Wolfram Alpha
Answers computed rather than retrieved: integrals, unit conversions, orbital mechanics and the nutritional content of a Mars bar.
Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.
How to get the most from it
Wolfram Alpha sits in Unreasonably Useful under Learn, filed as a minute.
- Give it one round. There is nothing to finish and nothing lost by leaving.
- It works on a phone or a desktop, so open it on whatever is nearest.
- It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
- No account needed — you can start without signing up.
- Go in expecting something brainy and useful.
About this category: Sites that quietly do a job you would otherwise pay for or install software for. Included because being this good for free is genuinely strange.
Good for
- A one-round break between tasks
- Giving your brain a workout
- Getting something practical done
- A quiet break at your desk
- Killing time on your phone
- Trying it with zero commitment
Wolfram Alpha: quick answers
Is Wolfram Alpha free?
Yes. Wolfram Alpha is free to use and needs no account.
Do I need an account to use Wolfram Alpha?
No. You can use Wolfram Alpha without signing up for anything.
Does Wolfram Alpha work on a phone?
Yes. Wolfram Alpha works on phones as well as desktop browsers.
Is Wolfram Alpha safe for work?
Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.
How long does Wolfram Alpha take?
We file it as "A minute": One quick round, then you can leave.
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