# Calculator # vs Formalize Light

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Calculator # at 60% against Formalize Light's 17%. Calculator # also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (36K vs 4). Formalize Light's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price 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. Formalize Light asks for nothing beyond the download.

Calculator # holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Calculator # has 36K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Calculator #'s written reviews are positive against 17% of Formalize Light's.

Calculator # ships an update every 2 months, Formalize Light every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calculator # | Formalize Light |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator/id458535080/reviews)** | [2.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **36K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 16.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 57 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.1 | **10.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Incpt.Mobis](https://appshunter.io/developer/445261166) | [Ben Hambrecht](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035136614) |

## 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


### Formalize Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/formalize-light/id1467203618)

This utility app provides a keyboard extension for typing mathematical formulas on iOS devices. It offers easy access to over 100 symbols and generates professionally typeset equations that can be converted to TeX.

**Highlights:** Mathematical keyboard extension, Over 100 symbols, One-handed access, Professionally typeset formulas, Convert formulas to TeX, Insert formulas into any app

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calculator # free?

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

### Is Formalize Light free?

Formalize Light is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Calculator # or Formalize Light?

Calculator # is rated higher. Calculator # averages 4.6 out of 5 from 36K ratings, while Formalize Light averages 2.3 from 4 ratings.

### Do Calculator # or Formalize Light have ads?

Calculator # shows ads; Formalize Light does not.

### Which is updated more often, Calculator # or Formalize Light?

Calculator # ships an update every 2 months, and Formalize Light every 12 months. Most recently, Calculator # was updated on September 25, 2026 and Formalize Light on June 10, 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.*