Where in the past every schoolchild and student always had a calculator in their pocket, nowadays that is of course the smartphone. And the multi-core processor inside it doesn't turn a blind eye to even the most complex formulas and arithmetic operations. We've rounded up some of the best calculator apps for you.
PCalc
We'll start with PCalc for iOS and iPadOS (be sure to read on, there's 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 example in horizontal position of your device and a simple desk calculator in vertical position 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. The extensive conversion module is also practical, with which you can quickly convert between all kinds of units – if only from gallons to liters. An extensive database with constants and a nice formula database has also been considered. In both modules you can also define things yourself.
PCalc is a pure calculator, don't expect any unnecessary frills, the ability to draw graphs or to be able to program. The price for the full version may be 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.
Fractions Calculator
After you learned in high school during one of the first math classes that you didn't need fractions anymore, you probably 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 jobs: Fraction Calculator, of which we wholeheartedly recommend the Plus version without advertising and the like. This app is available for Android as well as iOS and iPadOS.
As the name of the app suggests, this app calculates with fractions. You can do all the standard arithmetic operations on it and you enter a fraction using two numeric keypads, one for the numerator and one for the denominator. The answer also appears in fraction form.
And now it's 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 upgrade the free version to the ad-free version.
Calculator Infinity
Calculator Infinity is also a very nice calculator for iOS and iPadOS. It is a copy with graphical capabilities and other more advanced extras, such as matrix calculations, solvers for formulas, a statistics mode, a mode for complex numbers and for the programmers a base x calculator. Or – as far as the latter is concerned – play around with, for example, hexadecimal or binary numbers.
In general, physical calculators with so many features 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 turn these devices into a very advanced calculator with countless scientific possibilities.
To switch between the 'working modes', use the button at the bottom left of the screen. Furthermore, you can 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 movement.
The app seems particularly suitable for more 'hardcore' users of calculators. Anyway: you can turn your iPhone or iPad into an extensive calculator for a modest amount.
Google calculator
Now we come to one of the "essentials" for Android: Google's Calculator app. This is one of those apps that you should have on every Android device by default. Some of that may already be the case, some of it won't. It's also a practical calculator 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 roots, just like logarithms.
A handy app for the more or less daily calculation tasks. This app costs nothing, which is a nice 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 for a while. As the addition Pro already indicates, this concerns the paid variant. There is also a free version with ads called HiPER Scientific Calculator.
What stands out in any case about this app is the slick appearance. And also that he can effortlessly calculate the most complex fractions. However, you only get to 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 (conversion) calculations with and between different number systems. One click or tap the button CONV leads to a comprehensive 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 usual 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 funny thing is that you get completely used to this – experience shows. For example, a whole series of illustrious calculators from HP use RPN as input method. To switch to RPN in HiPER Calc Pro, tap the button MENU, then Fashion and then RPN.
Calculators from HP
Fans of HP calculators (and those are mostly pros) will undoubtedly be happy with the calculators that have been officially converted into app form by HP. These are – warning in advance – not exactly cheap apps, with prices just under two bucks each.
But the original calculators are a lot more expensive. Well, for everyone 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 app stores of Android and iOS.
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 certainly recommended for those used to working with one of these devices.
A nice extra of the app is that if you keep your device in portrait mode, a simple basic calculator is shown. But with RPN input! In landscape mode, a full (virtual) version of the calculator appears.
