# Numi Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Calculator and converter application Category: System Utilities · Free · Open source · Replaces Soulver ($35) · [Official website](https://numi.app) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask numi` ## Quick take Numi remains the nicest lightweight math notepad on the Mac in August 2026: free to try, plain-language calculations, variables, and unit/currency smarts without spreadsheet ceremony. Pay once if you need unlimited notes and iCloud sync; otherwise the free app may be enough. Soulver is the premium rival; Spotlight is the zero-cost rival. For freelancers and developers who think in sentences not cells, Numi still deserves the global hotkey. Best for: Freelancers writing readable project estimates, Developers doing unit/data/color conversions, Travelers mixing currencies and time zones, Anyone who hates calculator button grids ## What is Numi? Numi is a beautiful text-based calculator for Mac (also Windows and Linux) that lets you mix plain language, units, currencies, and variables in a notepad-style document. Instead of a button grid you type `15 hours * $75/hour + 10% tax` or `200 EUR in USD` and results appear on the right side of each line. The mental model matches how people actually estimate on paper: write the story and the math together. Lines without math stay as notes or headings, so a project quote becomes a readable sheet rather than a cryptic expression list. Variables (`hourlyRate = 85`) cascade through the document; change one value and dependent lines update. Unit conversions span length, weight, temperature, data sizes, time, and more. Live currency conversion and time zone helpers cover freelancers and remote teams. As of August 2026 Numi remains actively available from numi.app with a free Mac download (DMG), Windows installer, and Linux builds, plus docs and source presence on GitHub (nikolaeu/numi). The free app is usable for everyday single-document calculations. The paid license unlocks unlimited notes and iCloud sync (also sold via Setapp). Historical storefronts have listed the unlock around the $20-$30 one-time range; confirm the live Paddle checkout on numi.app/buy because the price is not always printed as plain text on the marketing page. On Apple Silicon Macs Numi is a light native-feeling utility that lives well beside Raycast or Alfred for quick math. Global shortcuts and Alfred workflows let you calculate without keeping the window frontmost. Competitors include Soulver (premium Mac math notes), NoteCalc / Notes Calculator style tools, and plain Spotlight/`bc` for one-liners. Numi wins on aesthetics and natural language; Soulver wins on deeper macOS polish for some power users; Spotlight wins when you need one conversion and zero apps. If you invoice in mixed currencies, convert CSS colors, or keep living estimate documents, Numi still earns a Dock slot in 2026. It is not a spreadsheet and not a CAS algebra system. It is the best middle ground between a calculator and a scratchpad. Practical setup on Mac in 2026 is still simple: download the DMG from numi.app, drag Numi to Applications, grant any accessibility permissions if you use global shortcuts, and optionally bind a hotkey that does not collide with Raycast or Alfred. Keep a living `quotes.md`-style document for each client so rate changes propagate through variables. When you need multi-device access, unlock iCloud sync; when you only need airport Wi-Fi currency math, the free single-document mode is enough. ## Features - **Natural Language Math.** Type `20% of $150`, `half of 248`, or `5 miles in km`. The parser finds expressions inside ordinary text without spreadsheet formula syntax. - **Unit Conversions.** Length, weight, volume, temperature, data storage, time, speed, and area conversions inline: ideal for engineering notes and everyday measurements. - **Live Currency Conversion.** Convert and combine currencies with updating rates (`150 EUR + 200 GBP in USD`) for freelancers and travel budgets. - **Variables and References.** Define `hourlyRate = 85` and reuse it across lines so estimate documents recalculate when rates change. - **Time Zone Helpers.** Expressions like `now in Tokyo` or `3pm EST in PST` keep remote scheduling math next to the rest of your notes. - **Mixed Text and Math.** Non-math lines are comments/headings, turning a calculation into a client-readable document. - **Global Shortcut and Alfred.** Summon Numi from anywhere or pipe quick calculations through Alfred without breaking flow. - **CSS Color Conversions.** Convert hex/RGB style color values for front-end work without opening a separate color tool. - **Cross-Platform Continuity.** Mac remains the flagship, with Windows and Linux builds for mixed fleets; paid unlock emphasizes unlimited notes and iCloud sync on Apple devices. ## How to Install Numi on Mac Numi is available through Homebrew and the Mac App Store. 1. **Install via Homebrew.** Run `brew install --cask numi`. The app installs to your Applications folder. 2. **Launch Numi.** Open Numi from Applications or Spotlight. You'll see a clean text area. Start typing calculations immediately. 3. **Set Up Global Shortcut.** Go to Numi > Preferences > General and configure a global keyboard shortcut (e.g., Option+Space). This lets you summon Numi from any app for quick calculations. 4. **Optional: Alfred Workflow.