wxMaxima vs PTC Mathcad

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

wxMaxima is a Education & Reference solution with tags like algebra, calculus, plotting, symbolic-math.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform availability, User-friendly graphical interface, Powerful computational engine, Extensive math support, Customizable and extensible.

On the other hand, PTC Mathcad is a Office & Productivity product tagged with math, engineering, calculation, analysis, documentation.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

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

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

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

Pricing Comparison

wxMaxima

• Open Source

PTC Mathcad

• Subscription-Based