Galculator review
A free, open-source Linux calculator with algebraic, RPN and formula-entry modes.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Galculator is a desktop scientific calculator for Linux, aimed at solo users and small teams who want a choice of algebraic, reverse Polish notation (RPN), or formula-entry workflows. A paper mode keeps evaluated expressions and results in a list, while user-defined single-variable functions allow a degree of customization. Its GTK 2/GTK 3 foundation makes it a Linux desktop option rather than a cross-platform calculator app.
The feature set covers common scientific work and some lower-level number handling. Documented functions include arithmetic, trigonometry, inverse trigonometry, hyperbolic functions, logarithms, powers, roots and factorials, alongside bitwise operations. Users can work in decimal, hexadecimal, binary or octal and select degree, radian or grad angle modes. That makes Galculator a practical fit for Linux users moving between ordinary calculations, scientific expressions and base conversion. It is also free and open source, with installation information available through the project repository.
Its scope is less suitable for users who need a calculator with documented equation solving, statistics, complex-number calculations or matrix operations; those capabilities are not established in the project materials. The platform fit is similarly specific: Linux desktop users are the intended audience, with no listed support for other operating systems. Choose Galculator if its entry modes, scientific functions and base controls match your day-to-day calculations. If your work depends on advanced mathematical modes or a different desktop platform, another calculator is a better fit.
Galculator pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Switch among algebraic, RPN, formula-entry and paper modes
- Use scientific and bitwise functions with four number bases
- Define single-variable functions and choose degree, radian or grad mode
- Where it doesn't
- Available for Linux desktops only
- Advanced capabilities such as matrix operations are not documented
- No documented equation-solving, statistics or complex-number functions
Galculator fact sheet, pricing and score →
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