9 Best Math Apps to Learn and Practice in English

Mathematics remains the foundation of countless disciplines, from finance to engineering. Yet many students and professionals struggle with mastering vital mathematical concepts. The rise of educational technology has revolutionized how we approach math learning, with specialized applications offering personalized instruction, interactive practice, and immediate feedback.

After thorough analysis of the current educational app landscape, we've identified the nine most effective mathematics applications that cater to diverse learning styles, age groups, and proficiency levels. These apps transform abstract mathematical concepts into engaging, practical exercises that enhance comprehension and retention.

Why Math Apps Matter

Traditional mathematics education often fails to address individual learning paces and styles. Math applications bridge this gap through:

Personalized learning pathways that adapt to your proficiency level
Interactive visualization of complex concepts
Immediate feedback on problem-solving approaches
Gamification elements that maintain motivation
24/7 accessibility across devices

Our carefully selected math apps cover the entire spectrum—from elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus—ensuring that regardless of your mathematical journey, you'll find the perfect digital companion.

Top 9 Math Apps Overview

Here's a quick look at the apps we'll explore in detail:

Photomath: Solving equations with step-by-step explanations (Free - $9.99/month)
Khan Academy: Comprehensive math explanations across topics (Free)
Brilliant: Interactive STEM learning with daily challenges (Free - $24.99/month)
Dinosaur Math: Fun games for young children ages 2-6 (Free)
Prodigy Math: Gamified learning for grades 1-8 ($6.25 - $8.33/month)
Cross Math: Brain-training math puzzles (Free)
Desmos: Graphing calculator and visualizations (Free)
Unit Converter: Quick unit conversions (Free)
Mathway: Advanced problem-solving across math subjects (Free - $9.99/month)

1. Photomath: Best for Visual Learners and Homework Help

Best use case: Scanning handwritten or printed math problems for instant step-by-step solutions

Pricing:

Basic version: Free
Premium version: $9.99/month or $69.99/year

Average rating: 4.8/5

Available on: iOS and Android

Photomath transforms your smartphone camera into a powerful math tutor. Simply scan any mathematical expression—from basic arithmetic to complex calculus—and receive comprehensive step-by-step solutions. The app's capability to recognize handwritten problems makes it particularly valuable for students working through textbook assignments or study guides.

The free version provides solutions to a wide range of problems, while the premium subscription unlocks animated tutorials and alternative solution methods. Photomath excels at breaking down complex problems into understandable chunks, showing the mathematical principles behind each step.

For students struggling with homework or adults refreshing their mathematical knowledge, Photomath offers immediate clarity when stuck on challenging problems. The app supports arithmetic, integers, fractions, decimal numbers, roots, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, calculus, and much more.

Strengths:

Instant recognition of handwritten and printed problems
Clear, color-coded step-by-step solutions
Multiple solution approaches to deepen understanding
Works offline for studying anywhere

Limitations:

Cannot replace conceptual understanding from structured learning
Advanced problems sometimes require premium subscription
No human tutoring component for personalized guidance

2. Khan Academy: Best Free Comprehensive Math Resource

Best use case: Systematic learning of math concepts from elementary to college level

Pricing: Completely free

Average rating: 4.5/5

Available on: iOS, Android, and web browser

Khan Academy stands as the definitive free mathematics learning platform, offering thousands of instructional videos, practice exercises, and personalized learning dashboards. The app covers everything from basic counting skills to differential equations and linear algebra.

What distinguishes Khan Academy is its structured learning paths—courses organized into units, lessons, and practice exercises that build systematically on previously mastered concepts. The platform remembers your progress, identifies knowledge gaps, and recommends appropriate content.

For students in formal education, Khan Academy aligns with common curriculum standards, making it an excellent supplement to classroom learning. The app's mastery-based approach ensures learners fully grasp foundational concepts before advancing to more complex topics.

Strengths:

Comprehensive curriculum from kindergarten to college-level math
High-quality video explanations from expert educators
Progress tracking and mastery verification
Parent and teacher dashboards for monitoring learning

Limitations:

No real-time interaction with instructors
Self-paced format requires self-discipline
Limited gamification compared to some alternatives

3. Brilliant: Best for Critical Thinking and Advanced Concepts

Best use case: Daily bite-sized interactive STEM lessons and challenges

Pricing:

Basic preview content: Free
Full access: $24.99/month

Average rating: 4.7/5

Available on: iOS, Android, and web browser

Brilliant takes a unique approach to mathematics education by focusing on conceptual understanding through interactive problem-solving. Rather than presenting formulas to memorize, the app guides learners through carefully sequenced challenges that develop mathematical intuition and critical thinking skills.

The platform offers courses in algebra, geometry, calculus, probability, statistics, and mathematical thinking, along with related STEM topics like computer science, physics, and quantitative finance. Each course breaks complex concepts into digestible daily lessons requiring only 15 minutes of focused attention.

What sets Brilliant apart is its emphasis on active learning. Instead of passive video consumption, you'll manipulate interactive diagrams, work through carefully scaffolded problems, and receive immediate feedback on your approach. This engagement develops genuine mathematical thinking rather than procedural memorization.

