Comparison

CMCalc vs Formula Box (LaTeX)

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

Head to head
About

CMCalc

This app emulates a classic 1980s computer math calculator, offering decimal arithmetic, binary conversions, and logic functions. It supports parentheses for complex calculations and includes modern features like copy/paste and landscape mode.

Highlights
  • Decimal arithmetic
  • Binary conversions (decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal)
  • Binary logic functions
  • Operator grouping with parentheses
  • Hexadecimal input (A-F)
  • Copy and paste results/functions
  • Landscape mode
Features
Read full description

The CMCalc application is a replica of the Casio CM-100 Computer Math Calc solar powered calculator that was sold in the mid 1980’s. It performs simple decimal arithmetic and basic binary conversions (decimal - binary - octal - hexadecimal) and binary logic functions. While it is a standard infix calculator, it supports operator grouping with parentheses. For hexadecimal calculations, the input keys include A through F. CMCalc application performs all the same functions as the calculator, and has the same look as the original. There are a couple features that were not conceivable in the 1980’s on a calculator … such as the ability to copy and paste the results or the entered function, and a landscape mode for devices with 4 inch or larger screens. The face of the calculator can be viewed in two modes including a traditional application style, and a photo replica of the original calculator face.

About

Formula Box (LaTeX)

This app allows users to write and edit mathematical and scientific formulas using LaTeX notation. It features a smart equation solver, a public formula library, and the ability to save and organize personal formulas. Calculations can be performed offline with high precision.

Highlights
  • LaTeX-powered formula editor
  • Smart equation solver
  • Public formula library
  • Personal formula collection
  • Variable presets
  • High-precision results
Features
Read full description

Leave one variable blank, and FormulaBox solves for it. Type any formula, fill in the numbers you know, and the blank one is worked out: the exact answer where there is one, and its decimal value. • Any formula, typed or pasted: use the math keyboard, or paste LaTeX. No LaTeX needed. • A library ready to use: mathematics, statistics, physics, finance, chemistry, construction, queueing theory, atomic and nuclear physics. Pick a formula and compute. • Constants already in: the speed of light and others are filled in, so you enter only the rest. • Simplify in one step: fractions, roots and powers made simple. • Your own formula box: save the formulas you use, with tags and notes, and share them as a link, LaTeX or a picture. • Two pages on big screens: on iPad and iPhone Duo, the formula on one page, the answer on the other. • Choose how many decimal places in Settings. The app shows ads.

Screenshots

CMCalc4 screens
Formula Box (LaTeX)4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: CMCalc at 4.6 against Formula Box (LaTeX)'s 1.3. CMCalc also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (67% vs 43%). Formula Box (LaTeX)'s advantage is update cadence (every 8 months vs every 45 months). On price, ratings volume, 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

CMCalc holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of CMCalc's written reviews are positive against 43% of Formula Box (LaTeX)'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CMCalc ships an update every 45 months, Formula Box (LaTeX) every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
CMCalc versus Formula Box (LaTeX): the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCMCalcFormula Box (LaTeX)
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (7 ratings) — better1.3 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better42.9% of reviews
Number of ratings7 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 45 monthsEvery 8 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWilliam David坤宁 毛

Customer experience

CMCalc

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%

Formula Box (LaTeX)

All ratings3 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive42.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative57.1%

In-app purchases

None

CMCalc

No in-app purchases

None

Formula Box (LaTeX)

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CMCalc free?
CMCalc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Formula Box (LaTeX) free?
Formula Box (LaTeX) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, CMCalc or Formula Box (LaTeX)?
CMCalc is rated higher. CMCalc averages 4.6 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Formula Box (LaTeX) averages 1.3 from 3 ratings.
Do CMCalc or Formula Box (LaTeX) have ads?
Formula Box (LaTeX) shows ads; CMCalc does not.
Which is updated more often, CMCalc or Formula Box (LaTeX)?
CMCalc ships an update every 45 months, and Formula Box (LaTeX) every 8 months. Most recently, CMCalc was updated on November 3, 2026 and Formula Box (LaTeX) on November 11, 2026.

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