Top 5 Free Mathway Alternatives for Easy Calculations
Mathway is one of the most recognized math solver apps on the internet. Type in an equation, get an answer. Simple. But here is the problem: Mathway charges $9.99 per month (or $79.99 per year) just to see the step-by-step solutions. The free version only shows you the final answer with no working, which is nearly useless if you are trying to learn.
I have been testing math solver tools for over a decade — for my own calculus refreshers, for writing math content on this site, and to recommend tools to students who email me. After trying dozens of sites like Mathway, I can tell you that several free alternatives give you step-by-step solutions, cover more subjects, and do not lock everything behind a paywall.
These are the best free Mathway alternatives I have found, ranked by how useful they actually are.
TLDR;
Symbolab is the best overall free Mathway alternative with step-by-step solutions across the most subjects. Microsoft Math Solver is the only 100% free option with no paid tier at all. Photomath has the best camera scanning for phone users. For advanced university math, Wolfram Alpha is unmatched. Desmos and GeoGebra cover graphing and geometry that Mathway cannot do at all.
Best Mathway Alternatives
Why Students Look for Mathway Alternatives
Before I get into the list, it helps to understand what drives people away from Mathway in the first place. It is not that Mathway is bad — the solver itself is solid. The issues are specific:
- Paywall on step-by-step solutions. The free tier shows you the answer but hides the working. For students who need to understand the process (not just copy answers), this makes the free version almost pointless.
- $9.99/month adds up. For a student already paying for textbooks, subscriptions, and tuition, another monthly fee for math help is a tough sell when free alternatives exist.
- Subject depth varies. Mathway handles algebra, basic calculus, and statistics reasonably well but struggles with more advanced topics like differential equations, linear algebra proofs, or discrete mathematics.
- No graphing or visualization. Mathway is a solver, not a graphing tool. If you need to visualize functions, plot inequalities, or explore geometric constructions, you need something else entirely.
These gaps are exactly what the alternatives below fill.
Best Free Mathway Alternatives — Full Breakdown
I have organized these from most universally useful to most specialized. Each one solves a specific problem better than Mathway does at its price point.
1. Symbolab — Best Overall Mathway Alternative
Website: symbolab.com
Symbolab is the closest direct replacement for Mathway and the one I recommend first to anyone looking for free mathway alternatives. It covers algebra, calculus, trigonometry, matrices, and statistics — and it shows step-by-step solutions on the free tier for many problem types.
What it solves: Equations, inequalities, integrals, derivatives, limits, series, matrices, trigonometric identities, and more.
Pricing: Free with ads. Symbolab Plus costs around $2.49/month (billed annually) for ad-free access and additional step-by-step solutions. Significantly cheaper than Mathway even if you upgrade.
Unique strength: The practice problems feature. Symbolab does not just solve your problem — it generates similar practice questions so you can test whether you actually understood the method. This is something Mathway does not do at all.
Best for: High school and college students who need a general-purpose solver with learning tools built in.
Subjects covered: Pre-algebra, algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, linear algebra, matrices, chemistry (stoichiometry).
2. Wolfram Alpha — Best for Advanced Math and Research
Website: wolframalpha.com
Wolfram Alpha is not just a math solver — it is a computational knowledge engine built by Wolfram Research. I use it regularly when I need to verify complex calculations, explore mathematical properties, or look up formulas I have forgotten.
What it solves: Virtually any computable mathematical question — calculus, number theory, combinatorics, differential equations, probability, statistics, linear algebra, discrete math, and even physics and engineering problems.
Pricing: Free for basic answers. Wolfram Alpha Pro ($5.49/month) adds step-by-step solutions, extended computation time, and file uploads. The Pro Student plan is $4.75/month.
Unique strength: Depth. Wolfram Alpha can handle problems that no other free tool on this list can touch — things like computing eigenvalues, solving PDEs, running statistical tests, or exploring number-theoretic properties. If you are studying anything beyond introductory calculus, this is the tool that scales with you.
Best for: University-level math students, researchers, and anyone working with advanced or niche mathematical topics.
Subjects covered: All standard math subjects plus number theory, topology, combinatorics, operations research, signal processing, and applied mathematics.
Pro tip: Even without a Pro subscription, you can see the final result and the mathematical form of the solution. I often use the free version to verify my own work, then work backward from the answer to understand the steps.
3. Photomath — Best Free App Like Mathway for Phone Users
Website: photomath.com | Available on iOS and Android
Photomath is now owned by Google, and it is arguably the best mobile math solver available. Point your phone camera at a handwritten or printed math problem, and Photomath scans it and returns a step-by-step solution. It is fast, accurate, and the core features are free.
What it solves: Arithmetic, fractions, decimals, algebra (linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations), trigonometry, calculus (derivatives and integrals), and word problems.
Pricing: Free for scanning and step-by-step solutions on most problem types. Photomath Plus ($9.99/month) adds animated tutorials and deeper explanations, but honestly the free tier is enough for most students.
