Soulver 4: The Natural Language Calculator for Serious Thinking

Introduction

Soulver 4 is a unique application that combines the simplicity of a classic notepad with the power of a natural language calculator. Designed to be a digital version of a back of a napkin, it allows users to stay at the level of their problem while handling the arithmetic. Unlike traditional calculators or spreadsheets, Soulver keeps calculations happening alongside your thinking, with answers appearing instantly on the same line as the input.

Benefits

Soulver is designed for thinking, not just data crunching. While spreadsheets are optimized for columns of values and formulas, Soulver is optimized for working through problems step-by-step using words and numbers mixed together. It serves as a tool for cognitive expansion, holding relevant variables, different scenarios, and quick totals on the page so users never have to hold everything in their head.

Key advantages include:-Instant Answers:The signature Answer Column shows results immediately when you mix words and numbers.-Smart Variables:Users can assign values to words or phrases, like setting a daily snack cost to $5. Changing a variable updates all dependent calculations instantly.-Live Data:The app fetches live and historical data for 190 currencies, tech stocks, weather, time zones, and unit conversions.-Complex Scenarios:It handles percentages, discounts, loans, interest, inflation, investments, and trip planning automatically.-Lightweight Design:As a native app, it is fast and uses minimal RAM and disk space, taking up only about 18 MB.

Use Cases

Soulver is ideal for anyone who needs to run the numbers while thinking clearly. It works well for:-Budgeting and Expenses:Users can track costs, split bills between people, and calculate subtotals easily.-Project Planning:It helps estimate costs and timelines by allowing users to mark lines as time points for trip segments.-Financial Planning:The app can calculate loan repayments, monthly interest, and project future investment growth.-Daily Tasks:It supports unit conversions for cooking, cars, and programming, making it useful for everyday life.-Cross-Platform Work:Since it runs natively on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, users can switch between devices seamlessly while working on calculations.

Pricing

Soulver offers a 60-day free trial. After the trial, the app enters a read-only mode, requiring a manual purchase to create or edit new sheets. There are no recurring subscriptions or automatic charges after the trial period.

Vibes

Soulver is widely regarded as the best back of an envelope tool ever created. Users appreciate its fluidity, which combines the tactile feel of paper with computational power. The focus on keeping arithmetic out of the way but indispensable allows users to concentrate on solving problems rather than getting lost in numbers.

Additional Information

Soulver has been refined over 20 years of continuous improvement. It is powered by an on-device natural language calculation engine, which functions as a high-level programming language with variables, conditionals, and types, presented in a natural syntax. The app supports 9 languages and common number formats, converting foreign numbers to local formats upon pasting. It also integrates via Shortcuts actions, URL schemes, and a command-line interface for advanced users.