Comparison
PolySim OS vs PTC Mathcad
Mathcad is a respected engineering-calculation tool where math reads like a worksheet with live units. It's paid, desktop-first, and centered on calculations rather than dynamic simulation. PolySim renders live equations too, but as interactive, time-stepping simulations you can run free in the browser.
PolySim OS
From $0 (free local) · $24/mo Independent Researcher
PTC Mathcad
Subscription roughly $400–$700/yr; free Mathcad Express with limits.
See PolySim in action
Live, interactive simulators that run free in your browser — no install, no license.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PolySim OS | PTC Mathcad |
|---|---|---|
| Live math worksheets | Live equations per sim | Yes — its core |
| Runs in browser | Yes | Desktop |
| Interactive dynamic sims | Yes (390+) | Limited |
| Entry cost | $0 | ~$400–$700/yr |
| Unit-aware calculation | Partial | Yes — strong |
Where PTC Mathcad is strong
- • Readable unit-aware worksheets
- • Trusted for engineering docs
- • Good for traceable calcs
Where PolySim wins
- • Paid subscription
- • Desktop-bound
- • Not built for dynamic simulation
Choose Mathcad for documented, unit-aware engineering calculations; choose PolySim for free, interactive, browser-based simulation.
Switching from PTC Mathcad?
Biology Simulation Kit — $19
Population dynamics, reaction networks, and cellular models.
Popular products
Custom Node Development
$200We develop a custom simulation node to your specification.
Custom Branding on Embeds
$9Put your own logo and colors on public embeds.
AI Copilot Power-User Workshop
$15Get expert-level results from the AI Copilot.
White-Label / Embedded Widget
$299/moEmbed PolySim in your product under your own brand.
GPU-Minute Pack (Small)
$560 cloud GPU-minutes for compute-heavy renders and solves.
Reproducibility Bundle
$4Pin environment + random seed and archive a reproducible run.