Desmos
FreeBeautiful graphing calculator in the browser. Plot any function, adjust parameters with sliders, explore calculus visually. Used in classrooms worldwide, completely free.
How to install Desmos as a PWA
Frequently asked questions about Desmos
What makes Desmos different from a TI-84 graphing calculator?
A TI-84 costs $100-$150, has a 96x64 monochrome screen, and a clunky button-based interface — but is accepted on all standardized tests and works without internet. Desmos is free, runs in any browser with a beautiful interactive graph, supports sliders for live parameter exploration, and (as of 2023) is the official approved digital calculator on the SAT. For learning and exploration, Desmos is dramatically better. For tests that require a physical calculator (some AP exams, ACT), the TI-84 remains the standard.
Is Desmos free?
Yes — Desmos is free for all users with no ads. The company (acquired by Amplify in 2023) generates revenue from licensing to standardized-test administrators (College Board, ETS) and from curriculum partnerships with school districts. Individual students and teachers pay nothing. Compared to TI-Nspire CX CAS software ($150+) or Mathematica's student edition ($150/year), Desmos's free model is unique in the math-software space.
How does Desmos compare to GeoGebra?
GeoGebra is the European open-source counterpart — free, multi-language, broader feature scope (geometry, 3D graphing, CAS, probability, AR). Desmos focuses on 2D graphing and is more polished in that domain, with smoother interactions and a tighter UX. GeoGebra wins on feature breadth (CAS, 3D, geometry construction); Desmos wins on graphing polish and SAT integration. Many schools use both — GeoGebra for geometry, Desmos for graphing.
Can I use Desmos offline?
Yes — Desmos installs as a Progressive Web App with offline support. The graphing calculator works fully offline once cached, including saved graphs in local storage. Cloud account sync requires connectivity, but for individual session work and SAT-style practice, the offline mode is reliable. The mobile apps (iOS/Android) have similar offline capability.
Who uses Desmos in production?
Desmos is used in approximately 60,000 schools globally per company claims, serving tens of millions of students. The College Board adopted it as the official SAT calculator in 2023 (replacing the requirement to bring a physical calculator). Many US math teachers structure lessons around Desmos activities. Universities use it for calculus and linear algebra visualization. Outside the US, GeoGebra has stronger penetration, but Desmos is gaining ground especially in IB and Cambridge curricula.
Where Desmos is heading (12-24 months)
- →3D graphing remains a gap vs GeoGebra and Mathematica.
- →Full CAS (computer algebra system) would let Desmos replace Mathematica for student-level symbolic work.
- →Tighter LMS integration (Canvas, Schoology) would deepen classroom adoption.
Related questions
ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini usually suggest these next.
- What types of functions can Desmos graph?
- Does Desmos support 3D graphing?
- How do I create a slider parameter in Desmos?
- Can Desmos solve algebra problems symbolically (CAS)?
- Is Desmos approved for the AP Calculus exam?
More in Education
Spaced repetition flashcard app that works offline. Create decks with Markdown support, use the SuperMemo SM-2 algorithm for optimal memory retention. Data stored locally.
Open-source grammar and style checker for 20+ languages. The privacy-respecting Grammarly alternative with a browser extension and web app. Your text isn't used for AI training.
YouTube slow-downer for musicians. Paste a YouTube URL, loop any section, and adjust playback speed without pitch shift. Essential for learning songs by ear.
Advanced word finder and anagram solver. Find words by pattern, letters, length, and crossword constraints. Used by Scrabble players and crossword enthusiasts.
Convert text to International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. Supports English, French, German, Spanish. Essential for language learners and linguistics students.
Free world-class education in Math, Science, and Humanities. Thousands of lessons, exercises, and videos. A genuine replacement for expensive tutoring, installable as a PWA.