Derivative calculator comparison
This comparison is limited to features a reader can check on a public page: whether the calculator is free to open, whether full steps are included without a paid plan, and whether a step explains why it is valid. It is not a ranking, and it does not score accuracy or speed.
On this site the derivative, integral, and limit calculators are free and do not require an account. The steps come from a computer-algebra engine. Asking why a step is valid returns an explanation. When an AI key is configured, a model writes it; otherwise the explanation is the rule reason for that step.
Wolfram|Alpha’s pricing page says the Basic plan does not include step-by-step solutions, and that those solutions are part of Pro. derivative-calculator.net says its calculator is free and can show the full working. Symbolab’s registration page puts full solution steps and AI chat on the Pro list. Mathway’s homepage and its premium terms use different wording for steps, so both are quoted instead of a single label.
Feature table
| Derivative Calculator AI | Symbolab | Wolfram|Alpha | Mathway | derivative-calculator.net | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free to open | Yes | Public solver | Basic plan | Homepage says yes | Homepage says yes |
| Account required here | No | Not stated for the solver | Not stated for Basic | Homepage says no sign-up for steps | Not mentioned on the homepage |
| Full steps without a paid plan | Yes | Pro lists full access to solution steps | No on Basic, per the pricing page | See the note; the two Mathway pages differ | Yes, “Show calculation steps” |
| Why-explanation | Yes, on each step | AI chat is listed under Pro | Pro describes steps that explain the answer | Not described as an AI why button | Steps name the rule; no AI model is described |
Mathway’s homepage says step-by-step solutions are available without signing up, and that an optional subscription unlocks the full work shown for every step. The premium terms say a subscription allows access to step-by-step solutions. This page reports both and does not invent a price.
Sources checked on 31 October 2026
- Symbolab registration (Pro list)
- Wolfram|Alpha Pro pricing
- Wolfram|Alpha step-by-step
- Mathway homepage
- Mathway premium terms
- derivative-calculator.net
Open the derivative calculator · A free Symbolab alternative with full steps