# Calculator # vs Steam Pad

The clearest difference is rating: Calculator # at 4.6 against Steam Pad's 3.7. Calculator # also leads on ratings volume (36K vs 3). Steam Pad's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Calculator # sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month and Steam Pad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Calculator # holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Calculator # has 36K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of Calculator #'s written reviews are positive against 67% of Steam Pad's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Calculator # ships an update every 2 months, Steam Pad every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calculator # | Steam Pad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator/id458535080/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steam-pad/id1450611272/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **36K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 57 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.1 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Incpt.Mobis](https://appshunter.io/developer/445261166) | [晓东 翟](https://appshunter.io/developer/1450611271) |

## What reviewers say

### Calculator #

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator/id458535080)

This multi-function calculator offers basic to advanced scientific and algebraic computations. It includes features like handwriting recognition, equation solvers, and 2D graphing, making it suitable for students and professionals. In-app purchases unlock advanced capabilities.

**Highlights:** Math Photos Solver, Handwriting Recognition, AI Math Problem Solver, Mathematical Display, Equation Solvers, 2D Graphing, Algebraic Functions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PRO Upgrade 1 Month | $1.49 | per month |
| PRO Upgrade 3 Months | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| PRO + Recognition 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| PRO + Recognition 3 Months | $11.99 | per 3 months |
| 250 AI Recognition & Queries | $0.99 | one-time |
| 600 AI Recognition & Queries | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Powerful functionality
- 💡 Helpful for math classes
- ⭐ Great for students
- 👌 Works like a real calculator

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Confusing interface after update
- 📢 Too many intrusive ads
- 💰 Paywall for advanced features
- 🐛 Incorrect calculations
- 🔇 Loud audio ads

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to use certain functions
- Handwriting recognition not working reliably
- Inability to input negative numbers

**Requested features**

- Add option to turn off animation
- Improve ad placement to avoid obstructing usage
- Provide more transparency on paid features


### Steam Pad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steam-pad/id1450611272)

This app calculates thermodynamic and transport properties of water and steam using IAPWS standards. It allows users to input any two basic parameters to derive others, visualize results on various charts, and compute additional properties. It supports both SI and I-P unit systems for engineering and educational purposes.

**Highlights:** Calculate properties from any two basic parameters, Generate T-S, H-S, P-H, T-H charts, Compute additional thermodynamic and transport parameters, Save and restore calculation results, Supports SI and I-P unit systems, Interactive chart manipulation (pan, zoom)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Functions | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calculator # free?

Calculator # is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Steam Pad free?

Steam Pad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Calculator # or Steam Pad?

Calculator # is rated higher. Calculator # averages 4.6 out of 5 from 36K ratings, while Steam Pad averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Calculator # or Steam Pad have ads?

Calculator # shows ads; Steam Pad does not.

### Which is updated more often, Calculator # or Steam Pad?

Calculator # ships an update every 2 months, and Steam Pad every 9 days. Most recently, Calculator # was updated on September 25, 2026 and Steam Pad on June 1, 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.*