Symbolab

Step-by-step solutions for algebra, calculus, and other math topics, typed or scanned

Math Free plan
Best for
Step-by-step solutions for algebra, calculus, and other math topics, typed or scanned
Pricing
Freemium
Free plan
Yes
Platforms
Web, iOS, Android
Category
Math

What is Symbolab?

Symbolab is a math solver covering algebra, calculus, geometry, and more, giving typed or scanned problems a graph and an answer for free, with full step-by-step explanations available on its paid Pro tier. Its graphing calculator and practice-problem generator make it useful for building intuition, not just checking a single answer. It works across web and mobile.

How students can use it

  • Checking calculus homework step by step
  • Graphing a function to understand its behavior
  • Practicing algebra with generated similar problems

Key features

  • Step-by-step math solver
  • Graphing calculator
  • Practice problems
  • Chemistry and geometry solvers in addition to algebra/calculus

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Covers a very wide range of math topics
  • Graphing tool is useful beyond just solving problems
  • Mobile app makes it easy to check work anywhere

Cons

  • Full step-by-step explanations are behind a paywall
  • Can be used to skip practice if not used carefully

Is Symbolab free?

Yes — there is a free plan you can use without paying.

Free tier gives the final answer and a graph; Symbolab Pro unlocks full step-by-step explanations.

How to use it well

Use the free graph feature to build intuition before checking the full paid steps
Try solving a problem fully yourself first, then compare against Symbolab's steps to find where you went wrong

Limitations to know about

Full explanations require a paid subscription
Best used to check work rather than as a first attempt

Alternatives to Symbolab

A computational engine that solves maths problems and shows worked steps.

Photomath

Math Free plan

Scanning a handwritten or printed math problem with your phone camera to get step-by-step solutions

Mathway

Math Free plan

Quick answers across basic math through calculus and statistics, typed directly into a solver

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