Photomath review
7.8/10★★★★★Scan a maths problem with your camera and see every step explained
- Best for
- Students who want to check maths homework and see how each step works
- Price
- Freemium · from $9.99/month
Free: Scanning with step-by-step explanations - Platforms
- iOS, Android
- Made by
- Google, San Mateo, USA · since 2014
- App store ratings
- iOS 4.8★ (733K) · Android 4.3★ (3.1M)
What it is
Photomath scans printed or handwritten maths problems, including word problems, and explains the solution step by step, often with more than one method. It covers arithmetic through college calculus and statistics in 32 languages. Google completed its acquisition of Photomath in 2023.
What the AI does
- Camera scanning of printed and handwritten maths
- Step-by-step explanations with multiple methods
- Word-problem solving
- Animated tutorials and visual aids
- Smart calculator
Pros and cons
- Fastest, most polished scan-to-steps experience
- Free plan already shows the steps
- Handles handwriting and word problems
- Huge, long-running user base
- Maths only
- Easy to copy answers without attempting the problem first
- No web or desktop app
How it scores
Best-in-class for maths steps and very easy; maths-only scope and answer-first design limit its features and teaching score.
Feature checklist · 3 of 9
- Shows step-by-step working, not just the answer (yes)
- Tutor mode that asks questions and gives hints instead of answers (no)
- Snap a photo of a problem to get help (yes)
- Covers subjects beyond maths (science, humanities, writing) (no)
- Turns your own notes or files into study material (no)
- Generates practice questions, quizzes or flashcards (no)
- Answers checked by experts or computed, not only AI-generated (no)
- Parent or teacher tools and oversight (no)
- Free plan includes step-by-step help (yes)
Alternatives
See all Photomath alternatives, ranked →
- ChatGPT Study Mode 8.9/10Students who want a patient tutor for any subject and are disciplined enough to keep Study Mode switched on
- Gemini Guided Learning 8.8/10Students who want a free, visual tutor across all subjects, especially those already using Google Classroom
- Khanmigo 7.8/10Parents and schools who want an AI tutor that won't do the homework for the student
- Gauth 7.7/10High-school and early-college STEM students who want fast worked solutions on their phone
ChatGPT Study Mode vs PhotomathGemini Guided Learning vs PhotomathKhanmigo vs Photomath