Whereas in the past every pupil and student always had a calculator in their pocket, nowadays this is of course the smartphone. And the multicore processor inside doesn’t turn around for even the most complex formulas and arithmetic operations. We’ve listed some of the best calculator apps for you.
PCalc
We start with PCalc for iOS and iPadOS (read on, there are also all kinds of great things for Android!). PCalc is a calculator app with a long history. In 1992 it appeared as a program for the Apple Macintosh. It has since made the leap to recent Macs, as well as mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and the Apple Watch.
It is a scientific calculator, but you can set the app so that you see the scientific copy in the horizontal position of your device and in vertical position a simple desk calculator for quick and simple work.
PCalc contains a wealth of functions and possibilities, such as a (virtual) paper strip on which you can see the history of calculations. Another practical feature is the extensive conversion module, with which you can quickly convert between all kinds of units – even if only from gallons to liters. An extensive database with constants and a nice formula database have also been thought of. In both modules you can also define things yourself.
PCalc is a pure calculator, don’t expect unnecessary finery, the ability to draw graphs or to program. The price for the full version is perhaps a bit too steep for some at almost 11 euros. But for the serious calculator in possession of an i-device, this is the calculator you must have. And if you are a little less serious, there is also a free light version available.
Fraction calculator
After you learned in high school that you no longer needed fractions during one of the first math classes, you most likely never looked back. Until (grand) children at primary school are suddenly confronted with the same matter again and you as a (grand) parent have to lend a helping hand.
A special calculator comes in handy for those chores: Fraction aggregator, of which we heartily recommend the Plus version without ads and the like. This app is available for Android, iOS and iPadOS.
As the name of the app suggests, this app calculates fractions. You can let go of all standard arithmetic calculations and you enter a fraction using two numeric values keyboards, one for the numerator and one for the denominator. The answer also appears in fraction form.
And now it gets fun: as soon as the answer is on the screen, you can see the way to the solution by tapping the symbol in the display. In short: an ideal educational aid to see how those damned fractions work (again). For a few euros you can upgrade the free version to the ad-free version.
Calculator Infinity
Also a very nice calculator for iOS and iPadOS Calculator Infinity. It is an example with graphing capabilities and other more advanced extras, such as matrix calculations, solvers for formulas, a statistical mode, a mode for calculating with complex numbers and a base x calculator for the programmers. In other words – regarding the latter – playing around with, for example, hexadecimal or binary numbers.
In general, physical calculators with so many options on board are quite expensive, especially if they have a screen with a lot of pixels for sharp images. Now every iPhone and iPad has such a screen as standard. For a few euros you can transform those devices into a highly advanced calculator with countless scientific possibilities.
To switch between the ‘working modes’, use the button at the bottom left of the screen. You can also define three functions; these functions can then be plotted as a graph. Each graph can be switched on and off separately and zooming in and out is done via a pinch or spread motion.
We think the app is particularly suitable for more ‘hardcore’ calculator users. Either way: you can turn your iPhone or iPad into an extensive calculator for a modest amount.
Calculator from Google
Now we come to one of the ‘essentials’ for Android: the app Calculator from Google. This is such an app that you should have on every Android device by default. This may already be partly the case, partly not. It is also a practical computer for a Chromebook.
It is a fairly simple calculator, but with slightly more options on board than a desk calculator. You will find the basic scientific functions on it, such as sin, cos and tan. He can also calculate square roots, just like logarithms.
A handy app for the more or less daily occurring math jobs. This app costs nothing, which is also a bonus.
HiPER Calc Pro
Another nice one especially for Android: HiPER Calc Pro. Because the eye also wants something, we put it in the spotlight. As the addition Pro indicates, this is the paid version. There is also a free version with ads, HiPER Scientific Calculator called.
What is striking about this app is the slick appearance. And also that he can effortlessly calculate the most complex fraction sums. However, you will only see the answer and not ‘the way there’. But a great tool for a quick check of a fraction sum.
Furthermore, HiPER Calc Pro actually has everything you would expect from a decent scientific calculator on board. Including (converting) calculations with and between different number systems. One click or tap on the button CONV leads to an extensive conversion module between all kinds of units.
Nice is that this calculator can also be used in the so-called RPN mode, where RPN stands for Reverse Polish Notation. It was (and is) quite popular with many techies. It works slightly differently than normal in terms of input. For example, to enter 3 + 7, first enter the number 3 followed by a tap on Enter. Then the 7 and finally the +.
That sounds a bit complex, but the strange thing is that – as experience shows – you get completely used to it. A whole series of illustrious calculators from HP use (too) RPN as an input method, for example. To switch to RPN in HiPER Calc Pro, tap the button MENU, than Fashion and then RPN.
Calculators from HP
Enthusiasts of HP calculators (and they are mostly pros) will undoubtedly be happy with the calculators that have officially been converted into app form by HP. These are – forewarning – not exactly cheap apps, with prices of just under two decades each.
But the original calculators are a lot more expensive. Well, for anyone who always wants to have a ‘real’ HP 12C (the standard financial calculator) or 15C (both in Platinum version) in their pocket, these are available in the Android and iOS app stores.
They are both – as befits an HP calculator – RPN machines (see above). The 15C Platinum is also programmable, just like the original. Although not really ideal for everyone (if only because of the price), it is definitely recommended for those who are used to working with one of these devices.
A nice extra of the app is that if you hold your device in portrait mode, a simple basic calculator is displayed. But then with RPN input! In landscape mode, a full version (but virtual) of the calculator appears.
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