Maxima
Maxima: A free, broad symbolic math system for desktop and web access, without guided solutions. Ranked #28 of 68 in Math Solver Apps by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free traditional symbolic computation.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree traditional symbolic computation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Handles calculus, differential equations, linear systems, and algebraic objects
- Supports exact arithmetic and arbitrary-precision numerical computation
- Offers terminal, XMaxima, and wxMaxima interfaces plus 2D/3D plotting
Where it doesn't
- Does not document photo input or handwriting recognition
- Does not document step-by-step answer explanations
- Graphical notebook-style interaction depends on XMaxima or separately available wxMaxima
Our verdict on Maxima
Maxima is an open-source computer algebra system for symbolic and numerical mathematics. It suits students, educators, and technical users who want to manipulate expressions and solve a range of traditional math problems rather than receive a guided lesson. Its scope includes differentiation, integration, Taylor series, Laplace transforms, ordinary differential equations, linear systems, and operations on polynomials, sets, lists, vectors, matrices, and tensors. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with web also listed as a platform.
The breadth is its main draw: exact fractions and arbitrary-precision integers sit alongside variable-precision floating-point computation, while two- and three-dimensional plotting support visual exploration. Users can work in a terminal, use the included XMaxima graphical interface, or choose separately available wxMaxima for notebook-style interaction. Gnuplot and Tcl/Tk are listed integrations. This makes Maxima a fit for people comfortable with computer algebra workflows and interface choices; it is less suited to someone seeking a polished, single-purpose calculator experience.
Maxima is free to use and open source, so there are no paid tiers to weigh against its mathematical coverage. That favors learners and practitioners looking for a no-cost symbolic tool, especially when exact computation or differential equations matter. It is not positioned here as a photo-based homework scanner or a tutor that explains each step: photo input, handwriting recognition, and step-by-step explanations are not documented. Choose another app if those interaction and teaching features are central; choose Maxima when open symbolic computation and plotting are the priority.
Your product? Our editors can test Maxima in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Maxima pricing
Maxima fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Photo input | Not verified |
| Handwriting input | Not verified |
| Step-by-step explanations | Not verified |
| Subject coverage | Broad |
| Platform coverage | Multiplatform |
| Offline mode | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Gnuplot, Tcl/Tk |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | maxima.sourceforge.io |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Maxima integrations
Maxima lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Gnuplot
- Tcl/Tk
Alternatives to Maxima
- Maple CalculatorA broad mobile solver with camera and handwriting input, plus offline graphing.9.4
- SymbolabA broad math study tool pairing worked solutions with practice, graphing and photo input.9.2
- GeoGebraA broad, free mathematics toolkit with adaptive practice, classroom tools, and offline apps.9.1
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Featured on iTechGuides
Maxima is listed in our Math Solver Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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