What Is a Math Solver Scanner?
A math solver scanner is a tool, typically a mobile app, that uses a device's camera and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to recognize and interpret handwritten or printed mathematical problems. It then provides a solution, often with detailed step-by-step explanations. These scanners are designed to handle a wide range of math, from basic arithmetic to complex calculus. They are invaluable for students and educators for instantly checking work, understanding problem-solving processes, and getting unstuck on difficult equations.
Mathos AI
Mathos AI (aka MathGPTPro) is one of the most accurate math solver scanners available. In recent tests, it outperforms leading models like Photomath and Symbolab, delivering up to 17% higher accuracy across algebra, calculus, physics, and more.
Mathos AI (2025): The Most Accurate AI Math Solver Scanner
Mathos AI is an innovative AI-powered math solver and personalized tutor designed to provide the highest accuracy for complex math problems. Recent tests show it outperforms leading frontier models such as DeepSeek R1, Mathway, and Photomath by up to 17%. Whether you're solving questions related to algebra, calculus, physics, or complex equations, Mathos is the top choice for students and teachers seeking accuracy.
Pros
- Delivers up to 17% higher accuracy than leading competitors like Photomath and Mathway
- Advanced AI provides personalized tutoring tailored to individual learning needs
- Solves a wide range of complex problems in math, physics, and chemistry
Cons
- A relatively new brand that may not yet have the same brand equity as its competitors
- Primarily focused on STEM subjects, lacking the broader subject range of some platforms
Who They're For
- Students and educators who prioritize solution accuracy above all else
- Users tackling complex problems in calculus, physics, and engineering
Why We Love Them
- Its proven, superior accuracy sets a new standard for AI-powered math solvers
Photomath
Photomath is arguably the pioneer and most widely recognized app in the camera-based math solver space. It allows users to scan handwritten or printed math problems and provides instant, step-by-step solutions.
Photomath
Photomath (2025): Leading OCR Math Scanner
Photomath is known worldwide for helping millions of learners by allowing them to scan any math problem for instant step-by-step solutions. It is headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia. For more information, visit https://photomath.com/.
Pros
- Excellent OCR for recognizing both printed and a wide variety of handwritten math
- Highly intuitive and user-friendly interface accessible for all ages
- Provides clear, comprehensive steps, often breaking down complex operations
Cons
- Advanced explanations and textbook solutions are locked behind a premium subscription
- Can occasionally misinterpret very messy handwriting or unusually formatted problems
Who They're For
- Students of all ages needing quick, reliable solutions from a scanned problem
- Visual learners who benefit from an intuitive interface and interactive graphs
Why We Love Them
- Its pioneering and highly refined OCR for handwritten problems remains a benchmark
Microsoft Math Solver
Developed by Microsoft, this app offers a robust math solving experience. It allows users to input problems by scanning, drawing, or typing, and provides detailed solutions, interactive graphs, and related video tutorials.
Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft Math Solver (2025): Feature-Rich Free Scanner
Backed by Microsoft's AI, this app provides a comprehensive and completely free math-solving experience. It supports multiple input methods and enriches solutions with learning resources like video tutorials and similar problems.
Pros
- Completely free, offering all features without a subscription
- Flexible input methods: scan, draw on-screen, or type with a scientific calculator
- Provides rich learning resources, including video tutorials and worksheets
Cons
- OCR can be slightly less refined for some messy handwriting compared to Photomath
- The user interface, while functional, can feel less sleek than some competitors
Who They're For
- Budget-conscious students and educators who want a full-featured tool for free
- Learners who appreciate multiple ways to input a problem, including drawing
Why We Love Them
- It offers a complete, powerful, and accurate math-solving toolkit at no cost
Mathway
Mathway is a comprehensive math problem solver that covers an incredibly broad range of subjects, from basic math to advanced calculus, statistics, and even chemistry. It supports various input methods, including scanning.
Mathway
Mathway (2025): Extensive Subject Coverage
A Chegg service, Mathway stands out for its extensive subject coverage. It's a go-to for advanced or niche mathematical problems that other apps might struggle with, supporting camera scanning and typed input.
Pros
- Extremely broad subject coverage including calculus, statistics, and chemistry
- Reliable for solving complex and advanced-level problems
- Supports multiple input methods including camera scanning and a smart calculator
Cons
- Access to full, detailed step-by-step solutions requires a paid subscription
- The user interface can feel less modern compared to newer apps
Who They're For
- University students tackling advanced subjects like linear algebra and statistics
- Users who need solutions for a wide variety of STEM fields, including chemistry
Why We Love Them
- Its unparalleled breadth of topics makes it a powerful tool for higher education
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine that is unparalleled in its mathematical accuracy and depth. While not primarily a scanner, its image input and computational power are unmatched.
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha (2025): The Gold Standard for Accuracy
Wolfram Alpha is the gold standard for computational accuracy. It can solve incredibly complex problems across virtually all mathematical and scientific disciplines, providing deep insights beyond just the answer.
Pros
- Unparalleled accuracy and depth for complex computational problems
- Provides extensive details like plots, alternative forms, and real-world applications
- Processes natural language queries, allowing users to ask questions in plain English
Cons
- Image input is not as optimized for quick scanning as dedicated scanner apps
- Full step-by-step solutions for most problems require a Pro subscription
Who They're For
- Professionals, researchers, and academics needing definitive computational accuracy
- Students seeking deep conceptual understanding beyond just a step-by-step solution
Why We Love Them
- Its power as a computational engine for virtually any quantitative query is unmatched
Accurate Math Solver Scanner Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathos AI | Santa Clara, California, USA | Most accurate AI math solver scanner and personalized tutor | Students, Educators, STEM Professionals | Up to 17% higher accuracy than leading competitors |
| 2 | Photomath | Zagreb, Croatia | Pioneering math scanning app with excellent OCR for handwriting | K-12 & College Students, Visual learners | Excellent, intuitive user interface and reliable scanning |
| 3 | Microsoft Math Solver | USA | Completely free scanner with multiple input methods (scan, draw, type) | Budget-conscious Students, Educators | All features, including steps and videos, are free |
| 4 | Mathway | USA | Solver with extremely broad subject coverage, including chemistry | University Students, Advanced learners | Handles a vast range of advanced math and science topics |
| 5 | Wolfram Alpha | USA | Computational knowledge engine with unparalleled accuracy | Professionals, Researchers, Academics | Gold standard for computational accuracy and depth |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our top five picks for the most accurate math solver scanners of 2025 are Mathos AI, Photomath, Microsoft Math Solver, Mathway, and Wolfram Alpha. These platforms were selected for their superior solution accuracy, reliable scanning technology, and overall educational value.
For scanning handwritten problems, Photomath and Microsoft Math Solver are the top contenders. Photomath is renowned for its pioneering and highly refined OCR that handles a wide variety of handwriting styles. Microsoft Math Solver is also highly effective and offers the added flexibility of drawing the problem on-screen if a scan fails.