Unique strength: The camera scanning is best-in-class. It handles handwritten math better than any other app I have tested, including Microsoft Math Solver. It also works offline for basic operations.
Best for: Students who do homework on paper and want a quick way to check work or see solution steps on their phone.
Subjects covered: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry basics, trigonometry, calculus (single variable), statistics basics.
4. Microsoft Math Solver — Best Completely Free Option
Website: math.microsoft.com | Available on iOS and Android
Microsoft Math Solver is the only tool on this list that is 100% free with no paid tier, no ads, and no feature restrictions. Everything — step-by-step solutions, graphing, practice problems, video explanations — is included at no cost.
What it solves: Arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, calculus (basic), and word problems. It also links to related Khan Academy and YouTube videos for each problem type.
Pricing: Completely free. No premium tier exists.
Unique strength: The combination of OCR scanning (handwritten and typed), step-by-step solutions, and curated video explanations makes this the most well-rounded free tool for students at the high school level. Microsoft’s AI handles equation recognition well, and the interface is clean.
Best for: High school students who want a fully free, no-compromise math helper. Also excellent for parents helping kids with homework.
Subjects covered: Arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra I and II, trigonometry, pre-calculus, introductory calculus.
Limitation: It does not handle advanced calculus (multivariable, differential equations) or linear algebra. If you need those, look at Wolfram Alpha or Symbolab instead.
5. Desmos — Best Free Graphing Calculator
Website: desmos.com
Desmos is not a direct Mathway alternative in the traditional sense — it is a graphing calculator, not an equation solver. But I include it here because many students searching for Mathway alternatives actually need visualization, and Desmos is the best free tool for that.
What it solves: Function graphing, inequalities, parametric equations, polar coordinates, regressions, transformations, and interactive explorations. You can also use it to solve equations graphically (by finding intersection points).
Pricing: Completely free. Desmos is funded by Amplify and does not charge individual users.
Unique strength: The interactive, real-time graphing. You can add sliders to parameters and watch how functions change. For understanding concepts like the radius of convergence or how a function’s derivative relates to its graph, Desmos is unmatched.
Best for: Anyone studying functions, graphing, or visual mathematics. Particularly useful for pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics (regression analysis).
Subjects covered: Functions and graphing, algebra (visual), trigonometry (unit circle, graphs), calculus (derivative/integral visualization), statistics (regressions, distributions), geometry (coordinate geometry).
6. GeoGebra — Best Free Tool for Geometry and Visual Math
Website: geogebra.org
GeoGebra is an open-source mathematics platform that combines graphing, geometry, algebra, calculus, statistics, and a computer algebra system (CAS) in one tool. It is widely used in schools across Europe and increasingly in North America.
What it solves: Geometric constructions, function graphing, symbolic algebra (via CAS), calculus operations, probability distributions, and 3D graphing. The CAS module can solve equations symbolically, similar to what Mathway does.
Pricing: Completely free and open-source.
Unique strength: The geometry tools. If you need to construct triangles, explore angle relationships, prove geometric properties visually, or work with 3D shapes, GeoGebra has no equal among free tools. The CAS also handles symbolic computation surprisingly well for a free platform.
Best for: Geometry students, teachers creating interactive lessons, and anyone who benefits from visual mathematical exploration.
Subjects covered: Geometry (Euclidean, coordinate, 3D), algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, discrete math basics.
7. MathPapa — Best Free Algebra-Specific Solver
Website: mathpapa.com
MathPapa does one thing and does it well: algebra. If you are struggling specifically with algebraic equations — linear, quadratic, systems of equations — MathPapa walks you through each step clearly and for free.
What it solves: Linear equations, quadratic equations, systems of equations, inequalities, simplification, and factoring.
Pricing: Free for basic equation solving with steps. Premium ($9.99/month) removes ads and adds graphing and more problem types.
Unique strength: Clarity of explanations. MathPapa breaks down each algebraic step in plain language, making it excellent for students who are building foundational algebra skills. The practice problem generator helps reinforce what you learn.
Best for: Middle school and early high school students working through algebra fundamentals.
Subjects covered: Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II (partial).
Limitation: It only covers algebra. No calculus, no trigonometry, no statistics. If you need broader coverage, start with Symbolab or Microsoft Math Solver.
8. Cymath — Best for Quick Algebra and Calculus Steps
Website: cymath.com
Cymath is a lightweight solver that covers algebra and calculus with free step-by-step solutions. It does not try to be everything — it focuses on solving problems quickly and showing the work.
What it solves: Algebra (factoring, simplification, equations) and calculus (derivatives, integrals, limits).
Pricing: Free for step-by-step solutions. Cymath Plus ($5/month) adds more detailed explanations.
Unique strength: Speed and simplicity. There is no clutter, no account required, and the solutions load fast. For quick homework checks, it is one of the most frictionless options available.
Best for: Students who want a fast, no-nonsense solver for algebra and single-variable calculus problems.
Subjects covered: Algebra, pre-calculus, single-variable calculus.
