Best Free Calculator

As I reviewed this category, like my predecessor I discovered there are a lot of free calculator programs available.  Some have specific purposes, some are mixed use or what I call multi-purpose calculators. Trying to pick a best calculator that fits everyone is difficult, but I’ll do my best.  Please leave any comments and suggestions you may have or calculators you use that you would like to see reviewed.

SpeedCrunch is the best scientific calculator.  I like the lists of constants, functions and variables available along with the math book. The math book gives useful information such as how to get the volume of a cube. Other cool features are customizable result format, angle format, behavior and radix character. The features are a little complicated for someone wanting to perform simple math.

CalcTape (formerly known as SFR Calculator) I like this calculator because of all the calculators so far, it has a modern, clean, Windows 7 look to it. CalcTape uses a menu ribbon that functions like MS-Office menus as you can see from the screenshot.  Work can be saved as file.  The installer gives you 3 options; 1) use the free version, 2) the Pro version for 30 days, or 3) register the program.  The calculator is best for simple calculations however it will perform some advanced operations, exponential and percentage calculations.

Windows 7 Calculator   I rate the Windows 7 calculator as the best all-around multipurpose calculator.  The calculator includes a tape called history that can be edited or copied to the clipboard.  Various modes include standard, scientific, programmer and statistics. It also offers unit conversion, date calculation and various worksheets for calculating things like fuel economy and mortgages.  Product rating docked for only being available with Windows 7.

CalcCute   is amazingly simple but powerful software.  I like the small in file size, and small footprint.  The lack of a typical menu bar confused me at first.  I found the menu by right clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the window.  CalcCute does have a help file, unlike many of the other calculator programs. The tape can be expanded, and allows for live edits. The keypad has a back button, clear button and undo button.  CalcCute performs basic or scientific calculations.

SuperbCalc is a great desktop calculator.  This program runs using Java so it does require Java 5 or above to work.  To download save the Java app to your computer, don’t run the download or the calculator will open but not stay saved to your computer. I saved the file to my desktop.  Execute the app to open the calculator.  The buttons on the calculator utilize the buttons on the right of the letter keys of a standard keyboard (see image). SuperbCalc uses a tape that can be cut into a text window multiple times. The tape can be printed, saved and uses unlimited length. I really liked being able to customize the size and appearance. Customizing the tape output is a really nice feature often missing with calculators of this type. SuperbCalc is considered a financial calculator, not scientific.

This software category is maintained by volunteer editor joeguru. Registered members can contact the editor with any comments or questions they might have by clicking here.

calculator, math, scientific, algebra, numbers, mortgage, statistics