Solve math problems with ChatGPT or Claude

Both assistants solve equations and can run code to check the answer. Verify anything that matters.

Picks: 2; ranked

ChatGPT and Claude can both work through equations and calculations. ChatGPT can walk you through a problem step by step in study mode, including from a photo, and can run Python for calculations. Claude can use code execution on files you upload. The one thing to know: Anthropic says complex or mission-critical calculations should be verified with specialist software or by hand, and OpenAI says to review generated code, outputs and assumptions.

Good for

Students working through algebra, calculus or statistics homework
Analysts who need calculations on uploaded data
Self-learners who want each step explained
Teachers building practice problems

The short answer

Our advice: use ChatGPT study mode to learn the method, and either assistant with code running to compute. Check results by substituting back or using a second method.

Our advice: ask for the steps, then verify the answer another way.

Best for

ChatGPT study mode for learning the steps of a problem
Either assistant with code to compute and check numbers
Claude for long written explanations

Skip it if

You need a certified result, such as for engineering or finance
You paste a graded exam question and copy the answer

Solve and check a math problem

1
State the problem and your level
Type it, or upload a photo of the problem. OpenAI lists photos of math and science problems as supported in study mode.
Prompt
```
I am in a first-year calculus class. Here is my problem set question 4. Show me the method before the answer.
```
2
Ask for steps, not only the answer
In ChatGPT, turn on study mode (type @study). In Claude, ask for guided steps.
Prompt
```
Give me the first step only. Wait for my attempt before the next one.
```
3
Compute with code
ChatGPT can run Python for calculations. In Claude, code execution runs Python on your data once enabled in Settings > Capabilities.
Prompt
```
Use Python to solve this system of equations and print the result.
```
4
Check it a second way
Substitute the answer back, estimate it, or solve with a different method. Anthropic says to verify complex calculations with specialist software or manual methods.
Prompt
```
Check your answer by substituting it back into the original equation. Show the working.
```
5
Practise a similar problem
Ask for one new problem of the same type and try it yourself before you look.
Prompt
```
Give me a similar problem with different numbers. Do not show the answer until I reply.
```
Tip: If two methods disagree, trust neither until you find the error.

Best plugs for this

Our advice: ChatGPT is first for guided steps and photo input; Claude is second for explanation and code. Neither replaces your own check.

1
ChatGPTBuilt inAssistant
Study mode works a problem step by step, accepts photos, and ChatGPT runs Python for calculations and statistics.
Free and upPlan
2
ClaudeAssistant
Handles equations and calculations, and runs code on uploaded data. Anthropic advises verifying complex results.
Free and upPlan

ChatGPT

ChatGPT has a study mode and runs Python for calculations.

Plan: Any plan. Study mode is on all plans on web, iOS and Android.

What it can do

Work through problems step by step in study mode
Read a photo of a math or science problem
Run Python-based calculations and statistical analysis
Run supported Python code blocks and show console output

Limits

Study is not available in Temporary Chats, GPTs or Projects
Review generated code, outputs and assumptions before relying on a result

Claude

Claude handles equations and can compute with code. Verify the result.

Plan: Any plan. Turn on Code execution and file creation in Settings > Capabilities to run code.

What it can do

Process equations and perform calculations
Run Python on uploaded data once code execution is on
Give step-by-step explanations for problems
Write practice questions

Limits

Anthropic says complex or mission-critical calculations should be verified with specialist software or by hand
Team and Enterprise owners can turn code execution off

Questions

What is the best AI for math?

ChatGPT has study mode for step-by-step help and runs Python for calculations. Claude handles equations and runs code too. Our advice: use whichever explains the method clearly, then check the answer a second way.

Can ChatGPT solve math problems from a photo?

Yes. OpenAI lists a photo of a math or science problem among the things you can upload in study mode. If it misreads the image, upload a clearer one or paste the text.

Is Claude good at math?

Claude can process mathematical equations and perform calculations. Anthropic says complex or mission-critical calculations should be verified with specialist mathematical software or manual methods.

Can they run code to check the answer?

Yes. ChatGPT can write and run Python in data analysis and in supported code blocks. Claude runs code once Code execution and file creation is on in Settings > Capabilities.

Can AI do statistics, physics or chemistry problems?

For explanations and practice, yes. For calculations, have it run code and show the working. ChatGPT can run statistical analysis on uploaded data. Check units and formulas against your textbook.

Will it give wrong answers?

Sometimes. Both vendors say to check results. OpenAI says to review generated code, outputs and assumptions before relying on the result.

Is it free?

Study mode is on all ChatGPT plans. Code execution and file creation is on by default for Free, Pro, Max and Ultra Claude plans.

Is it cheating to use AI for homework?

It depends on your school. OpenAI says to follow the AI-use policies of your school or instructor for graded work, and Anthropic says not to use Claude for assignments you must do independently.

Is there a math plugin for Claude?

We list none on this page. Claude can run code for calculations once Code execution and file creation is on in Settings > Capabilities. The nature-statistics skill is for checking how statistics are reported in manuscripts, not for solving problems.

Sources

Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from.

Show all 6

How does Claude handle mathematical equations and calculations? · support.claude.com
Using study mode in ChatGPT · help.openai.com
Data analysis with ChatGPT · help.openai.com
Create and edit files with Claude · support.claude.com
Use Claude for Education at your university · support.claude.com
Working with writing blocks and code blocks in ChatGPT · help.openai.com