Maxima

Education & research

Free open-source softwareEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is Maxima?

Maxima is a computer algebra system for symbolic expressions, equations, differentiation, integration, and related mathematical work. It supports exact manipulation alongside numerical evaluation, making it useful for exploring formulas and checking intermediate steps in mathematical analysis.

Symbolic algebra

Differentiation and integration

Equation solving

Exact arithmetic

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

Students and researchers manipulating symbolic mathematics

Before you choose

Expression rules require familiarity. Symbolic answers need assumption checking.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

The GPL software is available without a license subscription and includes Symbolic algebra and Differentiation and integration. This covers the downloadable application, while optional support, third-party services, and separately licensed materials have their own terms.

No software subscription; hardware, support and any separately licensed extras are not included.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Useful for inspecting mathematical expressions

Supports exact and numerical approaches

What to keep in mind

Expression rules require familiarity

Symbolic answers need assumption checking

How to use it well

Enter a simple version of the expression and state assumptions about variables before requesting transformations. Compare a symbolic result with a numerical substitution to catch domain or sign issues. Keep the original expression and intermediate steps, particularly when simplifying formulas that behave differently at singular points or under different variable constraints.

This is best suited to students and researchers manipulating symbolic mathematics. Before committing a larger project, account for these trade-offs: expression rules require familiarity; symbolic answers need assumption checking.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is Maxima free?

The GPL software is available without a license subscription and includes Symbolic algebra and Differentiation and integration. This covers the downloadable application, while optional support, third-party services, and separately licensed materials have their own terms.

Does Maxima only approximate answers numerically?

No. Exact symbolic manipulation is a central feature.

Can assumptions change a symbolic result?

Yes. Domains and variable assumptions affect many transformations.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

Real experiences matter.

Be the first to share your experience.

No published user reviews yet.

Write a review

Your name, rating, and review may be published after moderation. Your email is kept private and is not displayed.

Keep exploring.

HELP SHAPE THE DIRECTORY

Know a useful tool?

Send your suggestion for editorial review.

Suggestions are reviewed before they appear in the directory.