Photomath

Math help from a photo

Photomath is an education app for students, parents, and anyone working through a maths problem. Point the camera at printed or handwritten maths, and the app identifies the problem before showing a solution. It can also be used for manual input when a camera scan is not practical.

More than the final answer

The useful part is the working shown after a problem is recognised. Photomath breaks equations into individual steps, helping users follow how the result was reached rather than copying an unexplained number. Some problems include more than one solving method, which can be helpful when the app’s approach differs from the method used in class.

The app covers everyday arithmetic as well as more advanced areas such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Its calculator gives users another way to enter expressions and test changes to numbers or variables. Recognition is not infallible, so checking the captured problem and each step still matters, especially with unclear handwriting or a crowded page.

Who it suits

Photomath is best suited to learners who want a quick explanation while studying or checking homework. It is also useful for adults helping with schoolwork and for revising a topic independently. It works less well as a replacement for practice: seeing a solution is most useful when you then try a similar problem yourself.

At a glance

• Developer: Google LLC
• Category: Education
• Rating: 4.3 from 3,098,421 reviews
• Installs: 100,000,000+