Fomcal vs IES ShapeDB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Fomcal
This app allows you to create and save custom calculation formulas for daily use. It supports complex functions, logical operations, and parameter studies, with options to export results as CSV. An optional numeric pad enhances input efficiency.
- Save and reuse custom formulas
- Support for logical and comparison functions
- Parameter study for variable analysis
- Export results as CSV
- Optional enhanced numeric pad
- Extended syntax for branching and iteration
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Fomcal is a calculator to calculate quickly with formula inputted already. Since you can register formulas used in daily routine by yourself, there is no need to search or to develop the dedicated calc app. Moreover, Fomcal can be also available as a general function calculator pad (option). Registered formula can be utilized as a function in the other formula or on the calcpad. And constants or variables can be used in these. Fomcal can show descriptions and a figure, about formulas and variables. In addition to the numeric functions such as trigonometric functions, you can also use the logical or comparison functions. By describing separated multiple of a formula with a semicolon';', you will be able to calculate these at the same time. Temporary variables are available in formula definition as followings. exp) x=1;x+2 result) 3 You can try a parameter study with specifying an initial value, a incrementation and a repeat number. The result can be exported as CSV data. Following formulas are preset as samples. ・Hypotenuse of Right Triangle - Geometry ・Cross-sectional Performance of Rectangle - Mechanics of materials ・Roots of quadratic equation - Mathematics ・Compound interest calculation - Business ・Number of years to become N times with compound interest calculation After purchase of "Enhancements (former Restriction Release)" with In-App purchase, you will be able to following functions. ・Export/import of formula data. ・A special numeric pad will be utilized for efficient inputting. ・Function calculator pad. ・Parameter study. From Ver.3.3, "Extended Syntax" feature is available. With $IF, $FOR, $WHILE or etc., branch or iterative operation is easily specified.
IES ShapeDB
Access a comprehensive database of over 18,000 structural shapes and their engineering properties. Perform simple beam and column stress analysis for various materials like steel, wood, aluminum, rebar, and cables. Ideal for field use by engineers.
- 18,000+ structural shapes
- Engineering properties database
- Simple beam stress analysis
- Column stress analysis
- Supports steel, wood, aluminum, rebar, cables
- Calculates bending and combined stresses
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The Database contains over 18,000 structural shapes and their engineering properties. The tool can perform simple beam and column stress analysis. It is ideal for use in the field. Database shapes for the following materials • Steel: Hot Rolled and Cold Formed • Wood: Dimensional & Engineered • Aluminum • Rebar • Cables Engineering Properties • Area • Section Moduli • Inertias • Graphical dimensions Simple Beam Stress Analysis • Uniform and concentrated loading • Calculated bending stresses • AISC Steel plastic moment and brace lengths (steel sections) Column Stress Analysis • Axial loading with eccentricity • Calculated combined stresses & slenderness ratios
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: IES ShapeDB at Free against Fomcal's $1.99. IES ShapeDB also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 12.0). Fomcal's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months). On ads 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
IES ShapeDB is free to download; Fomcal costs $1.99 up front. Fomcal sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. IES ShapeDB asks for nothing beyond the download.
Fomcal ships an update every 3 months, IES ShapeDB every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Fomcal | IES ShapeDB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 9.3 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 81 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NOBORU IMAI | INTEGRATED ENGINEERING SOFTWARE INC |
Customer experience
Fomcal
IES ShapeDB
In-app purchases
Fomcal
- Enhancements$1.99
IES ShapeDB
No in-app purchases









