# Need List vs ElbowCalc

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Need List at none against ElbowCalc's 1. Need List also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). ElbowCalc's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ElbowCalc sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Need List asks for nothing beyond the download.

Need List ships an update every 2 weeks, ElbowCalc every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on May 18, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Need List | ElbowCalc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elbowcalc-flat-pattern-maker/id6753796014/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Emanuel Luna](https://appshunter.io/developer/1732854038) | [Sachinbhai Surani](https://appshunter.io/developer/1838685550) |

## What reviewers say

### Need List

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/need-list-inventory/id6753766245)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ElbowCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elbowcalc-flat-pattern-maker/id6753796014)

This professional tool assists engineers and fabricators in quickly calculating and visualizing flat patterns for elbows and reducers. It provides instant pattern graphs with cut coordinates to streamline fabrication and minimize material waste.

**Highlights:** Calculate various elbow types, Generate flat pattern graphs, Supports reducer bends, Provides cut coordinates, Fast and precise calculations, Share and save results

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime premium | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Need List free?

Need List is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ElbowCalc free?

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

### Do Need List or ElbowCalc have ads?

Neither Need List nor ElbowCalc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Need List or ElbowCalc?

Need List ships an update every 2 weeks, and ElbowCalc every 5 weeks. Most recently, Need List was updated on May 18, 2026 and ElbowCalc on September 10, 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.*