Photomath

Photomath is a math-learning app for Android and iOS that scans problems with a mobile camera or accepts them through a smart calculator, then provides step-by-step solutions. It can handle word problems as well as other math questions, and a scan may return multiple methods. Its listed coverage spans elementary math through college subjects, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and calculus. Interactive graphs can be zoomed and tapped for information, with definitions available in context. The free Basic plan includes step-by-step explanations but excludes custom visual aids and extra “how” and “why” tips. Photomath Plus adds those features, and its listed features also include Animated Tutorials and teacher-approved definitions. Monthly Plus is $9.99 a month; the annual plan is $69.99 a year. No-cost trials may be offered from time to time, but a subscription trial converts to paid billing unless canceled before it ends. Paid services are billed through Google Play or the iOS App Store, and use is limited to personal, non-commercial purposes.

Photomath offers problem scanning and step-by-step explanations across a broad range of math subjects. The free Basic plan covers explanations, while Plus adds visual aids and extra tips at the listed monthly or annual price.

It suits learners working through math problems, as well as parents and teachers supporting them. Its coverage includes subjects from elementary math through calculus.

Photomath is a mobile math solver for learners who want explanations alongside answers, and for parents and teachers helping them study. Its broad math coverage and free step-by-step support make it useful across school and college work, while Plus adds guidance for learners who want more than a worked solution.

Overview

Photomath takes problems from a camera scan or its smart calculator and returns step-by-step solutions. It can scan word problems as well as mathematical notation, and a scanned question may offer more than one method. That makes it useful for checking work and comparing approaches, rather than just retrieving an answer. Handwriting input adds flexibility when a problem is on paper.

The subject range extends from elementary math through college material, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. Interactive graphs can be zoomed and tapped for information, with definitions in context. The breadth suits learners moving between topics, but Android and iOS are the only platforms, so Photomath is a poor fit for anyone who wants to work from a computer.

Key features

• Camera and calculator input: Scanning written problems is quick, while calculator entry offers another route when a camera capture is unsuitable. Support for handwriting and word problems makes the input options relevant to more than neatly typeset equations.
• Step-by-step solutions: Basic includes explanations, making the free tier useful for following a solution rather than checking only the final result. Multiple methods on some scanned problems can help learners compare ways to solve a question.
• Visual and conceptual help: Plus adds custom visual aids and extra “how” and “why” tips. Photomath also describes animated tutorials and teacher-approved definitions as Plus features. These additions are best suited to learners who need more context; they are not necessary for users who only want the included step sequence.
• Interactive graphs: Users can zoom and tap graphs for information and explore definitions in context. This gives graph-based topics a more exploratory treatment than a static answer, though the app remains focused on math.

Pricing

Photomath is freemium. Basic costs nothing and includes step-by-step explanations, but excludes custom visual aids and extra “how” and “why” tips. It is the sensible starting point for learners who mainly need worked steps; it gives up the additional visual and explanatory support reserved for Plus.

Photomath Plus costs $9.99 a month, billed monthly, or $69.99 a year, billed annually. Both paid plans include step-by-step explanations, custom visual aids, and extra tips. The annual option costs less over a full year than paying monthly for twelve months, but requires an annual commitment. Monthly pricing fits people who want Plus for a shorter period.

A no-cost trial may be offered from time to time. If a subscription trial is offered, it converts to paid billing unless canceled before it ends. Paid Services are billed through Google Play Store or iOS App Store. The terms limit use to personal, non-commercial purposes, so this is not a business or classroom licensing option.

Platforms

Photomath is available on Android and iOS. Its camera-first workflow is suited to solving problems from paper on a mobile device, but the platform range leaves out web and desktop use.

Who it's for

Photomath fits students who want to understand how a problem is solved, especially when they study across several areas of math. Parents and teachers can use it to support learners, and multiple solution methods may help when one explanation does not click. It is less suitable for someone who needs a computer-based workspace or a tool for commercial use.

The privacy policy says the service may collect usage, device, and location data, along with camera images or videos used to recognize and solve problems. It describes privacy-by-design principles including pseudonymization, data minimization, and encryption. User-taken images are not shared with service providers, advertising agencies, business partners, or other third parties, subject to the stated micro-tutoring exception.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free step-by-step explanations make the Basic plan useful without a subscription; broad coverage from elementary through college math supports learners across many subjects; camera, handwriting, calculator, and word-problem input accommodate different kinds of questions; some scans offer multiple methods.
• Cons: Custom visual aids and extra tips require Plus; Plus is a recurring subscription at $9.99 a month or $69.99 a year; Android and iOS support excludes computer-based study; personal, non-commercial terms rule out business use.

Alternatives

Mathway is worth considering if web or Windows access matters, since it also supports Android and iOS and offers free solver and calculator access with step-by-step solutions. ShowYourWork may suit someone seeking a free plan with explanations and practice problems always free, alongside three monthly generations and three more through referrals. AI Homework Help: Scan & Solve is an iOS alternative with a free starting tier and a $29.99 annual plan.

AskSia is another option for users who want daily problem solves and photo input in its free plan, across Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, and a browser extension. CameraMath offers a free online solver with photo, screenshot, handwriting, text, and calculator input, plus Android and iOS apps. Cymath may appeal to users who want a lower-priced paid math option: its free plan provides step-by-step solutions, and Plus costs $5 a month for ad-free use and detailed sub-steps on most problems.

Eqora is an iOS alternative with a free tier and optional Premium for higher AI usage. SnapSolve is an Android alternative for users who prefer a free tier with daily solve limits and photo, text, and voice input.

For broader comparisons, see AI Homework Helpers, Math Solver Apps, and AI Study Tools.

Verdict

Choose Photomath if you want mobile help understanding a wide range of math problems and value step-by-step explanations at no cost. Its strongest case is the mix of broad subject coverage, flexible input, and multiple solution methods for some scans. Look elsewhere if you need desktop access, business use, or Plus-level visual aids and tips without a recurring subscription.