Graphing app, solver or computer algebra
Math software does quite different jobs. Start with what you need to do:
| Kind | Examples | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Graphing and geometry | GeoGebra, NumWorks emulator, Polypad | Plotting functions, constructions, seeing how a graph changes |
| Step-by-step solver | Mathway, Photomath, Wolfram|Alpha | Checking homework answers and the steps that lead to them |
| Computer algebra system | SageMath, Maxima, Giac/Xcas, SymPy | Exact algebra, derivatives, integrals and equations |
| Numerical computing | GNU Octave | Matrices, data and scripts in a Matlab style language |
A computer algebra system works with symbols, not just numbers. Maxima describes itself as a system for manipulating symbolic and numerical expressions, from differentiation and integration to matrices and plots.
What the free versions leave out
These are the limits we found on the official pages:
| Tool | Free version | Paid or restricted |
|---|---|---|
| Wolfram|Alpha | Basic account, free with sign-in | Step-by-step solutions need Pro |
| Mathway | Free to use, no account needed for solutions | Full work for every step needs a subscription |
| Photomath | Basic plan at US$0 | Monthly and yearly plans; the page does not say what they add |
| GeoGebra | Free for non-commercial use, also at school and home | Commercial use needs a separate license |
| Giac/Xcas | Free under GPL3 | Commercial use through a dual license |
GeoGebra's license also requires attribution for non-commercial use, in the form "Made with GeoGebra" with a link to geogebra.org.
Free math tools on this site
For a quick answer you do not need to install anything. These tools run in your browser:
- Graphing calculator: plot up to five functions and find roots and intersections.
- Scientific calculator: trigonometry, logarithms and powers.
- Fraction calculator: add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers.
- Quadratic equation solver: solve ax² + bx + c = 0 step by step.
- System of equations solver: linear systems with 2 to 4 unknowns.
- Matrix calculator: add, multiply and invert matrices up to 6×6.
Our guide on how to calculate percentages walks through the everyday formulas.
Learn the method, not only the answer
Solvers are useful for checking your work. Try the problem first, then compare your steps with the solver's steps and find where they differ. Free courses with practice exercises are in our list of free online courses, and AI study helpers are in free AI for students.
A printable study planner helps you spread practice over the week. We opened each tool's official page on the date in the table and wrote down only what it says. "Not stated" means the page does not say it.
Frequently asked questions
Is GeoGebra free?
Yes, for non-commercial use. GeoGebra says its calculators, apps and resources are free for non-commercial use, which covers students, teachers and parents at school, university or home. Commercial use needs a separate license.
Does Wolfram|Alpha show steps for free?
No. Wolfram|Alpha's student pricing page says the free Basic account, which needs a sign-in, does not include step-by-step solutions. Those come with Pro.
Is Mathway free?
Mathway says it is free to use and you do not need an account to get solutions. An optional subscription unlocks the full work shown for every step.
Is there a free alternative to Matlab?
GNU Octave is free software under the GPL, and its site says its syntax is largely compatible with Matlab and drop-in compatible with many Matlab scripts. SageMath also names Matlab among the programs it aims to offer a free open source alternative to.
Which free math software can I use in the browser?
GeoGebra apps start in the browser, Polypad needs no login or installation, and NumWorks offers a free online version of its graphing calculator. For computer algebra, Giac/Xcas runs in a compatible browser, SymPy has an online shell, and SageMath points to SageMathCell and CoCalc.