PTC Mathcad vs wxMaxima

Struggling to choose between PTC Mathcad and wxMaxima? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

PTC Mathcad is a Office & Productivity solution with tags like math, engineering, calculation, analysis, documentation.

It boasts features such as Perform calculations and visualize engineering concepts, Document engineering work using standard math notation, Solve equations and systems of equations, Analyze data and plot graphs, Automate repetitive tasks, Share calculations through reports, web pages and Microsoft Office integration and pros including Intuitive interface for entering and editing mathematical expressions, Live mathematical notation updates results dynamically, Units intelligence ensures dimensional consistency, Visualize concepts with graphs, charts and images, Reuse calculations by managing them in worksheets and libraries.

On the other hand, wxMaxima is a Education & Reference product tagged with algebra, calculus, plotting, symbolic-math.

Its standout features include Symbolic and numerical computations, 2D and 3D plotting, Interactive geometry, Code editing and execution, Import/export to/from text files, LaTeX export, Extensive documentation, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform availability, User-friendly graphical interface, Powerful computational engine, Extensive math support, Customizable and extensible.

Feature	PTC Mathcad	wxMaxima
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Office & Productivity	Education & Reference

Product Overview

PTC Mathcad

Description: PTC Mathcad is engineering calculation software used for solving, analyzing, and sharing engineering design knowledge. It allows engineers to capture and reuse design knowledge and provides a way to document work using standard mathematical notation.

wxMaxima

Description: wxMaxima is an open-source computer algebra system and GUI for the Maxima system. It allows symbolic manipulations, plotting functions, implementing algorithms and much more. It has a simple interface yet powerful functionalities for mathematical calculations.

Key Features Comparison

PTC Mathcad Features

• Perform calculations and visualize engineering concepts
• Document engineering work using standard math notation
• Solve equations and systems of equations
• Analyze data and plot graphs
• Automate repetitive tasks
• Share calculations through reports, web pages and Microsoft Office integration

wxMaxima Features

• Symbolic and numerical computations
• 2D and 3D plotting
• Interactive geometry
• Code editing and execution
• Import/export to/from text files
• LaTeX export
• Extensive documentation

Pros & Cons Analysis

PTC Mathcad

Pros

• Intuitive interface for entering and editing mathematical expressions
• Live mathematical notation updates results dynamically
• Units intelligence ensures dimensional consistency
• Visualize concepts with graphs, charts and images
• Reuse calculations by managing them in worksheets and libraries

Cons

• Steep learning curve compared to general math software
• Limited to mathematical and technical calculations
• Not designed for statistical analysis
• Collaboration requires purchase of additional server product

wxMaxima

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform availability
• User-friendly graphical interface
• Powerful computational engine
• Extensive math support
• Customizable and extensible

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Outdated user interface
• Limited interactivity compared to notebooks
• Less commonly used than proprietary alternatives like Mathematica

Pricing Comparison

PTC Mathcad

• Subscription-Based

wxMaxima

• Open Source