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Jul 19, 2026 · 17 min read
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Photomath / Mathway
Math help app that scans problems and explains step-by-step solutions
Free · from $5.83/mo photomath.net
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photomath.net
Pricing
Free · from $5.83/mo
Free trial
Yes
Platforms
iOSAndroid
What is Photomath / Mathway?
Photomath is a math help app that solves problems and explains how to get to the answer. You scan a problem with your phone's camera, including word problems, or type it into the built-in smart calculator. The app then shows a step-by-step solution.
For many problems it offers more than one solution method. It also adds custom visual aids and extra "how" and "why" tips that explain the reasoning behind each step. It covers elementary math through college: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and calculus.
Photomath runs on iOS and Android. There's a free Basic tier. The paid tiers cost $9.99 a month or $69.99 a year, and both come with a trial. It suits students who want to check homework and understand the method, and parents helping with schoolwork.
Key features
- Scan math problems with the phone camera
- Solves word problems
- Smart calculator for typed input
- Step-by-step solution explanations
- Multiple solution methods for many problems
- Custom visual aids
- Extra "how" and "why" tips
- Covers arithmetic through calculus and statistics
Use cases
Who it's for
Middle and high school studentsCollege studentsParents
Checking homework
Students scan a finished problem to check their answer and see where a step went wrong.
Learning a new method
Step-by-step explanations and "why" tips show the reasoning behind each step in algebra, trigonometry or calculus.
Parents helping with schoolwork
Parents can scan a child's problem to see how it is solved before explaining it.
Word problems
Scanning a word problem gives a worked solution, so you can see how the text becomes math.
Photomath / Mathway pricing
From the vendor's site, checked Oct 26, 2026; we re-check prices monthly. Prices change — confirm on their pricing page.
Basic
forever
$0
- Free tier of the app
Monthly
month
$9.99
- Trial offered
Annually
year
$69.99
- Labeled Best Value
- About $5.83/mo when billed yearly
- Trial offered
Which plan do you need?
- Photomath / MathwayAnnually$5.83/mo
- KnowtUltra - Annual$12.99/mo
The cheapest paid plan with a published price that fits. Custom and sales-quoted plans aren't included.
How Photomath / Mathway compares
- Photomath / Mathway has a free plan, like all 2 alternatives below.
| Tool | Starts at | Free plan | Free trial | API | Open source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPhotomath / Mathway | $5.83/mo | — | — | |||
C Coursera with AI Coaching | — | — | — | Photomath / Mathway vs Coursera with AI Coaching | ||
| K | $12.99/mo | — | — | Photomath / Mathway vs Knowt |
Compare 6 capabilities
| Capability | Photomath / Mathway | Coursera with AI Coaching | Knowt |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI conversation practice | — | — | |
| Study material from uploads | — | — | |
| Spaced repetition | — | — | |
| Mock exams | — | — | |
| Step-by-step solutions | — | — | |
| Parent/teacher reports | — | — |
Capabilities as stated on each vendor's own site; — means the site doesn't say. The closest alternatives in our directory by category. “Starts at” is the cheapest paid plan per month, as each vendor lists it.
Photomath / Mathway data and privacy
Trains AI on your content
Yes
“we use the images and feedback you send by using the Service to improve the Service, including its math problem solving capabilities, and to improve our other products and services”
Data retention
Stored only as long as legitimate need exists; deletion on request
“We shall only store Personal information for as long as we have legitimate need for it.”
Where data is stored
US
“the data controller is Photomath LLC, a company registered at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043 USA”
Security and compliance
None stated
From Photomath / Mathway's own privacy and security pages , checked Oct 28, 2026. We only show what the vendor states in writing; “not stated” means the pages don't say.
Who's behind Photomath / Mathway
- Company
- Photomath LLC
- Based in
- Mountain View, United States
- Founders
- Damir Sabol
- Part of
“Photomath was created by Damir Sabol, a dad looking for a way to help his three kids with their math homework.”
“In 2023 Photomath joined Google, extending the app’s reach to help even more people understand math, one step at a time.”
From Photomath / Mathway's own about, terms and privacy pages, checked Oct 28, 2026.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Free Basic tier available
- Covers elementary math through college calculus
- Trials offered on both paid plans
- Annual plan works out cheaper than monthly
Limitations
- Only listed for iOS and Android, with no web or desktop app mentioned
- No API listed
Photomath / Mathway FAQ
How much does Photomath cost?
The Basic tier is $0. Paid access costs $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, both the monthly and annual plans come with a trial.
Which platforms does it run on?
Photomath is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
What math topics does it cover?
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and calculus, from elementary school through college.
Can it solve word problems?
Yes, you can scan word problems as well as typed or printed equations.
User reviews
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Photomath / Mathway in our articles
Photomath / Mathway
Free · from $5.83/mo
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C
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