reviewers say

### Formula MAX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formula-max/id454108371)

Access over 1100 physics, chemistry, and math formulas with a powerful search and offline access. Save favorites, use built-in calculators, and view a detailed periodic table. Designed for user convenience and quick reference.

**Highlights:** 1100+ formulas, definitions, and values, Offline access, Powerful search function, Favorites for quick access, Trigonometric and logarithmic calculators, Periodic table with element details

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Comprehensive collection of 1000+ formulas across math, physics, and chemistry
- 🔍 Powerful search function for easy formula location
- ⭐ Excellent value at $0.99 price point
- 📱 Clean and intuitive user interface design
- 🧪 Useful periodic table included in chemistry section

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📖 Lacks explanations and examples for formulas
- ❌ Non-interactive formulas (displayed as images only)
- 🔤 Numerous spelling and grammar errors throughout
- 🧬 Chemistry section lacks depth and advanced topics
- 📏 Font sizes too small in some sections

**Reported bugs**

- Search function returns no results for some queries
- Display glitches preventing information from showing
- Inconsistent symbology and notation within sections
- Spacing errors in text
- App crashes or performance issues

**Requested features**

- Add worked examples demonstrating formula application
- Include interactive calculators for solving problems
- Provide step-by-step solution walkthroughs
- Add more advanced chemistry topics (thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc.)
- Include visual diagrams and illustrations


### Instrument Rating

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-rating-helicopter/id1016084887)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Formula MAX free?

Formula MAX costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Instrument Rating free?

Instrument Rating costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Formula MAX or Instrument Rating have ads?

Neither Formula MAX nor Instrument Rating shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Formula MAX or Instrument Rating?

Formula MAX ships an update every 11 months, and Instrument Rating every 4 months. Most recently, Formula MAX was updated on November 1, 2026 and Instrument Rating on November 3, 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.*