The lack of a native calculator app on the Apple iPad has plagued many (including me) for years. This hasn’t changed even in the latest version of iPadOS, which is pretty disappointing. Luckily, there are more than enough third-party calculator apps to go around the App Store. Maybe a little too much to be honest.
Yes, the App Store throws up loads of calculator apps if you search. So, if you are confused about which calculator you should download from the App Store, here are a few of the best ones.
1. PCCalc Lite
PCalc Lite is a favorite of many, and for good reason. It has a clear and clean user interface. The application provides a number of scientific functions as well as regular number keys. But it still manages to care about all the buttons, which means you rarely misspell it. It also contains no ads, which is great if you hate distractions.
Besides letting you do calculations easily, PCalc Lite also lets you undo and redo changes, switch between degrees and radians, converts (length, velocity, etc.), constants, etc. It helps you to add easily.
In addition, the calculator also allows you to change the default theme, how to display numbers, etc. It has a number of additional options that you can change. You’ll probably start to like it.
2. Calculator +
Calculator + was my calculator app that I used on the iPad. I prefer PCalc Lite now, but you might like this one more. The Calculator + UI puts more emphasis on the number keys. If you have less use for scientific operations, this should work in your favor.
But when it comes to complex calculations, you’re not limited to using square roots and exponents — logarithms, antilogarithms, sines, cosines, tangents, etc. Swipe up from the left side to reveal various additional functions such as
The app also includes multiple other modes such as Handwriting, Linear, and Graphics. But they require in-app purchases. The free version should be enough for most of you.
3. Calculator HD++
Calculator HD++ is quite complex compared to Calculator + and PCalc Lite. It contains two keypads, one with numbers and arithmetic operations, and the other with various scientific operations. This makes it perfect for use with either thumb. The display is a pleasure to work with and shows your complete calculation history at the top.
But what I really like about Calculator HD++ is the multiple workspaces it provides. You can instantly switch between 3 examples of Calculator HD++, which is great when doing different calculations at the same time. You can also unlock more workspaces by upgrading to the PRO version of the app.
4. Calculator
If you want something fancy and uncomplicated then Calculator should do the job. But only if you don’t mind the banner ad at the bottom.
The Calculator app offers both simple and scientific modes. It even gives you access to a currency converter. As for fractions, there is also a separate mode to deal with them easily.
All modes can be changed at any time using the tabs at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, all mods have separate history tapes.
But the nice thing about The Calculator is the number of themes it offers. There are dozens, all accessible from the Customize tab. And you don’t have to pay for them either. It is also integrated with the dark mode functionality in iPadOS.
5. Calculator++
Calculator++ is designed to emulate a leather-covered calculator and gives it some serious iOS 6 flair. It lets you easily switch between basic and scientific calculators (swipe up and down) and even includes a notepad for scribbling. There is also a complete record of your calculations that you can access at any time. Both notes and history can be copied to the clipboard.
Calculator++ has several customization options where you can change properties such as background and background color. But most of them are hidden behind a paywall and there isn’t much to justify an upgrade. The free version should serve you well.
6. Photomat
Photomath is unique in what it does. If you hate typing on the calculator, why not take a picture of it instead? After opening the app, move the camera viewfinder over the math problem and take a photo.
Photomath will then analyze the image and immediately show the full solution (including all steps). Perfect for solving difficult equations and impressing your friends!
Photomath also includes a basic and scientific calculator, so you don’t have to deal with just photos. However, you can’t use it in landscape mode, which is probably my only complaint with the app.
7. Spotlight and Siri
Yup. iPadOS does not have a calculator. However, for basic calculations (additions, subtractions, etc.), you can use Spotlight instead. Just type the numbers into Spotlight and it will show the results immediately.
You can also convert, but for such situations it is more convenient to use Siri. You can also try your luck with some complex calculations!
Solved
I can’t understand why the iPad isn’t a calculator app. Could it be the reason for the lack of modern design? But you’re not spoiled for choice either. Any of the calculators listed above will help you deal with most math problems easily. And of course, don’t forget to use Spotlight and Siri for the basics.
Next: Let’s shift our attention to Android. Here are some of the best math solving apps for Google’s mobile operating system.
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