Desmos Graphing Calculator vs Photomath
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- Scan math problems
- Step-by-step explanations
- Word problem solver
- Interactive graphs
- Multiple solution methods
- Scientific calculator
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
Desmos Graphing Calculator ships an update every 2 months, Photomath monthly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Desmos Graphing Calculator | Photomath |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (1.3K ratings) | 4.8 (733K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 79.6% of reviews — better | 51.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | 733K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #114 | #36 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 18 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Desmos | |
Customer experience
Desmos Graphing Calculator
Photomath
User reviews
Desmos Graphing Calculator
From 1.3K App Store ratingsWhat 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 ratingsWhat 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
Desmos Graphing Calculator
No in-app purchases
Photomath
- Photomath Plus7 Days trial$5.991 Month
- Photomath Plus7 Days trial$7.991 Month
- Photomath Plus7 Days trial5 variants$9.991 Month
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- 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?
Is Photomath free?
Which has better reviews, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?
Do Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath have ads?
Which is updated more often, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?
Which is more popular, Desmos Graphing Calculator or Photomath?
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