Comparison

Formula MAX vs HVAC Visual Learning Studio

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

Head to head
About

Formula MAX

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
Read full description

Formula MAX is a universal app with a collection of over 1100+ Physics, Chemistry and Maths formulas, more formulas to be added constantly through updates. Use your Formula MAX app across your iOS devices with exclusive device based UI, with just one purchase. The app is designed with a view of user convenience in searching, locating & referring a formula. Topics covered: Maths – Algebra, Analytical geometry, Complex numbers, Differential calculus, Differential equations, Discrete mathematics, Geometry, Integral calculus, Matrices, Mensuration, Modern Algebra, Set language, Statistics, Time series, Trigonometry, Vector algebra Physics – Atomic physics, Dynamics of Rotational motion, Electricity, Electromagnetic induction and Altering current, Electronics, Gravitation & space science, Heat, Hydrostatics, Light, Magnetism, Measurement, Mechanics, Mechanics of solids and fluids (Properties of matter), Nuclear physics, Relativity, Solar planets, Sound Chemistry – Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Chemistry & its division, Common names & Chemical names, Important definitions, Organic chemistry, Periodic classification, Physical chemistry, States of matter Features - Huge data base of 1100+ formulas, definitions, values - Option to email the pages - Powerful search function to locate formulas - Store formulas in favorites for quick access - Trigonometric value calculator - Logarithmic value calculator - Periodic table with details about all elements - Simple and easy user interface - All the features are available offline

About

HVAC Visual Learning Studio

Features
Read full description

HVAC Visual Learning Studio is the engineering toolkit, refrigerant database, animated simulation lab, and visual reference library that working HVAC engineers actually use. This is NOT a generic learning template. Every screen — calculators, refrigerants, simulators, illustrations, projects — is specifically built around the daily work of HVAC design, troubleshooting, and controls. WHAT MAKES THIS APP DIFFERENT → HVAC ENGINEERING CALCULATORS (NEW in v3.0) Eight production-ready calculators with live sliders: - Sensible heat load (q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT) - Latent heat load (q = 4840 × CFM × ΔW) - Mixed air temperature - Duct sizing (equal-friction method) - Pump friction head loss - Refrigerant superheat & subcooling diagnostic — with charge interpretation - Annual cost of operation from EER, tonnage, and electricity rate - Sensible Heat Ratio classifier Every input drives the result live. No spreadsheet required. → REFRIGERANT DATABASE (NEW in v3.0) Nine common refrigerants compared side-by-side: R-22, R-410A, R-134a, R-32, R-454B, R-1234yf, R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO₂), R-717 (ammonia). For each: ASHRAE 34 safety class, GWP, ODP, critical properties, typical operating pressures, applications, and engineering notes. Filter by family — HFC, HFO, blend, or natural. Tap any card for the full datasheet. → HVAC SIMULATION LAB Four animated simulators built specifically for HVAC: - AHU Simulator — airflow particles, spinning supply fan, modulating dampers, virtual zone thermostat - Refrigeration Cycle on a P-h diagram with live COP and EER - Psychrometric Chart with live state plotting and process lines - Chiller Plant with staging logic, cooling tower, animated water flow → ILLUSTRATED REFERENCE GALLERY 56 high-resolution HVAC diagrams across 11 categories: whole-house residential, multi-unit, commercial, industrial, ventilation, controls, documentation. Full-screen viewer with pinch-zoom. → CURRICULUM Six modules: HVAC Fundamentals, Psychrometrics, Refrigeration, Air Distribution, Hydronics, and Controls/DDC. Lessons include code examples, quizzes, and bookmarks. → DESIGN PROJECTS Six worked examples: residential Manual J, single-zone RTU sequences, VAV with reheat and pressure reset (ASHRAE Guideline 36), chiller plant design, school DOAS+ERV, heat-recovery VRF. → SEARCHABLE REFERENCE Psychrometric equations, refrigerant properties, ASHRAE standards summaries, BACnet object types — searchable by keyword. BUILT FOR - HVAC design engineers running daily calculations - Building automation and DDC professionals - Energy auditors and commissioning agents - HVAC technicians studying for NATE, EPA 608, or PE exams - Mechanical engineering students - Architects who want to actually understand the systems they spec WHAT'S NEW IN v3.0 - HVAC Calculators tab — 8 engineering calculators (new tab on the bottom bar) - Refrigerants tab — 9-refrigerant searchable database (new tab on the bottom bar) - What's New screen on first launch highlighting the new features - Updated illustrated gallery to 56 diagrams across 11 categories This app is an educational reference. Always verify with current ASHRAE standards, manufacturer data, and local codes before designing or installing equipment.

Screenshots

Formula MAX4 screens
HVAC Visual Learning Studio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Formula MAX at $0.99 against HVAC Visual Learning Studio's $9.99. Formula MAX also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). HVAC Visual Learning Studio's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 11 months). On 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

Formula MAX costs $0.99 and HVAC Visual Learning Studio $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Formula MAX ships an update every 11 months, HVAC Visual Learning Studio fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Formula MAX versus HVAC Visual Learning Studio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFormula MAXHVAC Visual Learning Studio
Price$0.99 — better$9.99
Rating4.8 (52 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews79.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings52 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB146 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMallow Technologies Private LimitedYuhsiu Lai

Bugs and requests

Formula MAX

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • 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
Show 2 more
  • Periodic table difficult to navigate and view
  • Slow performance in some instances

Requested features

15 requests
  • 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
Show 10 more
  • Allow users to add custom equations and formulas
  • Add unit conversions and conversion calculators
  • Implement full-screen periodic table view
  • Include more astrophysics and advanced physics formulas
  • Add ability to copy formulas to clipboard
  • Provide French language version
  • Add more algebra and basic mathematics topics
  • Include variable input fields for formula calculations
  • Add explanatory notes and definitions
  • Improve search methodology and organization

HVAC Visual Learning Studio

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Formula MAX

No in-app purchases

None

HVAC Visual Learning Studio

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Formula MAX free?
Formula MAX costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HVAC Visual Learning Studio free?
HVAC Visual Learning Studio costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Formula MAX or HVAC Visual Learning Studio have ads?
Neither Formula MAX nor HVAC Visual Learning Studio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Formula MAX or HVAC Visual Learning Studio?
Formula MAX ships an update every 11 months, and HVAC Visual Learning Studio fortnightly. Most recently, Formula MAX was updated on November 13, 2026 and HVAC Visual Learning Studio on November 13, 2026.

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