# Pipe Trades Pro Calc vs Flat Metal Patterns

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Flat Metal Patterns at 83% against Pipe Trades Pro Calc's 42%. Flat Metal Patterns also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 7 months). Pipe Trades Pro Calc's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (4.3K vs 25). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pipe Trades Pro Calc sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Flat Metal Patterns sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pipe Trades Pro Calc holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pipe Trades Pro Calc has 4.3K ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 42% of Pipe Trades Pro Calc's written reviews are positive against 83% of Flat Metal Patterns's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Pipe Trades Pro Calc ships an update every 7 months, Flat Metal Patterns every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pipe Trades Pro Calc | Flat Metal Patterns |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pipe-trades-pro-calc/id596142100/reviews)** | [4.4 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flat-metal-patterns/id1481867517/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.3K** | 25 |
| Positive reviews | 42.5% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#185** | — |
| Size | 51 MB | 135 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Calculated Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/370406449) | [Ignacio Renteria-Molina](https://appshunter.io/developer/1481867516) |

## What reviewers say

### Pipe Trades Pro Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pipe-trades-pro-calc/id596142100)

**Currently charting:** #185 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app provides advanced calculation tools and comprehensive data for pipe trade professionals. It streamlines workflows for pipefitters, welders, and steamfitters with features for measurements, fluid dynamics, and material specifications. Designed for efficiency and accuracy, it works offline for on-site use.

**Highlights:** Advanced measurement calculations, Fluid dynamics and pressure analysis, Comprehensive pipe data access, Offline functionality, User-centric interface, Material and dimension options

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Full Access | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Full Access | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔢 Useful calculator tool
- 🧠 Helpful for pipe fitters and welders
- 📱 Convenient to have on mobile device
- 🔍 Accurate calculations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription model is too expensive
- 🔒 Requires internet connection to verify subscription
- 🔄 Used to be a one-time purchase
- 🤔 Confusing transition from one-time to subscription

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes or stops working after updates
- Calculation errors with fractions
- Issues with reinstalling or transferring purchases

**Requested features**

- Ability to use app without subscription
- Support for larger pipe sizes
- Add a back/undo button
- Rotate screen orientation


### Flat Metal Patterns

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flat-metal-patterns/id1481867517)

This app simplifies metal pattern creation with precise mathematical calculations, saving time and reducing errors compared to manual methods. It offers various pattern types, unit conversions, and smart calculation features for both experienced professionals and beginners.

**Highlights:** Automated pattern calculation, 20+ different pattern types, Diameter-Circumference conversion, Pipe and insulation reference tables, Smart calculator for fractions/decimals, Scale feature for large patterns

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One month subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| 3 months subscription | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| 6 month subscription | $38.99 | per 6 months |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pipe Trades Pro Calc free?

Pipe Trades Pro Calc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Flat Metal Patterns free?

Flat Metal Patterns is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pipe Trades Pro Calc or Flat Metal Patterns?

Pipe Trades Pro Calc is rated higher. Pipe Trades Pro Calc averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4.3K ratings, while Flat Metal Patterns averages 4.4 from 25 ratings.

### Do Pipe Trades Pro Calc or Flat Metal Patterns have ads?

Neither Pipe Trades Pro Calc nor Flat Metal Patterns shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pipe Trades Pro Calc or Flat Metal Patterns?

Pipe Trades Pro Calc ships an update every 7 months, and Flat Metal Patterns every 5 weeks. Most recently, Pipe Trades Pro Calc was updated on September 27, 2026 and Flat Metal Patterns on September 16, 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.*