Comparison

Craftmetry vs BuildCalc

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

Head to head
About

Craftmetry

This app simplifies complex construction calculations for tradespeople. It provides tools for laying out gas and water systems, sizing decks and stairs, and checking voltage drop, turning code charts into easy-to-use field tools.

Highlights
  • Stair layout and stringer diagram
  • Gas line sizing with visual layout
  • Water line sizing and estimation
  • Deck joist and beam sizing
  • Voltage drop calculation
  • Residential system design tools
Features
Read full description

Craftmetry turns construction sizing tables and everyday jobsite math into fast, practical field tools for contractors, tradespeople, and serious DIYers. TOOLS INCLUDED Stair Calculator Calculate risers, treads, stair count, total rise, and layout. Review a detailed stringer-cut diagram and save named calculations. Square-Up Calculator Use the Pythagorean theorem to find a diagonal or missing side for square layouts and right triangles. Gas Line Sizing Quick-size natural gas and propane lines, or build a visual piping system with appliances, BTU loads, pipe lengths, and longest-length sizing guidance. Waterline Sizing Estimate PEX-A supply sizing from fixture demand or direct flow, and lay out separate hot and cold systems. Deck Joist Sizing Check common deck-joist sizing based on span, spacing, species, grade, and loading assumptions. Voltage Drop & Wire Size Estimate voltage drop or find a wire size that satisfies selected voltage-drop and ampacity limits. Save supported calculations and layouts on your device. Account sign-in can sync supported saved work and subscription access across Craftmetry on iPhone, iPad, and the web. Sign in to use web access, sync, or the account preview. Craftmetry provides reference calculations, not engineering or code-compliance approval. Always verify final designs with local codes, manufacturer specifications, and qualified professionals when required. Terms of Use (EULA): https://craftmetry.corvora.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://craftmetry.corvora.app/privacy

About

BuildCalc

Read full description

Type the sizes. Get the shopping list. BuildCalc turns measurements into exact material quantities — concrete, tile, lumber, paint, gravel, drywall and more — with waste, price and “already have” built in. 200 CALCULATORS, ONE SEARCH • Concrete: slabs, footings, piers, stairs, block walls, rebar • Framing: studs, joists, sheathing, board feet, deck boards • Roofing & exterior: shingles, underlayment, siding, roof pitch, rafters • Interior: paint, drywall, tile, thinset, wallpaper, baseboard, insulation • Landscaping: mulch, gravel, topsoil, sod, pavers, raised beds • Electrical & plumbing: Ohm’s law, voltage drop, conduit fill, pipe volume, BTU, CFM • Converters: metric ↔ imperial, fractions, board feet and more SEE IT BEFORE YOU BUILD • Live 3D previews drawn from your numbers: stairs, decks, fences, roofs, tile layouts • AR tape measure: point the camera, tap, and the length drops into the field • AR at real size: place your finished deck, stairs, fence, patio or garden bed in your yard at 1:1 scale and walk around it LIVE PROJECT TEMPLATES • Deck, fence, raised bed, paver patio, deck stairs, garden shed • Move the sliders — the full bill of materials recounts live, down to the screws • Build sequence included, add everything to the shopping list in one tap PLAN LIKE A PRO • Waste percentage, price per unit and “already have” on every calculator • Feet-inches-1/16 tape-measure keypad for imperial sizes • Shopping list with check-off and running totals • Projects with budget tracking and PDF estimates • History, Spotlight search, Siri shortcuts and a Home Screen widget WORKS WHERE YOU WORK • 100% offline, no sign-up • Optional iCloud sync across your iPhone and iPad • Light and dark themes • 40 languages, metric and imperial • iPhone and iPad Estimates only — always verify quantities before ordering materials. — BuildCalc Pro (optional in-app purchase) Unlock all 200+ calculators and every pro tool — Cut Optimizer, Canvas, AR, PDF estimates, saved projects and unlimited history. • Monthly — $4.99 per month • Yearly — $29.99 per year, including a 3-day free trial • Lifetime — $59.99, a one-time purchase Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. A subscription renews automatically unless it is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel auto-renewal anytime in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/buildcalc-material-calculator/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Craftmetry4 screens
BuildCalc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Craftmetry at every 11 days against BuildCalc's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Craftmetry sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Craftmetry ships an update every 11 days, BuildCalc every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Craftmetry versus BuildCalc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCraftmetryBuildCalc
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 11 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLuke KazmierowiczSerhii Tykhonenko

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Craftmetry

Subscriptions2
  • Build Specs Pro7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Build Specs Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
3 purchases

BuildCalc

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$59.99

Questions

Is Craftmetry free?
Craftmetry is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BuildCalc free?
BuildCalc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Craftmetry or BuildCalc have ads?
Neither Craftmetry nor BuildCalc shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Craftmetry or BuildCalc?
Craftmetry ships an update every 11 days, and BuildCalc every 2 months. Most recently, Craftmetry was updated on October 9, 2026 and BuildCalc on October 1, 2026.

Other comparisons