Details for Maker Calc Press Coverage

What is it?

Maker Calc is a fraction calculator mobile app designed specifically for doing calculations on measurements in inches. Its two column layout allows you to speedily enter in measurement-based fractions and its real-time nature allows you to see results as you type them in. Additionally, the most commonly necessary conversions are available as you type as well. At the core, it’s meant to take the headache out of building with precision, and increase the total quality of projects that get made.

Why is it necessary?

Anyone that’s built something with their hands using a measuring tape has undoubtedly run into the need to add or divide with these types of complex fractions. Using a standard calculator proves difficult because you end up needing to convert the fractions to decimals, do the math, and then convert the result back to something readable on a tape measure.

These calculators are not a new concept. In fact, they’ve been around long before apps existed - manifesting in various physical forms. Though from my findings, the majority of those calculators are geared towards the construction trade, with lots of additional functions for things like roof pitch, stair rise/run, angle finding, etc. They also lack user-friendliness. All other Makers/Craftsmen of the world don’t need all these additional home-building functions, and more just need a really clean and simple way to quickly get the result of the necessary measurement math in the moment.

Who are Makers?

A maker is someone who often utilizes tools, technologies, and materials to create or modify physical objects. For me, I consider myself a Maker because I love woodworking, leatherworking, and the occasional welding project. Mostly I draw satisfaction from building with my hands. Making can encompass many other activities as well - electronics, arts and crafts, sewing, concrete, drywall, finish carpentry, cabinet installing, fabrication, DIY, ceramics, sculpture, knife-making, etc. The list goes on. It is an inclusive term that truly extends to anybody who choses to identify themselves as such. And one that very often uses measuring tools in their work. Hence the need for Maker Calc.

How did it originate?

In a nutshell, I got frustrated all too often when I’d be trying to do this math in the shop. I would be designing or building a furniture piece and would eventually just settle with a less precise result so that I could round to a more clean number. Ultimately, I wanted to be able to be as precise as I wanted to be, with no other roadblocks in the way. As I searched around for apps to meet this need, there weren’t any that seemed to be thoughtfully designed or built for true craftsmanship. With my extensive background in technology and building software products from scratch, I decided to use my spare time to design & build exactly the tool that I wanted and needed.

What are the Features?

• Do basic math on fractions, decimals, and whole numbers
• A key layout optimized for fast fraction entry
• See the results in real-time, as you type
• View the most common unit conversions of any given result, as you type
• Save a history of any equation you perform, as well as starring and labeling any past equation
• The “Rounding Zone” is an easy way to see where your result falls between the two nearest points based on your rounding precision setting
• Configure your rounding precision setting
• Change your input unit to millimeters, with an adjusted key layout and conversions to accompany it
• No Ads
• Able to function normally without an internet connection

How much does it cost?

Maker Calc starts with a 30 day free trial. This trial doesn’t require any sort of payment method or commitment to get started.

After your 30 days are up, your options to continue using are as follows:

• Monthly Subscription for $1.99/month
• Yearly Subscription for $19.99/year
• Lifetime One-time-purchase for $99.99

I want people to be able to experience the full value of Maker Calc before making a purchase decision. To help with this, I have a feature in the app that will allow folks to extend their trial if they haven’t performed very many equations in their initial trial period. Additionally, I’m very open to extending free trials if users want to reach out to me through the app.