Math solver app with steps

Data as of Oct 16, 2026Reviewed by

How we measure

Which brands AI mentions

#BrandMentioned in
=1Photomath100%
=1Symbolab98%
=3Microsoft Math Solver63%
=3Mathway63%
=3Wolfram|Alpha60%

Mentioned in · Jul 8 – Oct 16, 2026

ChatGPT SearchChatGPT SearchGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode

Widest split: Microsoft Math Solver, 32% on ChatGPT Search and 95% on Google AI Mode.

  • =1PhotomathChatGPT Search 100%Google AI Mode 100%
  • =1SymbolabChatGPT Search 100%Google AI Mode 95%
  • =3Microsoft Math SolverChatGPT Search 32%Google AI Mode 95%
  • =3MathwayChatGPT Search 36%Google AI Mode 90%
  • =3Wolfram|AlphaChatGPT Search 86%Google AI Mode 33%

Questions and answers

  • ChatGPT SearchOct 7, 2026

    1. 1Photomath
    2. 2Symbolab
    3. 3Wolfram|Alpha

    If your main priority is an app that actually shows the work, my top pick is Photomath.

    🥇 Best overall: Photomath

    Photomath

    • 📸 Scan a problem with your camera
    • 🧩 Shows step-by-step explanations, not just the answer
    • 🔄 Can provide multiple methods for some problems
    • Covers elementary math through algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus.
    • Particularly good if you're doing homework from a worksheet or textbook.

    Photomath official site

    🥈 Best for advanced math: Symbolab

    Symbolab

    Symbolab is excellent for algebra through calculus, linear algebra, trigonometry, and statistics. Its solver is specifically designed to display detailed steps and explanations.

    Symbolab Step-by-Step Calculator

    🥉 Best for college-level math: Wolfram|Alpha

    | --- | --- | Wolfram|Alpha

    Wolfram|Alpha is particularly powerful for calculus and more complicated mathematical problems. Its Pro version offers intermediate steps, hints, and the ability to choose different solution methods.

    Wolfram|Alpha Step-by-Step Math Solver

    My recommendation:

    • High school/homework + taking pictures: ⭐ Photomath
    • Algebra/calculus + detailed written steps: ⭐ Symbolab
    • Advanced college math: ⭐ Wolfram|Alpha

    If you tell me what level of math you're taking (e.g., Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalc, Calculus), I can tell you which one is best for your specific class.

    Sources cited in this answer3

    Google AI ModeSep 26, 2026

    1. 1Photomath
    2. 2Microsoft Math Solver
    3. 3Symbolab
    4. 4Mathway
    5. 5Cymath

    When it comes to finding the best math solver app that shows step-by-step breakdowns , a few top-tier options stand out depending on whether you are working through basic algebra or high-level university calculus.

    Here are the best math solver apps available right now, categorized by what they do best:

    • Photomath – Best overall for everyday use and learning mechanics. You can quickly scan printed or handwritten problems using your phone's camera. It provides a clean, immediate step-by-step breakdown (with animated walkthroughs and multiple solving methods on the upgraded version). It covers everything from basic arithmetic up to calculus.
    • Microsoft Math Solver – Best completely free, ad-free option. It supports handwriting recognition, scanning, or manual typing. It doesn't just show the steps; it also links to related practice quizzes, instructional video clips, and graphs, making it one of the most well-rounded educational companions.
    • Symbolab – Best for advanced high school and college math. Symbolab excels at complex algebra, trigonometry, and intense calculus equations. It visually breaks down every single intermediate step so you can see precisely how terms are factored, integrated, or simplified.
    • Mathway – Best powerhouse for heavy-duty problem-solving. Powered by Chegg, Mathway can compute almost any math or statistics problem you throw at it. While some of the deep step-by-step explanations require a subscription, it is unmatched when you need an answer for high-level college courses.
    • Cymath – Best for a straightforward, teacher-like layout. Cymath walks through algebra and calculus problems line-by-line, explicitly noting the logic (like "subtract x x𝑥 from both sides" or "find a common denominator") without overwhelming you with extra features.

    If you can tell me what math subject or grade level you're working on (like Algebra 1, geometry, or calculus), I can recommend which of these apps will fit your specific needs best.

    Sources cited in this answer3

  • Google AI ModeOct 16, 2026

    1. 1Photomath
    2. 2Microsoft Math Solver
    3. 3Mathway
    4. 4Symbolab
    5. 5Cymath

    Finding a math solver that actually breaks down the process instead of just throwing numbers at you makes all the difference. The best apps for seeing the full work, step-by-step logic, and explanations include:

    • Photomath : The gold standard for scanning. You point your phone's camera at a printed or handwritten equation, and it instantly generates a color-coded, step-by-step breakdown. It even offers multiple ways to solve certain problems and animated explanations on its free tier (with deeper deep dives on Photomath Plus).
    • Microsoft Math Solver : A fantastic, completely free option that handles everything from basic pre-algebra to heavy calculus and matrix multiplication. You can type, draw, or scan equations. Beyond showing steps, it frequently links out to related online video tutorials and practice problems to help you grasp the underlying concept.
    • Mathway : Excellent if you are tackling high school or college-level math (including statistics, trigonometry, and finite math). While the interface is clean and straightforward, it acts like a digital tutor by letting you toggle into detailed procedural walkthroughs for each line of the equation.
    • Symbolab : A powerhouse for algebra, trigonometry, and advanced calculus. Symbolab excels at showing long, granular steps for complicated operations (like integrals or long division) so you can easily spot where your own manual calculations went off track.
    • Cymath : Designed specifically to mimic how a human teacher or tutor writes out a problem on a whiteboard. It gives clean, line-by-line logical explanations for algebra and calculus problems without feeling overly cluttered.

    If you want to narrow this down, let me know:

    • What math level or subject are you working on (e.g., middle school algebra, college calculus)?
    • Do you prefer scanning problems with a camera or typing them on a keyboard?

    I can pinpoint the exact app that fits your workflow best.

    Sources cited in this answer5

    ChatGPT SearchOct 16, 2026

    1. 1Photomath
    2. 2Symbolab
    3. 3Wolfram|Alpha
    4. 4GeoGebra
    5. 5OpenAI

    If you want a math solver that shows every step instead of just giving you the answer, I'd start with Photomath or Symbolab. The best choice depends on whether you're solving homework from a photo, working through algebra, or tackling calculus.

    Here are the strongest options I found for 2026, including which ones are useful for learning and which have paid features.

    Best math solver apps

    • This iPhone app demystifies complicated maths problems | iMore

    1. Photomath

    (Best overall for homework)

    Best for: Taking a picture of a math problem and following the solution.

    • Scans printed or handwritten math with your phone camera.
    • Shows worked steps for topics from basic arithmetic through calculus.
    • The basic step-by-step solver is free; advanced tutorials and extra explanations are paid features.

    Try it:

    • Symbolab APK Free Download - Android App

    2. Symbolab

    (Best for algebra and calculus)

    Best for: Seeing the mathematical transformations in a worked solution.

    • Handles equations, inequalities, trigonometry, derivatives, integrals and more.
    • Offers a dedicated step-by-step calculator.
    • Some detailed steps and features may require a subscription.

    Try it:

    • WebCatalog

    3. Wolfram|Alpha

    Best for: Advanced math and checking results.

    • Strong for calculus, matrices, equations and symbolic computation.
    • Useful for verifying answers independently.
    • Step-by-step explanations are generally part of its paid Pro offering.

    Try it:

    • ‎GeoGebra Math Solver App - App Store

    4. GeoGebra

    Best for: Graphs, geometry and visual understanding.

    • Explore functions, equations, graphs and geometric constructions.
    • Particularly useful for understanding how a graph changes as you adjust a value.
    • Many of its core graphing and geometry tools are free, though it is less focused on explaining every algebraic step.

    Try it:

    • OpenAI、iPhone用アプリ「OpenAI ChatGPT」を日本のApp Storeでも配信開始 | iPhone App Store | Mac OTAKARA

    5. ChatGPT

    Best for: Understanding why each step works.

    • Ask for a solution with every intermediate step explained in plain English.
    • Request hints first, rather than the full answer, or ask it to explain a specific line.
    • Particularly useful for word problems and adapting explanations to your level.

    Try this prompt: “Solve this problem step by step. Explain why each operation is valid, show all intermediate calculations, and check the final answer.”

    Try it:

    Quick comparison

    AppShows workingPhoto scanningBest use
    PhotomathYes, basic steps freeYesEveryday homework
    SymbolabYes; some details paidPhoto input availableAlgebra and calculus
    Wolfram|AlphaYes, with ProPro featureAdvanced math
    GeoGebraDepends on calculator/toolMath Solver supports photosGraphs and geometry
    ChatGPTExplanations on requestImage input availableLearning the reasoning

    Sources: official feature pages for Photomath, Symbolab, Wolfram|Alpha and GeoGebra.

    My recommendation

    • Want free, worked-out answers? Start with Photomath.
    • Taking algebra or calculus? Try Symbolab.
    • Want to understand the reasoning, not memorize steps? Try ChatGPT and ask it to explain each move.
    • Need advanced calculations? Consider Wolfram|Alpha Pro.

    One tip: the best solver should show not only what changed between lines, but why. Check the subscription limits before paying, and verify that the app reads your original problem correctly.

    What kind of math are you working on? I can narrow this down to the best two or three tools for your needs.

    Math level

    Middle school math

    Algebra

    Geometry or trigonometry

    Precalculus or calculus

    College or advanced math

    Budget

    Free only

    Low-cost paid is okay

    Best explanations, regardless of price

    How do you enter problems?

    Type or paste the problem

    Take a photo of homework

    Both

    [Find my best options]

    Sources cited in this answer11

Also asked as

  • I'm looking for a math solver tool that shows the full steps for every problem. What are my best options?