# Number Pieces, by MLC vs Math Run

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Number Pieces, by MLC at none against Math Run's 7. Number Pieces, by MLC also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 60%). Math Run's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (180 vs 22). On price, rating and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Run sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Number Pieces, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

Number Pieces, by MLC holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Run has 180 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Number Pieces, by MLC's written reviews are positive against 60% of Math Run's.

Number Pieces, by MLC ships an update every 9 months, Math Run every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Number Pieces, by MLC | Math Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-pieces-by-mlc/id605433778/reviews)** | [3.7 (180 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-run-panda-chase/id743475337/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **180** |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 195 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.7 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) | [Baby Cortex Holdings Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/495612063) |

## What reviewers say

### Number Pieces, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-pieces-by-mlc/id605433778)

This app helps students grasp place value and computation with multi-digit numbers using interactive visual tools. Users can manipulate number pieces to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, fostering a deeper mathematical understanding.

**Highlights:** Manipulate ones, tens, and hundreds pieces, Regroup pieces (e.g., 10 ones to 1 ten), Measure array dimensions with an edge piece, Use drawing and text tools for annotations, Zoom, scroll, and hide/reveal work, Share work via image save or share code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Math Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-run-panda-chase/id743475337)

An action-packed arithmetic game designed to improve math skills through engaging gameplay. Players run, dodge obstacles, and solve math problems aligned with US Common Core standards for Kindergarten to Grade 5. Earn rewards and unlock characters as you accelerate your learning.

**Highlights:** Arithmetic skill practice, Action-packed running gameplay, US Common Core aligned questions (K-5), Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Unlockable characters and upgrades, Progress tracking and results, Daily rewards and bonus items

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30000 coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Addition Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Subtraction Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Multiplication Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Division Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| 90000 coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Full Package | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Educational value
- 👍 Fun and engaging gameplay
- 👍 Nostalgic appeal
- 👍 Good twist on the 'Run' genre
- 👍 Addictive gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 In-app purchase issues
- 💸 Expensive add-ons
- 🐛 Glitchy and buggy gameplay
- 🐛 Unresponsive controls
- 🐛 Unfair game mechanics

**Reported bugs**

- Jump not working
- Crashing into screen when trying to move left
- Red things are distracting and obstruct view
- In-app purchases not unlocking
- App kicks user off

**Requested features**

- Fix in-app purchase issues
- Make harder math levels free or unlockable with coins
- Add more levels or characters
- Allow control over math problem timing
- Add more lives


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Number Pieces, by MLC free?

Number Pieces, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Math Run free?

Math Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Number Pieces, by MLC or Math Run?

Number Pieces, by MLC is rated higher. Number Pieces, by MLC averages 3.9 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while Math Run averages 3.7 from 180 ratings.

### Do Number Pieces, by MLC or Math Run have ads?

Neither Number Pieces, by MLC nor Math Run shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Number Pieces, by MLC or Math Run?

Number Pieces, by MLC ships an update every 9 months, and Math Run every 4 weeks. Most recently, Number Pieces, by MLC was updated on November 1, 2026 and Math Run on November 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.*