Mathematica
Technical computing system from Wolfram built on the Wolfram Language
- #3 of 10 in best math and graphing software
- Paid
- WindowsmacOSLinux
Ranked 3 of 10 in best math and graphing software
Wolfram Language system for technical computing, with notebooks and cloud access, on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is a paid research environment, so it asks more of users than GeoGebra or Desmos, which are free.
Best for Research computation and notebook documents
About Mathematica
Mathematica is the desktop product built around the Wolfram Language, a computing system with data tools and notebook documents. The vendor's page calls it Modern Technical Computing and lists Windows, macOS, Linux and the cloud as places to run it.
Pricing is paid, and the vendor offers a free trial. Compared with Wolfram Alpha in this list, which answers questions in a browser, Mathematica is a full programming and document environment for working on projects. Compared with GeoGebra, which is free, it is aimed at research and technical work rather than school geometry.
Key features
- Wolfram Language
- Notebook documents
- Computable data tools
- Windows, macOS and Linux
- Cloud version
Strengths
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the cloud
- Wolfram Language and notebook documents
- Free trial available
Limits
- Paid licences
- Heavier than browser calculators such as Desmos
Where Mathematica ranks
How Mathematica compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Main use | Where it runs | Scripting or programming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Desmos | 91.0 | Free | WebiOSAndroid | Graphing and visual math | Web browser | No |
| #2GeoGebra | 89.0 | Free | WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid | Geometry and graphing lessons | Browser and apps | Yes |
| #3Mathematica | 88.5 | Paid | WindowsmacOSLinux | Technical computing and notebooks | Windows, macOS, Linux, cloud | Yes |
#4 Wolfram|Alpha | 86.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | Symbolic answers and computation | Browser and mobile apps | No |
#5 SageMath | 84.0 | Free and open source | LinuxmacOS | Algebra and number theory | Linux and macOS | Yes |
The full comparison table for best math and graphing software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Mathematica
All 9 alternatives- DesmosHas a free option; also runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- GeoGebraHas a free option; also runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- Wolfram|AlphaHas a free option; also runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- SageMathHas a free option; is open source.
MATLABCommercial numerical computing environment for engineers and scientists
GNU OctaveHas a free option; is open source.
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Questions about Mathematica
- Is Mathematica free?
- Mathematica is a paid product (paid). Paid licences; free trial on the vendor site.
- Is Mathematica open source?
- No. Mathematica is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Mathematica support?
- Mathematica is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- What is Mathematica best for?
- Research computation and notebook documents. In our ranking of math and graphing software it is number 3 of 10 with a score of 88.5.
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