Crunch numbers at the wrist with PCalc for Apple Watch

Unlike the iPhone, the Apple Watch doesn’t ship with a built-in calculator application: something a number of users disputed when the smart watch first launched. The small display size of the Watch seemingly held Apple back from developing a watchOS version of their Calculator iOS app, but that hasn’t fazed developers from taking on the challenge. Case in point: PCalc, a smart piece of software that can turn your Apple Watch into a wrist-worn calculator.

PCalc on the Apple Watch uses a couple of smart tricks in order to bring a calculator interface to Cupertino’s smart watch. For starters, there’s dictation support if you feel like talking your Apple Watch through a couple of calculations (something I’ve yet to do). There’s also a full number pad inside of PCalc, and the app sends haptic feedback when a number is inputted into a calculation inside of the software. However, not every key you’d expect to see on a calculator is available inside PCalc for watchOS.

You see, with a full number pad, there isn’t enough room to include dedicated keys for the four mathematical operations (+, -, times, and divide). Instead, a “…” button provides access to a second page of keys. Tapping the same icon then reveals a further interface for calculating tips. Because of this, you can quickly and easily figure out how much you owe for a tip following a meal without inputting a lengthy formula.

There’s a lot to like about PCalc. In fact it’s a watchOS app I find myself using time and time again. Sure, it’s quick to pick your iPhone out of a pocket or handbag, but it’s even quicker to fire up a calculator on your Apple Watch and crunch numbers at the wrist. PCalc is definitely a watchOS app you should be using; it can be yours for just $4.99.