Photomath
Photo-based math problem solver with AI explanations
Photomath, acquired by Google, solves math problems by photographing them using proprietary CAS + OCR technology (not LLM-based). One of the most downloaded math apps in the world. Step-by-step explanations with multiple solving methods. EU entity based in Zagreb, Croatia.
Photomath is an artificial intelligence tool in the Education & Training category, developed by Google (Photomath) and launched in 2014. Photomath, acquired by Google, solves math problems by photographing them using proprietary CAS + OCR technology (not LLM-based). One of the most downloaded math apps in the world. Step-by-step explanations with multiple solving methods. EU entity based in Zagreb, Croatia. Key features include: Photo problem scanning with proprietary OCR, Step-by-step solutions with multiple methods, Interactive graphs & scientific calculator, Animated solving walkthroughs, Textbook & word problem support, Offline mode for basic operations. The tool is available on ios, android with a freemium pricing model.
💰 Pricing
✨ Features
🎯 Use Cases
- Solve math problems by photographing them
- Understand step-by-step solving methods
- Review mathematics concepts visually
- Check homework answers with explanations
⚖️ Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- One of the most downloaded math apps in the world by a massive margin
- Proprietary CAS+OCR (Computer Algebra System + Optical Character Recognition) is fast and accurate
- Google ownership ensures long-term viability and continued development
- EU entity based in Zagreb, Croatia — good for European data residency
- Billions of problems solved with step-by-step explanations proves real educational value
👎 Cons
- No API or third-party integrations whatsoever — a completely siloed app with no extensibility
- Widely criticized as a cheating tool by educators — undermines its educational mission
- Limited to math only at ~$10/mo for Plus — expensive for a single-subject app
🏆 Verdict
In summary, Photomath stands out in the education & training AI landscape thanks to its strengths: one of the most downloaded math apps in the world by a massive margin, proprietary cas+ocr (computer algebra system + optical character recognition) is fast and accurate, google ownership ensures long-term viability and continued development. However, some users note: no api or third-party integrations whatsoever — a completely siloed app with no extensibility, widely criticized as a cheating tool by educators — undermines its educational mission. If you're looking for alternatives, you can compare Photomath with Khanmigo, Mathway, Socratic by Google, StudyX. Our overall rating: 3.8/5.
ℹ️ Information
| Company | Google (Photomath) |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2014 |
| Platforms | IOS, Android |
| Category | Education & Training |
| Site | https://photomath.com |