Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenClass VS Calcumber

Compare OpenClass VS Calcumber and see what are their differences

OpenClass logo OpenClass

Discover a learning environment that goes beyond the LMS. Open to everyone.ย Easy to use.

Calcumber logo Calcumber

Calculate in a notebook and share โ€” from everyday math to engineering.
Visit Website
  • OpenClass Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21
  • Calcumber Usefulness of units when calculating the weight of paper
    Usefulness of units when calculating the weight of paper //
    2026-07-25
  • Calcumber Calcumber interactively embedd on a web page
    Calcumber interactively embedd on a web page //
    2026-07-25
  • Calcumber Showcase from arithmetics to thermodynamics
    Showcase from arithmetics to thermodynamics //
    2026-07-25

Use variables, functions, and units and see results immediately. Add comments, copy calculations to apps like Word or Excel, or share them through an editable link. Calculate thermodynamic fluid properties with the integrated CoolProp library.

OpenClass

$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

Calcumber

$ Details
free
Platforms
Web Windows Linux Mac
Release Date
2025 June
Startup details
Country
Switzerland
State
Aargau
City
Staufen
Founder(s)
Samuel Hartmann
Employees
1 - 9

OpenClass features and specs

  • Cost
    OpenClass was offered for free, making it an attractive option for educational institutions looking to reduce costs associated with adopting a learning management system.
  • Integration
    It provided robust integration with Google Apps for Education, allowing users to easily connect with tools they may already be utilizing, thus streamlining workflow for both students and educators.
  • Cloud-based
    As a cloud-based platform, OpenClass ensured that users could access their materials from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility and support for diverse learning environments.

Possible disadvantages of OpenClass

  • Support
    Limited customer support services were a significant drawback, as users often faced difficulties in resolving technical issues without dedicated support assistance.
  • Features
    Compared to more established learning management systems, OpenClass lacked certain advanced features and customizability options, which could hinder complex course management needs.
  • Retirement
    The platform was retired, meaning that long-term usage and ongoing support would not be available, potentially leading to disruptions for users who would need to transition to new systems.

Calcumber features and specs

  • ๐ŸŒฟ Naturally type expressions
    get immediate results
  • ๐Ÿ”— Copy and share
    keep calculations editable with a link
  • ๐Ÿงฉ Variables and constants
    pi, e, G, mu0
  • ๐Ÿงช Scientific functions
    sin, acos, log, round, and more
  • โ™จ๏ธ Thermodynamic fluid properties
    refrigeration, heat pumps, steam and air
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Installation optional
    run directly in your browser
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Multi-platform
    WebApp, Windows, more to come

Analysis of OpenClass

Overall verdict

  • OpenClass was Pearson's free cloud-based learning management system (LMS) launched in 2011 in partnership with Google, but it was discontinued in 2014 due to limited adoption and competition from established platforms like Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle. As it is no longer available, it cannot be recommended as a current solution, and institutions should look toward modern, actively supported alternatives.

Why this product is good

  • It was free to use and cloud-based, removing infrastructure costs at the time of its launch
  • It integrated with Google Apps for Education, offering familiar collaboration tools
  • It emphasized social and collaborative learning features rather than just content delivery
  • It was backed by Pearson, a major education publisher, giving access to a large content ecosystem

Recommended for

  • Historical or research interest in the evolution of learning management systems
  • Educators studying discontinued edtech platforms and lessons from their market failure
  • Institutions comparing legacy LMS options should instead consider current alternatives like Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, or Google Classroom

OpenClass videos

Introducing OpenClass Review Flows

More videos:

  • Review - Demo: Walking through OpenClass review assignments
  • Review - Building review assignments in OpenClass

Calcumber videos

No Calcumber videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenClass and Calcumber)
Education
62 62%
38% 38
Online Calculators
0 0%
100% 100
Online Learning
100 100%
0% 0
LMS
100 100%
0% 0

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing OpenClass and Calcumber.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Calcumber's answer:

  • Sharing calculations and embedding them in documents or web pages is perfect for education.
  • Natural unit support, just include them in your expression and Calcumber handles it.
  • Free and easy access to thermodynamic fluid-properties.

What makes your product unique?

Calcumber's answer:

  • Easy to use calculator notebook
  • From simple arithmetic to advanced engineering with units
  • Installation optional
  • Send calculation link with full privacy
  • Embed calculation templates, exercices and soultions in documents or interactively in web pages

What's the story behind your product?

Calcumber's answer:

When starting for a Master of Advances Study in Energy Systems, I was looking for a suitable state-of-the-art calculator. Then I built my own Calculator Calcumber and now the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is using Calcumber for teaching students in thermodynamics.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Calcumber's answer:

  • The notebook-style calculator is great for everybody who wants more than just a single line calculator.
  • The sharing and embedding features make it Calcumber very well suited for teachers and students. The power of consistently using units is shown immediatly.
  • Engineers will like the unit support, sharing calculations with collegues and if needed the built-in fluid properties calculation.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Calcumber's answer:

HTML, CSS, TypeScript, PWA, CoolProp

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenClass and Calcumber, you can also consider the following products

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Moodle - Moodle is the world's most popular learning management system. Start creating your online learning site in minutes!

Qalculate! - Qalculate! is a multiplatform multi-purpose desktop calculator.