Strengths:

Emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving
Interactive visualizations that make abstract concepts tangible
Daily streaks and achievements to maintain motivation
Community forums for discussing solution approaches

Limitations:

Limited free content
Premium subscription higher priced than alternatives
Not designed for quick homework help

4. Dinosaur Math: Best for Early Childhood Math Foundations

Best use case: Introducing basic math concepts to children ages 2-6

Pricing: Free (with optional in-app purchases)

Average rating: 4.4/5

Available on: iOS and Android

Dinosaur Math creates a playful entry point to mathematics for young children by embedding basic numerical concepts within dinosaur-themed mini-games. The app introduces counting, number recognition, simple addition, and subtraction through activities specifically designed for developing minds.

The colorful animations and positive reinforcement maintain young children's attention spans while building essential mathematical foundations. Activities include sorting dinosaurs by size, counting eggs, and racing games where correct answers determine speed—all carefully calibrated to preschool and early elementary cognitive development.

For parents concerned about screen time quality, Dinosaur Math offers educational value while remaining genuinely entertaining for young users. The app's voice narration and visual cues make it accessible even to pre-readers.

Strengths:

Engaging dinosaur theme that captivates young learners
Developmentally appropriate activities for ages 2-6
Audio instructions for pre-readers
Progress tracking for parents

Limitations:

Limited to very basic mathematical concepts
Children quickly outgrow the content
Some features require in-app purchases

5. Prodigy Math: Best for Elementary and Middle School Engagement

Best use case: Curriculum-aligned math practice disguised as an adventure game for grades 1-8

Pricing:

Basic game access: Free
Premium features: $6.25-$8.33/month

Average rating: 4.5/5

Available on: iOS, Android, and web browser

Prodigy Math transforms curriculum-aligned mathematics practice into an immersive role-playing adventure. Students create customizable characters who explore a magical world where progress requires solving math problems tailored to their grade level and learning needs.

The game covers over 1,500 math skills across grades 1-8, including number sense, operations, measurement, geometry, algebra, and data analysis. An adaptive algorithm adjusts problem difficulty based on student performance, ensuring an appropriate challenge level that builds confidence while stretching abilities.

For parents and teachers, Prodigy offers detailed progress reports identifying strengths and knowledge gaps. The platform aligns with common educational standards, making it a valuable supplement to classroom instruction that children actively want to engage with.

Strengths:

Curriculum alignment with educational standards
Adaptive difficulty that responds to student performance
Detailed progress reporting for parents and educators
High engagement through narrative and character development

Limitations:

Full game features require subscription
Some children focus more on gameplay than math concepts
Limited support for advanced mathematics

6. Cross Math: Best for Logic and Mental Math Development

Best use case: Brain-training math puzzles for all ages

Pricing: Free with optional ads

Average rating: 4.7/5

Available on: iOS and Android

Cross Math offers a different approach to mathematical practice through puzzle-based challenges that develop mental calculation speed, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning. The app presents grid-based puzzles where users must determine which operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) belong between numbers to make equations work.

These puzzles range from simple 3×3 grids suitable for elementary students to complex 9×9 challenges that challenge even mathematically inclined adults. The app's clean interface focuses attention on problem-solving rather than flashy graphics, making it appropriate for classroom use and professional skill maintenance.

For developing mental math agility and logical thinking, Cross Math provides progressive difficulty levels that maintain an optimal challenge zone. The app offers daily challenges to establish regular practice habits and tracks performance improvements over time.

Strengths:

Progressive difficulty from beginner to expert levels
Focus on mental calculation and logical reasoning
Minimalist design eliminates distractions
Daily challenges create consistent practice habits

Limitations:

Not designed for teaching new mathematical concepts
Limited to operation-based puzzles
Basic free version contains advertisements

7. Desmos: Best for Graphical Understanding and Exploration

Best use case: Visualizing mathematical functions and relationships

Pricing: Completely free

Average rating: 4.5/5

Available on: iOS, Android, and web browser

Desmos stands as the premier graphing calculator application, enabling visual exploration of functions, equations, and data relationships. Beyond replacing expensive graphing calculators, Desmos transforms how users understand mathematical relationships through dynamic, interactive visualizations.

The app handles everything from basic linear functions to complex parametric equations, polar coordinates, and statistical analyses. Users can plot multiple functions simultaneously, add sliders to observe how changing variables affect graphs, and even animate graphs to illustrate mathematical principles in motion.

For students in algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus courses, Desmos makes abstract concepts tangible. Teachers particularly value the ability to create shareable activities where students can manipulate variables and observe patterns, developing mathematical intuition through experimentation.

