# SteelSolve vs BuildCalc

The clearest difference is ads: SteelSolve at none against BuildCalc's shown. SteelSolve also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SteelSolve sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and BuildCalc sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for SteelSolve against 5.0 for BuildCalc. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively.

SteelSolve ships an update monthly, BuildCalc every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteelSolve | BuildCalc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steelsolve/id6758196732/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc-contractor-estimate/id6765501255/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 2 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 13 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Heber Harker](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871382194) | [Farah Aydoni](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887393999) |

## What reviewers say

### SteelSolve

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steelsolve/id6758196732)

This app simplifies complex calculations for construction professionals. It supports various units, allows for easy expression editing, and provides instant results as you type. Features include built-in functions for rise, run, diagonal, and slope, along with estimating capabilities.

**Highlights:** Feet, Inch, and Fraction Input, Unit Assignment and Conversion, Full Expression Editing, Instant Results as You Type, History Tape for Previous Entries, Rise, Run, Diagonal, and Slope Functions, Estimating Functions

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Custom | $12.99 | one-time |


### BuildCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildcalc-contractor-estimate/id6765501255)

This app provides 56 construction calculators across 13 trades, helping contractors measure, price, and create client-ready estimates directly from the job site. It supports various measurement units and includes waste factors and cost editing for accurate material and labor calculations.

**Highlights:** 56 construction calculators across 13 trades, Supports feet, inches, fractions, and metric units, Adjustable waste factors and editable cost lines, Project saving and client estimate generation, PDF export with logo, Reference tables for building codes

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly: All Calculators | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly: Estimates & PDF | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime: All Trades & PDF | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SteelSolve free?

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

### Is BuildCalc free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SteelSolve or BuildCalc?

SteelSolve and BuildCalc are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do SteelSolve or BuildCalc have ads?

BuildCalc shows ads; SteelSolve does not.

### Which is updated more often, SteelSolve or BuildCalc?

SteelSolve ships an update monthly, and BuildCalc every 4 months. Most recently, SteelSolve was updated on September 19, 2026 and BuildCalc on September 22, 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.*