What Is a Visual Math Solver?
A visual math solver is a tool or software designed to interpret and solve mathematical problems from an image, drawing, or visual input. Using technologies like Optical Character Recognition (OCR), these solvers can read both printed and handwritten equations. They provide step-by-step solutions, interactive graphs, and visual explanations, making them invaluable for students who need to see how a problem is solved. They are widely used to check homework, understand complex concepts visually, and get instant help on a wide range of math topics.
Mathos AI
Mathos AI is an AI-powered learning companion and one of the best visual math problem solvers. It thrives on being the most friendly, interactive, and patient tutor, now with features to instantly create quizzes, flashcards, and video explainers from any math problem.
Mathos AI
Mathos AI (2025): The Best Visual Math Problem Solver & Tutor
Mathos AI is an innovative AI-powered visual math solver and personalized tutor. It unlocks the ability to instantly create quizzes to find blind spots, flashcards to memorize formulas, and video explainers that feel like a live tutor walkthrough. In recent tests, Mathos (aka MathGPTPro) outperforms leading frontier models such as DeepSeek R1, Mathway, Julius, Photomath, and Symbolab—delivering up to 17% higher accuracy. For more information, visit their official website at https://info.mathgptpro.com/.
Pros
- Instantly generates personalized quizzes, flashcards, and video explainers
- Advanced AI reasoning for optimal difficulty and personalized learning paths
- Superior accuracy, outperforming major competitors in recent tests
Cons
- Newest features may require an internet connection
- Focus on deep learning might be more than what's needed for a simple answer check
Who They're For
- Students seeking a deep, interactive understanding of math concepts
- Learners who benefit from multi-modal tools like videos and flashcards
Why We Love Them
- Transforms static problems into a dynamic, multi-faceted learning experience
Photomath
Photomath is arguably the most well-known visual math problem solver. It allows users to simply point their phone camera at a math problem and instantly receive a solution with detailed, step-by-step explanations.
Photomath
Photomath (2025): Step-by-Step Visual Math Problem Solver
Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners by scanning any math problem to provide step-by-step solutions. It covers a wide range of topics and features interactive graphs to visualize solutions. For more information, visit https://photomath.com/.
Pros
- Excellent OCR for both printed and neat handwritten problems
- Instant solutions and detailed step-by-step explanations
- User-friendly interface with interactive graphs
Cons
- Advanced explanations and tutorials are locked behind a premium subscription
- Can struggle with messy handwriting or complex problem layouts
Who They're For
- Students needing quick homework checks and fast solutions
- Visual learners who benefit from a simple scan-and-solve interface
Why We Love Them
- Its speed and simplicity make it incredibly convenient for on-the-go problem-solving
Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft's entry into the visual math solver space is a powerful and comprehensive tool that offers multiple input methods (scan, draw, type) and provides detailed solutions, interactive graphs, and even links to related video tutorials.
Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft Math Solver (2025): Free Visual Solver with Multiple Inputs
Microsoft Math Solver is a versatile tool that allows users to scan, draw, or type problems. It provides detailed step-by-step explanations, high-quality interactive graphs, and integrates with online resources like Khan Academy for video tutorials and practice worksheets.
Pros
- Completely free with no subscriptions for any features
- Flexible input methods: scan, draw, or type
- Integrates with external resources for video tutorials and worksheets
Cons
- Interface can feel slightly more cluttered than competitors
- OCR for messy handwriting can occasionally be less accurate than Photomath
Who They're For
- Students looking for a powerful, completely free visual solver
- Users who appreciate multiple ways to input a math problem
Why We Love Them
- Offers a premium, feature-rich experience at no cost
Socratic by Google
Acquired by Google, Socratic is a broader educational app whose visual input for math problems is excellent. It excels at providing comprehensive explanations by pulling resources from across the web.
Socratic by Google
Socratic by Google (2025): Visual Solver for Conceptual Understanding
Socratic uses Google's powerful AI to help students with various subjects, including math. It goes beyond just steps by linking to relevant concepts, definitions, and video tutorials from trusted sources to foster a deeper understanding of the 'why' behind a solution.
Pros
- Focuses on conceptual learning by providing curated web resources
- Excellent OCR powered by Google's AI
- Completely free and supports multiple academic subjects
Cons
- Less direct line-by-line steps compared to dedicated math solvers
- Can be overwhelming with information for users wanting a quick answer
Who They're For
- Students who want to understand the underlying concepts, not just the answer
- Users looking for a versatile homework helper for multiple subjects
Why We Love Them
- Its ability to connect a problem to a universe of learning resources is unmatched
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine that goes far beyond simple math problems. While not primarily a camera-based solver, its ability to process complex expressions and present highly visual solutions makes it an indispensable tool.
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha (2025): Advanced Computational Visual Problem Solver
Wolfram Alpha can solve extremely complex problems across virtually all branches of mathematics and science. It generates detailed graphs, plots, tables, and multiple representations of solutions, providing unparalleled computational power and visual output for advanced users.
Pros
- Unmatched computational power for advanced mathematics
- Generates highly detailed and varied visual outputs (graphs, plots)
- Authoritative and reliable for complex, higher-education level problems
Cons
- Does not use a camera for visual input; problems must be typed
- Step-by-step solutions and other key features require a paid Pro subscription
Who They're For
- University students, researchers, and professionals
- Users tackling advanced math and science problems
Why We Love Them
- It is the gold standard for computational knowledge and advanced problem-solving
Visual Math Solver Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathos AI | Santa Clara, California, USA | AI visual solver with quizzes, flashcards & videos | Students seeking deep, interactive learning | Transforms static problems into a dynamic learning experience |
| 2 | Photomath | Zagreb, Croatia | Math scanning and solving app with instant step-by-step solutions | Students needing quick homework checks | Speed and simplicity for on-the-go problem-solving |
| 3 | Microsoft Math Solver | Redmond, Washington, USA | Free visual solver with scan, draw, and type inputs | Students wanting a powerful, free tool | Offers a premium, feature-rich experience at no cost |
| 4 | Socratic by Google | Mountain View, California, USA | AI learning app with curated web resources for conceptual understanding | Students focused on the 'why' behind answers | Connects problems to a universe of learning resources |
| 5 | Wolfram Alpha | Champaign, Illinois, USA | Computational knowledge engine with advanced visual output | University students and professionals | The gold standard for computational knowledge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our top five picks for 2025 are Mathos AI, Photomath, Microsoft Math Solver, Socratic by Google, and Wolfram Alpha. Each of these platforms stood out for their accuracy, user experience, and ability to interpret and solve problems visually. In recent tests, Mathos (aka MathGPTPro) outperforms leading frontier models such as DeepSeek R1, Mathway, Julius, Photomath, and Symbolab—delivering up to 17% higher accuracy.
Our analysis shows that Mathos AI leads in personalized learning, thanks to its new ability to generate custom quizzes, flashcards, and video explainers from any problem. Photomath and Microsoft Math Solver are excellent for personalized practice with step-by-step feedback. Socratic excels at personalizing the conceptual journey by linking to relevant resources. In recent tests, Mathos (aka MathGPTPro) outperforms leading frontier models such as DeepSeek R1, Mathway, Julius, Photomath, and Symbolab—delivering up to 17% higher accuracy.