# Math Shelf vs Kindergarten Math

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Kindergarten Math at none against Math Shelf's 10. Kindergarten Math also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Math Shelf's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (15 vs 1). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Shelf sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Kindergarten Math asks for nothing beyond the download.

Kindergarten Math holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Shelf has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, Kindergarten Math weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Shelf | Kindergarten Math |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kindergarten-math-lite/id6449780670/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 380 MB | 466 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) | [iO School, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562516642) |

## What reviewers say

### Math Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648)

This app provides an experimentally proven program to enhance early mathematics achievement for preschool and kindergarten students. It offers on-level instruction through adaptive learning and placement tests, aligning with Common Core Standards.

**Highlights:** Experimentally proven to increase math achievement, Common Core Aligned content, Adaptive learning and placement tests, Cloud-based syncing for school and home, Free 7-day trial, Supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Access | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Access | $41.99 | per year |
| 1 Students Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1 Student Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | one-time |
| 2 Students Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | one-time |
| 3 Students Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |
| 2 Students Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |
| 3 Students Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | one-time |
| 3 Students Subscription | $9.99 | one-time |
| 4 Students Monthly Subscription | $11.99 | one-time |


### Kindergarten Math

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kindergarten-math-lite/id6449780670)

This app offers a fun and engaging way for young children to learn fundamental math skills. It provides a structured curriculum designed to supplement school lessons, with interactive games and progress tracking for parents.

**Highlights:** Interactive math games, Supplement school curriculum, Progress tracking dashboard, Skill-based mini-games, Parent account creation, Review previously learned skills

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Is Kindergarten Math free?

Kindergarten Math is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Math Shelf or Kindergarten Math?

Kindergarten Math is rated higher. Math Shelf averages 4.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Kindergarten Math averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Math Shelf or Kindergarten Math have ads?

Kindergarten Math shows ads; Math Shelf does not.

### Which is updated more often, Math Shelf or Kindergarten Math?

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, and Kindergarten Math weekly. Most recently, Math Shelf was updated on October 15, 2026 and Kindergarten Math on October 13, 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.*