# Desmos Graphing Calculator vs Common App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Desmos Graphing Calculator at 81% against Common App's 23%. Desmos Graphing Calculator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months). Common App's advantage is chart position (#32 vs #152). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Desmos Graphing Calculator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.3K and 676 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Desmos Graphing Calculator's written reviews are positive against 23% of Common App's.

Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, Common App every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Desmos Graphing Calculator | Common App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-graphing-calculator/id653517540/reviews)** | [3.0 (676 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-app/id1533688509/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | 676 |
| Positive reviews | **80.8% of reviews** | 22.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #152 | **#32** |
| Size | 18 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Desmos](https://appshunter.io/developer/653517543) | [The Common Application](https://appshunter.io/developer/1030434052) |

## What reviewers say

### Desmos Graphing Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desmos-graphing-calculator/id653517540)

**Currently charting:** #152 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Explore mathematical concepts by graphing any equation, from simple lines to complex series. This powerful tool allows for interactive exploration with sliders, data tables, and animations. It also includes a scientific calculator and supports inequalities and accessibility features.

**Highlights:** Graph any equation (polar, cartesian, parametric), Interactive sliders for function transformations, Input and plot data with tables, Animate graphs, Scientific calculator functionality, Plot inequalities, Accessibility features

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Insane tool for FREE!
- 🚀 Best mobile graphing app
- 👍 Awesome for algebra and calculus
- 👍 Genuinely an awesome resource
- 👍 Makes math easier

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Glitches with certain features
- 🐛 Loses saved data
- 🐛 Keyboard issues
- 🐛 Zooming and panning problems

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when using certain functions
- Graphs not displaying properly
- Login issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode
- Copy and paste functionality
- Ability to save and load graphs
- Improved handling of complex numbers and polar equations
- More customization options


### Common App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-app/id1533688509)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Manage your college applications on the go. This app offers a secure and streamlined way to apply to over 1000 colleges, research financial aid options, and access guidance from counselors, all from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Apply to 1000+ colleges, Research financial aid, Get counselor advice, Secure application process, Mobile convenience

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient mobile app
- 👍 Same functionality as website
- 🎉 Finally available as an app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔑 Requires re-login every time
- 🚫 Doesn't work for transfer students

**Reported bugs**

- White screen on login
- App doesn't load past logo
- Redirects transfer students to website

**Requested features**

- Keep user logged in for longer
- Increase text box size
- Add back button navigation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Desmos Graphing Calculator free?

Desmos Graphing Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Common App free?

Common App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Common App?

Desmos Graphing Calculator is rated higher. Desmos Graphing Calculator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Common App averages 3.0 from 676 ratings.

### Do Desmos Graphing Calculator or Common App have ads?

Neither Desmos Graphing Calculator nor Common App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Common App?

Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and Common App every 9 months. Most recently, Desmos Graphing Calculator was updated on October 26, 2026 and Common App on October 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Common App?

Desmos Graphing Calculator currently peaks at #152 in the App Store charts, and Common App at #32. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*