You can change your default calculator by downloading a different app and using that instead of Apple's built-in calculator
iPhone comes with a calculator app pre-installed, but you are not locked into using it. You can download a different calculator from the App Store and open that whenever you need to do math. There is no setting that changes which calculator launches when you search for "calculator" — instead, you simply use whichever app you prefer, and iOS will remember which one you opened most recently.
The process is straightforward: find a calculator app you want to use, install it from the App Store, and then open that app instead of the default one. If you want to remove Apple's calculator from your home screen to avoid opening it by accident, you can hide it without deleting it.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone does not have a setting to change your default calculator app — you simply download a different one and use that instead.
- You can find calculator apps in the App Store by searching "calculator" and reading reviews to see which features matter to you.
- You can hide Apple's built-in calculator from your home screen by long-pressing it and selecting "Remove App," then choosing "Remove from Home Screen."
- Most third-party calculator apps cost nothing, though some offer paid versions with extra features like graphing or scientific functions.
- You can add your preferred calculator to your home screen or lock screen for faster access than searching for it each time.
Finding and installing a different calculator app
Open the App Store on your iPhone and tap the search tab at the bottom. Type "calculator" in the search box. You will see dozens of options — Apple's calculator appears at the top, but below it are third-party apps with names like Calcbot, Soulver, PCalc, and Calculator+.
Read the description and reviews for each app to understand what it does. Some are simple four-function calculators that work like Apple's. Others add features like a history tape (showing all your past calculations), unit conversion, tip splitting, or graphing. Many are free; some cost a few dollars or offer a free version with a paid upgrade.
Tap the cloud icon (or "Get" button) next to the app you want. You may need to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Once it installs, the button changes to "Open" — tap that to launch the app for the first time.
Using your new calculator as your main app
After you install a calculator app, simply open it whenever you need to calculate something. iOS does not require you to set a default — whichever app you use becomes the one you reach for next time. If you use a third-party calculator regularly, it will appear near the top of your search results when you swipe down and type "calculator."
To make it even faster, add the app to your home screen. Long-press the app icon in the App Store or in your apps library, then tap "Add to Home Screen." You can also add it to your lock screen on newer iPhones by long-pressing the lock screen, tapping the plus button, searching for the app, and selecting it.
Hiding or removing Apple's calculator
If you want to stop seeing Apple's calculator in your search results or home screen, you can hide it. Long-press the calculator icon (the one that looks like a grid with numbers), then tap "Remove App." A menu appears with two options: "Remove from Home Screen" or "Remove App."
Choose "Remove from Home Screen" if you want to keep the app on your phone but get it out of the way. The calculator will no longer appear on your home screen, but you can still find it in your apps library if you ever need it. Choose "Remove App" if you want to delete it entirely — you can always reinstall it later from the App Store for free.
Note that you cannot delete Apple's calculator completely from your iPhone the way you can with some other built-in apps. If you choose "Remove App," it will disappear from your library, but the system still has a copy. You can reinstall it by opening the App Store, searching for "Calculator," and tapping the cloud icon.
Popular calculator alternatives and what they offer
Calcbot is a free calculator with a clean design and a history tape that shows your past calculations. You can tap any previous result to use it in a new calculation. It also converts between units and currencies.
Soulver lets you write calculations in plain English — for example, you can type "50 dollars plus 20 percent" instead of entering numbers separately. It is free with a paid upgrade for more features.
PCalc is a scientific calculator with graphing, programming functions, and a customizable layout. The free version has most features; a paid version adds extras. It works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Calculator+ is a simple four-function calculator with a history list and the ability to save calculations for later. It is free and works offline.
Switching back to Apple's calculator
If you try a third-party calculator and decide you prefer Apple's, you can switch back at any time. If you hid it, open your apps library (swipe to the rightmost home screen or tap the apps grid icon), search for "Calculator," and tap "Add to Home Screen" to bring it back.
If you deleted it entirely, open the App Store, search for "Calculator," and tap the cloud icon to reinstall it. It will download in seconds and appear in your apps library. You can then add it to your home screen the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a default calculator app so it opens when I ask Siri to calculate something?
No. When you ask Siri to do math, it uses Apple's calculator. You can ask Siri to open a specific app by name — for example, "Open Calcbot" — but Siri will not automatically use a third-party calculator for math questions.
Will a third-party calculator work offline?
Most do, yes. Simple calculators like Calculator+ and Apple's built-in app work without internet. Apps that convert currency or look up exchange rates need internet for those features, but basic math functions work offline. Check the app description to be sure.
Do I have to pay for a good calculator app?
No. Calcbot, Soulver, PCalc, and Calculator+ all have free versions with useful features. Paid versions usually add extras like advanced graphing or cloud sync, but you can do everyday math with the free versions.
If I delete a calculator app, will I lose my calculation history?
Yes. When you delete an app, its data goes with it. If you want to keep your history, take a screenshot or write down important calculations before you remove the app. Some calculators let you export history before you delete them.
Can I have multiple calculator apps on my home screen?
Yes. You can add as many calculator apps as you want to your home screen. You might keep Apple's calculator for simple math and a scientific calculator for more complex work, for example.