Mathway Alternatives Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Step-by-Step | Subjects Covered | Mobile App | Camera Scan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbolab | Yes (most types) | Algebra, calculus, trig, matrices, stats | Yes | Yes | Overall best alternative |
| Wolfram Alpha | No (Pro only) | All math + science + engineering | Yes | No | Advanced/university math |
| Photomath | Yes | Algebra, trig, calculus basics | Yes | Yes (best) | Phone-based homework help |
| Microsoft Math Solver | Yes (all) | Algebra, trig, pre-calculus, basic calc | Yes | Yes | 100% free, no restrictions |
| Desmos | N/A (graphing) | Functions, graphing, regressions | Yes | No | Graphing and visualization |
| GeoGebra | Yes (via CAS) | Geometry, algebra, calculus, stats, 3D | Yes | No | Geometry and visual math |
| MathPapa | Yes (algebra) | Algebra only | No | No | Algebra fundamentals |
| Cymath | Yes | Algebra, calculus | No | No | Quick homework checks |
Which Mathway Alternative Should You Pick?
After testing all of these extensively, here is my honest recommendation based on what you actually need:
- You want the closest thing to Mathway but free: Start with Symbolab. It covers the most subjects with free step-by-step solutions and is the most natural switch from Mathway.
- You are a university student or need advanced math: Wolfram Alpha is the only tool that handles upper-level mathematics reliably. Budget for the Pro Student plan if you need steps.
- You do homework on paper and want to scan problems: Photomath has the best camera recognition. Microsoft Math Solver is the runner-up.
- You need a graphing calculator: Desmos is the standard. Free, fast, and accepted on many standardized tests.
- You study geometry specifically: GeoGebra has no competition in this space among free tools.
- You just need algebra help: MathPapa for learning, Cymath for quick answers.
For related tools, see my list of math solver websites and the difference quotient calculator I built for calculus students.
How I Tested These Mathway Alternatives
I did not just read feature lists. I ran the same set of problems through each tool to see how they performed:
- Basic algebra: Solve 3x + 7 = 22
- Quadratic: Factor x^2 – 5x + 6
- Calculus: Find the derivative of sin(x) * e^x
- Integration: Evaluate the integral of 1/(1+x^2) dx
- Trigonometry: Simplify sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) – 1
- Statistics: Find the standard deviation of {4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42}
Every tool on this list handled the algebra problems. The calculus and statistics problems separated the general-purpose tools (Symbolab, Wolfram Alpha) from the specialized ones (MathPapa, Cymath). Desmos and GeoGebra approached these problems differently — through visualization rather than symbolic solving — which is a valid and sometimes more useful approach.
Offline Math Practice Resources
Calculators solve problems for you. Exams don’t let you use calculators (usually). If you’re relying on Mathway to get through homework, these workbooks will teach you to actually solve the problems yourself.
I’m not against using tools. But I also know the difference between understanding a concept and having a calculator spit out the answer. These workbooks build the first kind of knowledge. For more options, see my calculus book recommendations.
Also, see the Calculators that I have built.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free alternatives to Mathway?
The best free Mathway alternatives are Symbolab, Microsoft Math Solver, Photomath, and Cymath. All four provide step-by-step solutions without requiring a paid subscription. Microsoft Math Solver is the only one that is entirely free with no premium tier at all. Symbolab offers the broadest subject coverage among the free options.
Is there a completely free app like Mathway with step-by-step solutions?
Yes. Microsoft Math Solver is 100% free — no ads, no premium tier, no feature locks. It provides step-by-step solutions for algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus. Photomath also provides free step-by-step solutions for most problem types, with a camera scan feature that works on handwritten math.
Can Wolfram Alpha replace Mathway for free?
Partially. Wolfram Alpha’s free version shows final answers and mathematical forms but does not include step-by-step solutions — those require Wolfram Alpha Pro ($5.49/month or $4.75/month for students). However, even the free version handles far more advanced math than Mathway, making it useful for verifying answers at any level.
Which free math solver is best for calculus?
For single-variable calculus (derivatives, integrals, limits, series), Symbolab provides the best free step-by-step experience. For advanced calculus including multivariable, differential equations, and real analysis, Wolfram Alpha is the only reliable option, though step-by-step requires Pro. Desmos is excellent for visualizing calculus concepts like derivatives, integrals, and convergence.
Are apps like Mathway safe to use for learning?
Math solver apps are safe and useful when used as learning aids rather than answer-copying tools. The best approach is to attempt problems first, then use a solver to check your work and understand where you went wrong. Tools like Symbolab and MathPapa that include practice problems encourage this kind of active learning. Relying solely on any solver — Mathway or its alternatives — without understanding the process will hurt you on exams.
Do any free Mathway alternatives work offline?
Photomath works offline for basic problem types (arithmetic, simple algebra) once installed. SpeedCrunch is a fully offline, downloadable calculator for Windows, Mac, and Linux — though it does not show step-by-step solutions. Most web-based tools like Symbolab, Wolfram Alpha, and Desmos require an internet connection.