Calculator apps for Mac and iPhoneHead to head
Numi vs PCalc
Numi ranks #2 and PCalc ranks #3 in our guide to the best calculator apps for Mac and iPhone. Numi is the better pick for most people.
NumiPick Numi if you convert currencies, units and time zones on your Mac several times a day.Free to start#3 in the guide
PCalcPick PCalc if you need RPN, hex or binary math on your iPhone and Apple Watch.$9.99 onceWhat decides it
- On price: Numi is free to download. A $29.99 license adds unlimited notes and iCloud sync. PCalc is $9.99 once for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. The Mac version is $9.99 separately.
- Both run on Mac. Only PCalc runs on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
- Numi is included with a Setapp subscription; PCalc isn't.
Side by side
Prices are checked every day.
| At a glance | Numi | PCalc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free to download. A $29.99 license adds unlimited notes and iCloud sync | $9.99 once for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. The Mac version is $9.99 separately |
| How you pay | Free, with paid upgrades | Pay once |
| 3 years of use | Depends on the plan | $9.99 |
| Free trial | Free to start | None listed |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Where to buy | Developer, Setapp | App Store |
| Rating | Too few ratings | 4.7 779 ratings |
| Features | iCloud sync | Menu bar app, Shortcuts, Family Sharing |
| Made by | Not listed | TLA Systems Ltd. |
| Last updated | 24 Oct 2026 | 24 Oct 2026 |
Who should get which
Get Numi if
You work out prices, unit conversions and meeting times across time zones several times a day.
Get PCalc if
You are an engineering or computer science student who wants RPN or binary math on your phone and wrist.
Skip Numi if
You convert a currency once a month, and typing it into Spotlight gives the answer for free.
Skip PCalc if
You split dinner bills and convert the odd currency, and the free PCalc Lite or Apple's Calculator is enough.
Our verdicts
Numi
Spotlight converts one thing at a time and forgets it the moment you close it. Numi keeps a running page of math written as plain text, like $40 in euros or today plus 3 weeks, with an answer on every line, plus time zones, crypto and named variables. The download is free, but unlimited notes and iCloud sync need the $29.99 license; Soulver costs $59 and adds iPhone and iPad versions.
PCalc
If you are an engineer, programmer or student who needs RPN, hex and binary modes or a real paper tape, PCalc has been the answer on Apple devices for over 30 years. Apple's built-in Calculator can't match its button layout editor, long list of constants or menu bar mode on the Mac. You do pay twice, $9.99 for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and another $9.99 for the Mac.
What each one helps you do
Numi
- Convert currencies and crypto as you type
- Work out times across time zones
- Reuse numbers with named variables
- Calculate from Alfred without opening the app
PCalc
- Do quick sums from the Mac menu bar
- Convert units by typing "$ to £"
- Work in hex, octal or binary
- Design your own calculator button layout
Where to get them
Numi
Free to download. A $29.99 license adds unlimited notes and iCloud sync
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From the developerThe $29.99 license is sold through Paddle. Also on Windows and LinuxFree downloadGet it
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IncludedTry Setapp
PCalc
$9.99 once for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. The Mac version is $9.99 separately
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App Store, iPhone, iPad and Apple WatchWith in-app purchases$9.99App Store
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Mac App StoreWith in-app purchases$9.99Mac App Store
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Neither one quite right?
The other picks in our guide to the best calculator apps for Mac and iPhone.
Read the full guideAll Numi alternativesAll PCalc alternatives