Head-to-head · Scientific Calculator Apps
KCalc vs NCalc Scientific Calculator
KCalc leads on 0 checks, NCalc Scientific Calculator on 4, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreKCalc · 8.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresNCalc Scientific Calculator · 5 of 6
KCalc scores higher on our rubric for scientific calculator apps: 8.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
NCalc Scientific Calculator offers equation solving; KCalc doesn't publish it. NCalc Scientific Calculator offers programmable functions; KCalc doesn't publish it. NCalc Scientific Calculator offers complex numbers; KCalc doesn't publish it. NCalc Scientific Calculator offers matrix operations; KCalc doesn't publish it.
KCalc is the better fit for linux users needing a focused scientific calculator. NCalc Scientific Calculator is the better fit for apple users needing broad symbolic and numerical tools.
- KCalc fits best
Linux users needing a focused scientific calculator
- NCalc Scientific Calculator fits best
Apple users needing broad symbolic and numerical tools
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | KCalc 8.1/10 Visit ↗ | NCalc Scientific Calculator 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.1 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in Scientific Calculator Apps | #8 in Scientific Calculator Apps |
| Best for | Linux users needing a focused scientific calculator | Apple users needing broad symbolic and numerical tools |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Mobile, Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Docs, Community | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features KCalc 1/6 · NCalc Scientific Calculator 5/6 | ||
| Equation solving | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Statistics tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Programmable functions | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Complex numbers | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Offline mode | Not published | Not published |
| Matrix operations | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Platform support | Desktop | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | KCalc is KDE’s open-source Linux desktop calculator for people who want arithmetic alongside scientific and statistical functions. It covers trigonometric and hyperbolic functions, logarithms, powers, factorials, and statistics such as… Read the review → |
NCalc Scientific Calculator is an iPhone, iPad and Mac app for students, engineers and other people working with mathematics. Its scope goes well beyond arithmetic: the natural-display calculator handles fractions, roots and exponents,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
KCalc — where it wins
- Combines scientific, statistical, numeral-system, and bitwise calculations.
- Results stack, memory registers, and constants support repeat calculations.
- Configurable precision, display, keyboard shortcuts, and clipboard controls.
Where it doesn't
- Its listed platform is Linux desktop, not a cross-platform calculator.
- Its focus is calculator functions rather than a broader scientific workspace.
- Support channels are documentation and community.
NCalc Scientific Calculator — where it wins
- Solves equations, systems and inequalities, including cubic and quartic forms
- Graphs Cartesian, polar, implicit and parametric functions
- Combines calculus, matrices, statistics and complex-number tools
Where it doesn't
- Available on iOS and macOS, not other listed platforms
- Paid features are not distinguished from the free download
- Subscriptions are billed and managed through Apple
- KCalc8.1/10 · Free plan
A focused, free Linux calculator with scientific, statistical, and number-base tools.
Visit KDEFull verdict → - NCalc Scientific Calculator7.8/10 · Free plan
A broad scientific toolkit for Apple users, with optional in-app purchases.
Visit NCalcFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Wolfram|Alpha vs KCalc
- Wolfram|Alpha vs NCalc Scientific Calculator
- GeoGebra vs KCalc
- GeoGebra vs NCalc Scientific Calculator
- Desmos Scientific Calculator vs KCalc
- Desmos Scientific Calculator vs NCalc Scientific Calculator
- GNOME Calculator vs KCalc
- GNOME Calculator vs NCalc Scientific Calculator
All scientific calculator apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update