# Building Code Calculator vs ARE 5.0 Study Buddy

The clearest difference is price: Building Code Calculator at Free against ARE 5.0 Study Buddy's $3.99. ARE 5.0 Study Buddy's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Building Code Calculator is free to download; ARE 5.0 Study Buddy costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Building Code Calculator ships an update every 2 months, ARE 5.0 Study Buddy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Building Code Calculator | ARE 5.0 Study Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-50-study-buddy/id6792139560/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Size | 1 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Oklahoma State University](https://appshunter.io/developer/393442180) | [Nathan Burazer](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788218630) |

## What reviewers say

### Building Code Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/building-code-calculator/id6747673691)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ARE 5.0 Study Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-50-study-buddy/id6792139560)

Master architectural licensing exams with a visual study tool designed to combat fatigue. It uses interactive games and precise diagrams to teach complex building codes and clearances.

**Highlights:** Visual flashcards with precise diagrams, Interactive 'Plans Examiner' game mode, Spaced repetition learning, Performance tracking and insights, Achievement badges for motivation, Focus on common exam topics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Building Code Calculator free?

Building Code Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ARE 5.0 Study Buddy free?

ARE 5.0 Study Buddy costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Building Code Calculator or ARE 5.0 Study Buddy have ads?

Neither Building Code Calculator nor ARE 5.0 Study Buddy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Building Code Calculator or ARE 5.0 Study Buddy?

Building Code Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and ARE 5.0 Study Buddy every 3 weeks. Most recently, Building Code Calculator was updated on September 22, 2026 and ARE 5.0 Study Buddy on September 26, 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.*