# Number Pieces, by MLC vs Area Model

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Number Pieces, by MLC at 88% against Area Model's 0%. Number Pieces, by MLC also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Area Model's advantage is iOS requirement (6.0 vs 14.7). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Area Model sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Number Pieces, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

Number Pieces, by MLC holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Number Pieces, by MLC has 22 ratings behind it against 1, 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 0% of Area Model's.

Number Pieces, by MLC ships an update every 9 months, Area Model every 18 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Number Pieces, by MLC | Area Model |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-pieces-by-mlc/id605433778/reviews)** | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/area-model-learn-multiplication-and-division/id883886421/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **22** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 months** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.7 | **6.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) | [Bytes Arithmetic LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/700977509) |

## 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


### Area Model

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/area-model-learn-multiplication-and-division/id883886421)

This educational app helps elementary students master multiplication and division using a visual area model approach. It features interactive tools like Base Ten manipulatives and a drawing pad, aligning with common core standards. Students can personalize their learning with animal icons and bright colors.

**Highlights:** Common Core aligned lessons, Base Ten manipulatives, Guided tutorial, Create custom problems, Drawing pad for equations, Animal character icons

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Practice Mode | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Number Pieces, by MLC free?

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

### Is Area Model free?

Area Model is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Number Pieces, by MLC or Area Model?

Number Pieces, by MLC is rated higher. Number Pieces, by MLC averages 3.9 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while Area Model averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Number Pieces, by MLC or Area Model have ads?

Neither Number Pieces, by MLC nor Area Model shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Number Pieces, by MLC or Area Model?

Number Pieces, by MLC ships an update every 9 months, and Area Model every 18 months. Most recently, Number Pieces, by MLC was updated on November 1, 2026 and Area Model 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.*