Strengths:

Professional-grade graphing capabilities completely free
Interactive sliders for exploring parameter changes
Table functionality for data analysis
Ability to share graphs and activities

Limitations:

Steeper learning curve than basic calculator apps
Requires conceptual understanding to use effectively
Mobile interface more limited than desktop version

8. Unit Converter: Best for Practical Math Applications

Best use case: Quick conversion between different measurement units

Pricing: Free (with optional ad removal purchase)

Average rating: 4.7/5

Available on: iOS and Android

While seemingly simple, Unit Converter addresses a crucial mathematical need: translating between different measurement systems. This practical tool handles conversions across categories including length, area, volume, weight, temperature, time, speed, data storage, and dozens more.

The app's real-world utility extends beyond academic settings to cooking, travel, shopping, and professional fields like engineering and construction. For students learning about measurement, Unit Converter reinforces the relationships between different units and systems.

With offline functionality and intuitive interface design, Unit Converter provides instant answers to common conversion questions without requiring network access or complex navigation. The app regularly updates currency exchange rates when online, ensuring accuracy for financial conversions.

Strengths:

Comprehensive coverage of measurement categories
Works offline for travel and field use
Intuitive interface for quick reference
Regular updates for currency conversion rates

Limitations:

Not designed for mathematical instruction
Basic free version includes advertisements
Limited customization options

9. Mathway: Best for Comprehensive Problem-Solving

Best use case: Solving diverse math problems with detailed explanations

Pricing:

Basic solutions: Free
Step-by-step explanations: $9.99/month

Average rating: 4.6/5

Available on: iOS and Android

Mathway delivers comprehensive problem-solving capabilities across virtually all mathematics disciplines, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus and statistics. Users can input problems through text, camera scanning, or voice recognition and receive immediate solutions.

The app distinguishes itself through its breadth of covered topics, including basic math, pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, statistics, finite math, linear algebra, and chemistry. This makes Mathway valuable throughout a student's entire academic journey, from elementary school through university courses.

While the free version provides answers, the premium subscription unlocks detailed step-by-step explanations that show the mathematical principles and procedures behind each solution. For students aiming to understand methodology rather than just answers, these explanations serve as customized tutorials for specific problem types.

Strengths:

Comprehensive coverage across mathematical disciplines
Multiple input methods (text, camera, voice)
Detailed step-by-step explanations with premium subscription
Graph plotting capabilities

Limitations:

Full explanations require paid subscription
Camera recognition sometimes struggles with handwritten problems
Limited practice opportunities compared to dedicated learning apps

Understanding Different Math App Categories

When selecting the ideal mathematics application, consider which category best addresses your specific needs:

Problem-Solving Apps: Tools like Photomath and Mathway that provide immediate solutions and explanations for specific questions.
Comprehensive Learning Platforms: Complete educational systems like Khan Academy that offer structured curriculum coverage with video instruction and practice.
Interactive Learning Games: Engagement-focused apps like Prodigy Math and Dinosaur Math that embed mathematical practice within gaming contexts.
Specialized Tools: Utilities like Desmos and Unit Converter that excel at specific mathematical functions rather than general instruction.
Conceptual Development Apps: Platforms like Brilliant that prioritize mathematical thinking and understanding over procedural mastery.

Most learners benefit from combining applications from multiple categories—using structured learning platforms for systematic knowledge building while supplementing with problem-solving apps for homework assistance and specialized tools for specific tasks.

Choosing the Right Math App for Your Needs

The optimal mathematics application depends on your learning objectives, proficiency level, and preferred engagement style:

For young children (ages 2-6), start with playful foundational apps like Dinosaur Math that introduce basic numeracy through engaging activities.

For elementary and middle school students, curriculum-aligned learning games like Prodigy Math maintain motivation while developing essential skills.

For high school students, comprehensive resources like Khan Academy provide structured learning paths, while problem-solving apps like Photomath offer homework support.

For college students, specialized tools like Desmos and advanced problem-solvers like Mathway address higher-level course requirements.

For adult learners refreshing mathematical knowledge, conceptual platforms like Brilliant develop true understanding rather than memorization.

The most effective approach often combines multiple applications—using structured platforms for systematic learning while supplementing with specialized tools for specific challenges.

Making the Most of Math Apps

To maximize the educational value of mathematics applications:

Establish regular practice sessions rather than using apps only when struggling with homework.
Begin with conceptual understanding through instructional content before jumping to problem-solving tools.
Use problem-solving apps as learning tools by studying explanations rather than merely copying answers.
Challenge yourself with progressively difficult material rather than staying within comfort zones.
Complement digital learning with physical practice on paper to develop comprehensive mathematical fluency.

Remember that even the best applications serve as supplements to—rather than replacements for—comprehensive mathematics education. The most effective learning occurs when digital tools enhance rather than substitute for dedicated study and practice.

Beyond the Apps: Building Complete Mathematical Proficiency

While mathematics applications provide powerful learning resources, complete mathematical proficiency requires additional components:

Regular practice beyond digital environments, including handwritten problem-solving
Application to real-world scenarios that demonstrate mathematical relevance
Collaborative learning through explanation and discussion with peers
Development of mathematical intuition through exploration and pattern recognition
Building persistence in approaching challenging problems

The most successful mathematics learners use digital applications as part of a broader learning strategy that incorporates diverse approaches to developing both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.

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