Why doesn't the iPad have a calculator?
Your iPad has it all. Professional drawing software, advanced video editing tools, even a virtual drum kit. A calculator ? Not included. While your basic iPhone comes standard, you have to go to the App Store on your multi-thousand-euro iPad Pro for something as basic as 7x8.
Apple never explained why. No official statement, no logical explanation. Rumor has it they once tried to stretch the iPhone Calculator for the larger screen. It failed completely. Since then: radio silence.
But here's the plot twist. Third-party alternatives outperform the standard iPhone calculator in every way. From free apps with speech recognition to professional tools for engineers. Your iPad actually becomes more powerful without Apple's intervention. Just like the right iPad accessories get more out of your device than Apple's own products. Or like a decent screen protector often offers better protection than what manufacturers offer. Sometimes, third-party solutions are simply superior.
Useful links
The Mystery of the Missing Calculator
You probably know the feeling: you grab your iPad to do a quick calculation, open the control panel, browse through the apps... and then realize there's no calculator. While even the most basic smartphone comes with one, on a device costing thousands of euros, you have to go to the App Store for something as basic as calculating a tip at a restaurant.
Apple has never officially explained why the iPad doesn't have a standard calculator. The story goes that they once tried to scale the iPhone version for the larger screen. The result was a stretched, ugly interface that didn't meet Apple's design standards. Since then, radio silence. No new attempt, no alternative.
The best alternatives from the App Store
Fortunately, third-party developers have stepped in. The App Store is full of calculator apps, from simple, basic versions to advanced tools for scientists and engineers. Here are the best options for everyday use:
PCalc: the all-rounder
PCalc is without a doubt the most complete calculator app for iPad. This app offers:
- Customizable interface with different themes and layouts
- Split View and Slide Over support on iPad
- Programmable functions and memory storage
- Extended unit conversion
- Apple Watch app included
The regular version costs around 11 euros, but there's also PCalc Lite. This free version includes the most features and is more than sufficient for most users. The only drawbacks of the Lite version are the limited customization options and the lack of some advanced features.
Wolfram Alpha: More than just math
Wolfram Alpha isn't actually a traditional calculator, but a knowledge engine capable of performing complex calculations. The app excels at:
- Mathematical problems with step-by-step explanations
- Graphs and visualizations of functions
- Integration with Siri for voice commands
- Access to a huge database of facts and formulas
This app is ideal when you don't just want the answer, but also understand how to get there. It might be a bit much for simple, everyday calculations, but for students and professionals, it's a valuable tool.
Calcularium: the smart choice
Calcularium looks simple but hides smart features under the hood:
- Speech recognition for speaking calculations
- Photo mode to scan sums from paper
- Labeling system for organizing calculations
- History saved per day
The app is free to use, but it does contain ads. For a small monthly fee, you can remove them and unlock additional features.
Other interesting options
Besides the top three, there are a few more apps worth mentioning:
- Calc Smart (€6.99): Specially designed for iPad, with an interface that takes full advantage of the large screen. Perfect for those who perform many calculations daily and want to organize them.
- Numerical2 (free): A minimalist app that works perfectly while multitasking. Ideal for quick calculations while working in another app.
- MyScript Calculator (free with in-app purchases): Write calculations with your finger or Apple Pencil, and the app will recognize your handwriting. Especially useful for complex formulas.
Practical tips for choosing
When choosing a calculator app for your iPad, several factors are important:
- Usage frequency : Do you use a calculator daily? Then invest in a paid app without ads.
- Types of calculations : for simple sums a free app is sufficient, for scientific calculations you need more.
- How it works : Do you often work with other apps simultaneously? Then choose an app with good multitasking support.
- Budget : Many free apps offer good functionality, but do contain ads.
The benefits of third-party apps
Ironically, the iPad's lack of a standard calculator has also had its advantages. Third-party developers have added innovative features that Apple likely never would have envisioned. Think of handwriting recognition, voice control, or integration with cloud services for syncing calculations between devices.
These apps demonstrate that third-party solutions are sometimes superior to what manufacturers provide as standard. Just as a good third-party screen protector often offers better protection, or how the right accessories can get more out of your device than official Apple products.
Conclusion for practice
The lack of a standard calculator on the iPad remains a bit of a nuisance, but the available alternatives more than make up for it. Whether you choose the comprehensive PCalc, the intelligent Wolfram Alpha, or the practical Calcularium, there's a suitable solution for every budget and every need. The most important thing is that you choose an app that suits your working style and the type of calculations you perform.
Conclusion
Apple's decision not to include a calculator on the iPad remains a mystery, but it has inadvertently led to better alternatives . The available apps surpass the standard iPhone calculator in every way—from handwriting recognition to advanced scientific features.
For everyday use, the free version of PCalc Lite is more than sufficient. If you have more specific needs, there are plenty of paid options that are worth the price. Just as you often get more bang for your buck with refurbished iPads than with new models, third-party calculator apps simply offer more than what Apple likely ever included by default.
Update for 2025
Apple has (finally!) decided to include its calculator app on the iPad! It might not be the best choice anymore, now that so many great apps have appeared over the years... but it is the easiest!
