Comparison

Photomath vs Calculate84

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Scan math problems
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • Word problem solver
  • Interactive graphs
  • Multiple solution methods
  • Scientific calculator
Read full description

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

About

Calculate84

This app offers a modern graphing calculator experience on your iPhone. It features fast, interactive touch-screen graphing, scrollable windows, and intelligent error messages for a more intuitive user experience. Designed to be a usable alternative to physical graphing calculators.

Highlights
  • Fast, interactive touch-screen graphing
  • Scrollable windows
  • Intelligent error messages
  • Intuitive interface
  • Designed for TI-84 users
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Graphing made for iPhone Calculate84 brings the graphing calculator experience to iPhone with a fast, touch-friendly design. What you can do: • Plot and explore graphs with smooth touch controls • Find familiar calculator functions quickly • Scroll naturally through equations and results • Get clearer, more helpful error messages • Send feedback directly from the app Why we built Calculate84 We relied on graphing calculators ourselves and wanted an app that felt easier to use on a modern phone. Before launch, we worked with students to refine the experience, and we continue improving it based on user feedback. Send feedback Tap the red Feedback button in the app. Terms of Use (EULA): https://calculate84.com/terms-of-use

Screenshots

Photomath4 screens
Calculate844 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Photomath at none against Calculate84's shown. Photomath also leads on ratings volume (733K vs 54K) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). Calculate84's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 61%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Photomath sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Calculate84 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Photomath against 4.8 for Calculate84. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photomath has 733K ratings behind it against 54K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 61% of Photomath's written reviews are positive against 75% of Calculate84's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Photomath ships an update monthly, Calculate84 fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Photomath versus Calculate84: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhotomathCalculate84
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (733K ratings)4.8 (54K ratings) — better
Positive reviews60.6% of reviews74.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings733K — better54K
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#41 — better#83
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB71 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperGoogle LLCCentury Light LLC

Customer experience

Photomath

All ratings732,942 ratings
Positive95.3%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews1,565 reviews
Positive60.6%
Neutral6.1%
Negative33.4%

Calculate84

All ratings53,397 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral1.8%
Negative3.1%
Written reviews386 reviews
Positive74.6%
Neutral8.8%
Negative16.6%

User reviews

Photomath

From 733K App Store ratings

What 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

Calculate84

From 54K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Identical to TI-84 calculator
  • 🚀 Seamless and intuitive user experience
  • 💰 Affordable alternative to physical calculator
  • 📱 Convenient to have on phone
  • 🔍 Comprehensive functionality matching physical calculator

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 🔍 Missing some advanced features like regression types
  • 🔒 Previous purchases removed without warning
  • 💰 Subscription model can be expensive
  • 📺 Intrusive ads in free version

Bugs and requests

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

Calculate84

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes when using 2-sample T/Z interval functions
  • Incorrect results for inverse trig functions
  • Issues with graphing parabolas and tracing points
  • Regression equation not displayed correctly

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add TVM solver functionality
  • Implement more regression types
  • Allow disabling of ads for free users
  • Restore previous purchase benefits
  • Optimize for mobile experience instead of emulating physical calculator

In-app purchases

9 purchases

Photomath

Subscriptions9
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Photomath Plus7 Days trial5 variants$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • 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
6 purchases

Calculate84

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro Subscription3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Annual Pro Subscription7 Days trial$6.991 Year
One-time4
  • Lifetime Subscription$6.99
  • Lifetime Subscription$9.99
  • Lifetime Subscription$12.99
Show 1 more
  • Lifetime Pro Subscription$29.99

Questions

Is Photomath free?
Photomath is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Calculate84 free?
Calculate84 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Photomath or Calculate84?
Calculate84 is rated higher. Photomath averages 4.8 out of 5 from 733K ratings, while Calculate84 averages 4.8 from 54K ratings.
Do Photomath or Calculate84 have ads?
Calculate84 shows ads; Photomath does not.
Which is updated more often, Photomath or Calculate84?
Photomath ships an update monthly, and Calculate84 fortnightly. Most recently, Photomath was updated on October 28, 2026 and Calculate84 on October 28, 2026.
Which is more popular, Photomath or Calculate84?
Photomath currently peaks at #41 in the App Store charts, and Calculate84 at #83. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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