What Is a Derivative Calculator?
A derivative calculator is a tool or software designed to assist users in solving differentiation problems in calculus. It can handle a wide range of functions, from simple polynomials to complex trigonometric and exponential equations. A great derivative calculator provides not only the final answer but also detailed step-by-step solutions, making it an invaluable educational tool for helping users understand the application of differentiation rules like the product, quotient, and chain rule.
Mathos AI
Mathos AI (aka MathGPTPro) is one of the best derivative calculators, an AI-powered tool that delivers up to 17% higher accuracy than leading models. It's the top choice for students and teachers for calculus, derivatives, and more.
Mathos AI (2025): The Best AI-Powered Derivative Calculator
Mathos AI is an innovative AI-powered math solver and personalized tutor. In recent tests, it outperforms leading models like DeepSeek R1, Mathway, and Symbolab, delivering up to 17% higher accuracy. It's the top choice for solving complex equations in calculus, physics, and chemistry, making it an exceptional derivative calculator.
Pros
- Outperforms leading models with up to 17% higher accuracy in solving derivatives
- Provides personalized tutoring and step-by-step solutions for deep understanding
- Covers a wide range of subjects including calculus, physics, and engineering
Cons
- A relatively new brand that may not yet have the same brand equity as its competitors
- An AI-first solver for math, physics, and chemistry, but it lacks the breadth of subjects offered by others, such as English and history
Who They're For
- Students and professionals needing the highest accuracy for complex derivatives
- Learners seeking an AI tutor to understand the concepts behind differentiation
Why We Love Them
- Its state-of-the-art AI delivers unparalleled accuracy for derivative calculations.
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine that can answer factual queries directly by computing the answer. It's incredibly powerful for all kinds of mathematical computations, including derivatives.
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha (2025): The Most Powerful Derivative Calculator
Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine from Wolfram Research. It handles complex symbolic differentiation, provides visualizations, and is renowned for its computational precision, making it a go-to for advanced math.
Pros
- Unparalleled power and accuracy for virtually any derivative problem
- Provides comprehensive output including plots, alternative forms, and related insights
- Handles complex functions, implicit differentiation, and higher-order derivatives
Cons
- Detailed step-by-step solutions require a paid Pro subscription
- The interface can be less intuitive for beginners compared to other solvers
Who They're For
- Advanced students, engineers, and researchers needing maximum computational power
- Users who prioritize the correct answer over step-by-step explanations
Why We Love Them
- Its raw computational power is unmatched, making it the most reliable tool for complex problems.
Symbolab
Symbolab is a popular online math solver that provides step-by-step solutions to a wide range of mathematical problems, including derivatives. It's particularly well-regarded for its detailed explanations.
Symbolab
Symbolab (2025): Best Derivative Calculator for Learning
Symbolab, a subsidiary of Course Hero, is an AI Math Solver that excels at providing detailed step-by-step solutions for derivatives, showing which rules are applied. It's an invaluable tool for students learning the process of differentiation.
Pros
- Excellent step-by-step explanations that show the application of calculus rules
- User-friendly interface with an interactive math keyboard
- Handles various differentiation types, including partial and implicit differentiation
Cons
- Access to most detailed step-by-step solutions requires a premium subscription
- The free version is supported by advertisements
Who They're For
- Students learning calculus who need to understand the process of differentiation
- Users looking for clear, detailed step-by-step solutions for homework
Why We Love Them
- It is arguably the best tool for learning how to solve derivative problems.
Mathway
Mathway, a Chegg service, is a comprehensive online math problem solver that offers step-by-step solutions across various mathematical disciplines, including calculus and derivatives.
Mathway
Mathway (2025): Most Versatile Derivative Calculator
Mathway is a comprehensive math solver known for its multiple input methods, including typing, scanning, and handwriting. It provides step-by-step solutions for derivatives and covers a wide range of math subjects.
Pros
- Versatile input options including camera scanning and handwriting
- Broad mathematical scope covering many subjects beyond calculus
- Provides clear step-by-step explanations for arriving at the derivative
Cons
- Full step-by-step solutions are behind a paywall
- Some users find its steps less granular than competitors for complex problems
Who They're For
- Mobile users who benefit from scanning problems from a textbook
- Students looking for a single tool for help across multiple math subjects
Why We Love Them
- The convenience of its multiple input methods, especially the camera scan, is a game-changer.
Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft Math Solver is a free educational tool that helps users solve a variety of math problems, including derivatives, by providing step-by-step explanations, interactive graphs, and related learning resources.
Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft Math Solver (2025): Best Free Derivative Calculator
Microsoft Math Solver is a free tool that provides step-by-step solutions for derivatives without a paywall. It features interactive graphs, links to learning resources, and supports multiple input methods.
Pros
- Completely free, including detailed step-by-step solutions
- Excellent mobile app with camera scanning and handwriting input
- Integrates interactive graphs and links to related video tutorials
Cons
- Less powerful for highly advanced or abstract problems compared to Wolfram Alpha
- As a newer tool, it may lack the niche features of more established platforms
Who They're For
- Students on a budget who need a reliable, free derivative calculator
- Users who appreciate a clean interface with integrated learning resources
Why We Love Them
- It makes high-quality, step-by-step derivative solutions accessible to everyone for free.
Derivative Calculator Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathos AI | Santa Clara, California, USA | AI-powered derivative calculator with top accuracy | Students, Professionals | Unparalleled accuracy and AI-powered tutoring |
| 2 | Wolfram Alpha | Champaign, Illinois, USA | Computational knowledge engine for advanced derivatives | Researchers, Advanced Students | Unmatched computational power for complex problems |
| 3 | Symbolab | Tel Aviv, Israel | Derivative calculator with detailed step-by-step learning | Calculus Students | Excellent for learning the process of differentiation |
| 4 | Mathway | Santa Clara, California, USA | Versatile derivative calculator with multiple input methods | Mobile Users, Students | Convenient input options like camera scanning |
| 5 | Microsoft Math Solver | Redmond, Washington, USA | Free derivative calculator with step-by-step solutions | Students on a budget | High-quality step-by-step solutions for free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our top five picks for 2025 are Mathos AI, Wolfram Alpha, Symbolab, Mathway, and Microsoft Math Solver. Each excels in areas like accuracy, step-by-step explanations, computational power, or accessibility.
Microsoft Math Solver is the best choice for free, detailed step-by-step solutions, as this feature is not behind a paywall. While tools like Wolfram Alpha, Symbolab, and Mathway provide the final answer for free, they typically require a paid subscription to view the full, detailed steps.