Tool profile
Mathway: cost, fit and limits
Mathway is a math problem solver backed by Chegg that accepts typed or photographed problems and returns answers with step-by-step solutions, with an optional subscription that shows the full work for every step. Chegg is named in the site footer.
What to know first
Mathway describes itself as an AI-powered math solver and calculator, free to use with step-by-step solutions and no sign-up. It lists a Photo Math Solver and more than 59 free calculators, including an equation solver and a derivative calculator. An optional subscription unlocks full work for every step, but the price is not shown on the page we opened. The site needs no account.
Mathway at a glance
| Maker | Chegg Inc., Not stated on the vendor pages |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes |
| Entry price | Quote only |
| API access | No |
| Category | Best AI Homework Helpers in 2026, rank 8 of 12 |
| Website | mathway.com |
Who Mathway is best for
Students checking an answer fast
Free use without sign-up means a student can type a problem and see the answer in seconds, which suits a quick check late in an assignment.
Students who want a single-purpose calculator
The 59-plus calculators, such as an equation solver and a derivative calculator, give a dedicated page for common tasks instead of one general box.
Students who photograph worksheets
The Photo Math Solver reads an uploaded photo of a problem, which avoids retyping a long expression from a printed sheet.
Mathway plans and pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free, no sign-up | Solutions with answers and step-by-step solutions according to the page, plus 59-plus calculators. Limits on the free tier are not described. |
| Subscription | Not shown on the page opened | An optional subscription unlocks full work for every step. Price, billing basis and any other contents were not shown. |
| Group licensing | Not found | The page opened lists no school offer, so a classroom plan would start with a question to Chegg. |
Checked November 2026.
What Mathway does
- Photo Math Solver
- An uploaded photo of a problem is read and solved. The page presents this next to typed input and does not state accuracy for handwriting.
- Step-by-step solutions
- Each answer comes with steps, and the page says full work for every step needs the optional subscription, so free users may see only part of the explanation.
- 59-plus calculators
- More than 59 free calculators are listed, including an equation solver and a derivative calculator. Dedicated pages help when a student knows which operation they need.
- AI-powered solver
- The site's own description calls Mathway an AI-powered math solver and calculator. The page does not explain which parts use AI or which models are involved.
How Mathway handles your data
The Mathway page opened states nothing on training, retention, hosting region or certifications. The footer names Chegg Inc. in the copyright line, and the site says Mathway is backed by Chegg. The privacy policy redirects to a Chegg page that returned a 403 error, so we could not read how typed problems, uploaded photos or subscription data are handled. A family should read the Chegg privacy policy directly and decide before uploading a photograph of schoolwork.
Where Mathway falls short in practice
- Steps behind a subscription. Full work for every step needs the optional plan. A free user sees answers and some steps, which helps checking but may not reveal how to reach the answer.
- Subscription price unseen. The page gives no price for the paid tier, so a student must reach a checkout screen to learn the cost, which makes comparison with Photomath harder.
- Policy unreachable. The privacy policy sat behind a Chegg redirect that returned a 403 error on our attempt, so the data terms for uploaded photos could not be checked.
Works with
Alternatives to Mathway
Mathway: common questions
Is Mathway free?
Yes, the site says Mathway is free to use with step-by-step solutions and no sign-up. An optional subscription unlocks full work for every step. The page does not describe daily limits on the free tier, so run a few real homework problems and see how much of each solution is shown.
How much does Mathway cost?
The page we opened does not show a subscription price, only that an optional subscription exists. We therefore give no figure. Prices on app stores and on the checkout screen may differ, so read the billing period and the renewal terms before starting any trial.
Can Mathway solve a problem from a photo?
The page lists a Photo Math Solver that reads an uploaded photo of a problem. It does not state how well handwriting is recognized. A typed version of the same problem is the safer fallback when a photo of a crowded worksheet returns the wrong expression.
Who owns Mathway?
The footer copyright names Chegg Inc., and the site says Mathway is backed by Chegg. The pages opened do not state a country for the company, so we write that it is not stated on the vendor pages. The Chegg privacy page returned an error when we tried to read it.
Does Mathway cover subjects other than math?
The page describes a math solver and calculators, with an equation solver and a derivative calculator as examples. It does not describe science, writing or reading help. A student with other subjects needs a second tool, for example a general homework helper such as StudyX.