CalcVR
What is CalcVR?
CalcVR is a free academic VR application built specifically to address one of the most persistent challenges in undergraduate mathematics — the inability of students to visualise the three-dimensional objects at the heart of multivariable calculus. Curves in 3D space, parametric surfaces, vector fields, gradient vectors and contour plots are all concepts that textbooks and flat-screen software can only approximate. In VR, you can stand inside them.
Developed by Dr Nick Long and Dr Jeremy Becnel at Stephen F. Austin State University with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF grant DUE-1820724), CalcVR offers over 50 structured lessons, playground environments and guided explorations. Students move through topics in a suggested sequence — from 3D coordinates to vector calculus — with audio narration throughout, the ability to input their own expressions, and quizzes embedded directly in the VR environment.
It is worth noting that CalcVR is no longer in active development. The team plans to release the Unity source files via a public GitHub repository in spring 2026, transitioning it to a community-maintained open-source project. The app still works well and the content remains current, but expect no new features or bug fixes in the near term. Contact the team at longne@sfasu.edu for the most recent builds.
What Topics Does It Cover?
CalcVR organises its content into nine topic areas, each containing a mix of lessons, playgrounds, activities, explorations and quizzes:
The content is structured to flow from foundational 3D visualisation through to major theorems. Each topic has suggested prerequisites. Full supplemental materials are available at calcvr.org.
How Well Does It Fit?
Designed squarely for university-level multivariable calculus (Calc III equivalent). A-level students studying Further Maths will find it useful for visualising 3D coordinate geometry and surfaces. Not suitable for younger students.
What Are People Saying?
"CalcVR brings virtual reality visualisation tools within reach for students in multivariable calculus. The app addresses one of the largest hindrances to student success — the inability to visualise the curves, surfaces, and vector fields at the heart of the subject."
"As a calc student this is unbelievably helpful. Being able to actually see what a gradient looks like, or walk around a parametric surface — it makes things click that would have taken weeks of staring at 2D projections to understand."
"I use this alongside my Calc III lectures and it genuinely helps students grasp things like directional derivatives and tangent planes much faster. The interface takes some getting used to and the setup instructions are a bit clunky, but the mathematical content is excellent and the price is unbeatable."
See It in Action
Search YouTube for walkthroughs of CalcVR lessons and playground demonstrations.
How Does It Compare?
50+ structured lessons
Input own functions
University level
No longer updated
3D geometry focus
Hands-on building
KS3 upwards
Actively developed
Broad maths topics
Familiar interface
Less immersive
Web-based
Gamified approach
STEM accredited
Younger audience
More accessible
CalcVR is no longer in active development. The team plans to open-source it via GitHub in spring 2026. The app still works, but contact longne@sfasu.edu for the latest builds if you have trouble accessing it through App Lab.
| Platform | Meta Quest 2, iOS, Android |
| Price | Free |
| Developer | Long & Becnel, SFASU |
| Funded by | NSF (DUE-1820724) |
| Subject | Multivariable Calculus |
| Level | University / A-Level FM |
| Lessons | 50+ |
| Status | No longer updated |
| Released | 2017 |