Comparison

Desmos Graphing Calculator vs Photomath

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Desmos Graphing Calculator

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Explore math with the fast and powerful Desmos Graphing Calculator. Plot any equation, from lines and parabolas to derivatives and Fourier series. Add sliders to demonstrate function transformations, create tables to input and plot data, animate your graphs, and more—all for free. Features: Graphing: Plot polar, cartesian, or parametric graphs. There’s no limit to how many expressions you can graph at one time—and you don’t even need to enter expressions in y= form! Sliders: Adjust values interactively to build intuition, or animate any parameter to visualize its effect on the graph. Tables: Input and plot data, or create an input-output table for any function. Statistics: Find best-fit lines, parabolas, and more. Zooming: Scale the axes independently or at the same time with the pinch of two fingers, or edit the window size manually to get the perfect window. Points of Interest: Touch a curve to show maximums, minimums, and points of intersection. Tap the gray points of interest to see their coordinates. Hold and drag along a curve to see the coordinates change under your finger. Scientific Calculator: Just type in any equation you want to solve and Desmos will show you the answer. It can handle square roots, logs, absolute value, and more. Inequalities: Plot Cartesian and polar inequalities. Accessibility: Read and edit math using a screen reader or a refreshable Braille display, and use audio trace to explore graphs and data through sound. Offline: No internet access required. Visit www.desmos.com to learn more and to see the free browser version of our calculator.

About

Photomath

Scan any math problem to receive instant, step-by-step explanations and accurate solutions. This app breaks down complex problems into manageable steps, helping users understand the 'how' and 'why' of math. It supports a wide range of math topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

Highlights
  • Scan math problems
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • Word problem solver
  • Interactive graphs
  • Multiple solution methods
  • Scientific calculator
Read full description

Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners to learn, practice, and understand math – one step at a time. Scan any math problem with the Photomath app to get step-by-step explanations with accurate solutions and a variety of teacher-approved methods. Math is about the process, so Photomath breaks your problem into bite-sized steps to help you understand the “what” and “why” along with the “how.” Whether you’re learning basic arithmetic or advanced geometry, we’ll tackle it together, step by step. Why Photomath? Billions of math problems: From elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus and everything in between, Photomath can solve billions of math problems—including word problems! Whether handwritten, in a textbook, or on a screen, Photomath is here to help you untangle your trickiest problem. Step-by-step explanations: Math isn’t just about an answer. It’s about every step along the way. That’s why Photomath breaks down each step, so you can *really* learn. Less guesswork = less stress, especially with our new Animated Steps, which show you the exact progression of a particular step. Get basic step-by-step explanations at no charge when you download Photomath. Expert-developed methods: Photomath’s educational content is centered around the learner’s experience, driven by the expertise of our own team of mathematicians and former math teachers. Self-paced learning: Photomath’s instant support is like having a 24/7 virtual tutor. Checking your homework before dinner? Stuck on a problem at 2am? We can help. Follow our detailed steps, taking whatever time you need to review definitions, rationale, and more – all within the explanation. Want to dive deeper and explore more ways to learn? Photomath Plus can get you there with custom Animated Tutorials, detailed Textbook Solutions, and more! KEY FEATURES • Step-by-step explanations included in our basic version (at no charge) • Word problem instructions • Interactive graphs • Video learning • Multiple solution methods • Advanced scientific calculator Photomath is for learners of all levels, including those studying: Numbers & Quantity Algebra Functions Trigonometry & Angles Sequences Geometry Calculus “The step-by-step guide is beneficial to students that do not have access to a tutor and struggle with solving math problems.” — Forbes “A viral video about a new app looks like a dream come true for anyone who struggles with math.” — Time ___________________________________________ • Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. • A subscription automatically renews unless it’s canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. • Manage or cancel your subscription in your account settings on the App Store after purchase. • Offers and pricing are subject to change without notice. Suggestions or questions? Email us at support@photomath.com Website: www.photomath.com TikTok: @photomath Instagram: @photomath Facebook: @Photomathapp Twitter: @Photomath Terms of Use: https://photomath.app/en/termsofuse Privacy Policy: https://photomath.app/en/privacypolicy

Screenshots

Desmos Graphing Calculator4 screens
Photomath4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Photomath at 4.8 against Desmos Graphing Calculator's 4.3. Photomath also leads on ratings volume (733K vs 1.3K) and chart position (#36 vs #114). Desmos Graphing Calculator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and review sentiment (80% vs 51%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Desmos Graphing Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Photomath holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Desmos Graphing Calculator's written reviews are positive against 51% of Photomath's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, Photomath monthly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Desmos Graphing Calculator versus Photomath: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDesmos Graphing CalculatorPhotomath
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (1.3K ratings)4.8 (733K ratings) — better
Positive reviews79.6% of reviews — better51.1% of reviews
Number of ratings1.3K733K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#114#36 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDesmosGoogle

Customer experience

Desmos Graphing Calculator

All ratings1,278 ratings
Positive82.3%
Neutral3.8%
Negative13.8%
Written reviews314 reviews
Positive79.6%
Neutral6.1%
Negative14.3%

Photomath

All ratings732,942 ratings
Positive95.3%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews1,186 reviews
Positive51.1%
Neutral6.9%
Negative42.0%

User reviews

Desmos Graphing Calculator

From 1.3K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Photomath

From 733K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Helpful for homework and understanding concepts
  • 👍 Provides step-by-step solutions and explanations
  • 🤖 Accurate and reliable for solving equations
  • 💡 Useful for checking work and learning from mistakes

Room to improve

  • 💰 Paywall for accessing step-by-step explanations
  • 🔒 Concerns about using the app to cheat
  • 🐛 Camera focusing issues and inability to solve certain problem types
  • 💸 Expensive monthly subscription fee

Bugs and requests

Desmos Graphing Calculator

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Photomath

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Incorrect answers or solutions provided for some problems
  • Compatibility issues with newer devices or operating systems

Requested features

3 requests
  • Support for word problems and more advanced math concepts
  • Option to use front-facing camera for scanning
  • Cheaper or one-time payment model instead of subscription

In-app purchases

None

Desmos Graphing Calculator

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

Photomath

Subscriptions9
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial5 variants$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Photomath Plus2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$49.996 Months
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$69.991 Year

Questions

Is Desmos Graphing Calculator free?
Desmos Graphing Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Photomath free?
Photomath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?
Photomath is rated higher. Desmos Graphing Calculator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Photomath averages 4.8 from 733K ratings.
Do Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath have ads?
Neither Desmos Graphing Calculator nor Photomath shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?
Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and Photomath monthly. Most recently, Desmos Graphing Calculator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Photomath on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?
Desmos Graphing Calculator currently peaks at #114 in the App Store charts, and Photomath at #36. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

Other comparisons