** If you use Alfred, install the Numi Alfred workflow from the Numi website. This lets you run calculations directly from Alfred without opening Numi's window. ## Pros - Natural language math is faster than button calculators for real estimates - Variables turn a note into a living quote sheet - Currency and unit conversions live beside your commentary - Lightweight Mac utility with global shortcut / Alfred hooks - Free tier is usable; paid unlock is one-time rather than SaaS - Cross-platform builds help mixed device users ## Cons - Not a full spreadsheet: large tabular models belong in Numbers/Excel - Currency rates depend on network updates; offline precision can lag - Paid unlock price is easy to miss on the marketing site; checkout reveals it - Smaller community and plugin ecosystem than mainstream productivity suites - Windows/Linux builds are Electron-class ports compared with the Mac original feel ## Closer look: Text-Based Calculators and Why They Work Numi succeeded by matching how people already write estimates: sentences with numbers embedded, not isolated keypad punches. That design keeps the app small, fast, and pleasant on MacBook keyboards. In a market full of AI chat calculators, Numi's offline-first notepad approach still feels faster for deterministic arithmetic you must show a client. ## FAQ ### How is Numi different from a regular calculator? Traditional calculators show a grid of buttons and display one result. Numi is a text editor where you type math in plain English alongside notes. Multiple calculations live in one document, you can define variables, and non-math lines serve as context and organization. It's closer to a scratchpad than a calculator. ### Is Numi free? Yes for core math. The free Mac, Windows, and Linux builds cover everyday single-document calculations. If you need multiple notes plus iCloud sync, buy the one-time unlock on numi.app/buy (Paddle) or get Numi through Setapp. Public listings often put that unlock in the roughly $20-$30 range; confirm the live checkout before you pay. Nothing forces a subscription for the basic paid license model. ### Can Numi replace a spreadsheet? For simple calculations with notes and variables, yes: it's faster and cleaner than opening Excel or Google Sheets. For anything requiring cell references, formulas across columns, pivot tables, or data visualization, no. Numi handles back-of-envelope math, not data analysis. ### Does it support programming operations? Numi handles hex-to-decimal conversions ('0xFF in decimal'), binary conversions, and CSS color format conversions ('#FF5733 in rgb'). It's not a full programming calculator, but it covers the conversions developers need most often. ### How accurate are the currency conversions? Numi pulls exchange rates from online sources and updates them periodically. The rates are accurate for estimation and budgeting but may lag behind real-time market rates. Don't use them for forex trading, but they are accurate enough for freelancer invoicing and travel budgets. ### Does Numi work on Apple Silicon? Yes. Numi runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel Macs. The CLI version also supports Apple Silicon. Requires macOS 10.12 or later. ## Sources - [Numi - Beautiful calculator](https://numi.app/) - [Buy Numi License](https://numi.app/buy/) - [nikolaeu/numi on GitHub](https://github.com/nikolaeu/numi) - [Numi on Setapp](https://setapp.com/apps/numi) - [Numi wiki docs](https://github.com/nikolaeu/numi/wiki) - [Best Numi alternatives 2026](https://notescalculator.com/alternatives/numi-alternative/) ## Related - [Maccy](https://bundl.run/apps/maccy) - [Stats](https://bundl.run/apps/stats) - [SuperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/superwhisper) - [MacWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/macwhisper) - [HyperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/hyperwhisper) - [Aqua Voice](https://bundl.run/apps/aqua-voice) - [Free alternative to Soulver](https://bundl.run/https:/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "sameAs": [ "https://github.com/abhiofficial/bundl-mac-setup", "https://x.com/bundlrun", "https://www.producthunt.com/products/bundl-run" ], "foundingDate": "2024", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "url": "https://bundl.run/faq" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person", "name": "Jordan Kim", "jobTitle": "Productivity & Workflow Analyst", "url": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "description": "Jordan Kim focuses on productivity software, system utilities, and workflow optimization tools. With a background in operations management and process improvement, Jordan evaluates how well applications integrate into daily workflows and enhance overall productivity. Jordan tests each tool across multiple use cases—from solo work to team collaboration—documenting setup complexity, learning curves, and long-term value. A certified project management professional with experience at Fortune 500 companies, Jordan brings rigorous methodology to software evaluation.", "knowsAbout": [ "Productivity Applications", "Note-Taking & Knowledge Management", "Task & Project Management", "Communication Tools", "System Utilities", "Workflow Automation" ], "image": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim.svg" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bundl.run" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Apps", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Numi", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi" } ] }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi", "name": "Numi for Mac", "description": "Calculator and converter application", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi#software" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi#breadcrumb" } }, { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi#software", "name": "Numi", "description": "Calculator and converter application", "applicationCategory": "UtilitiesApplication", "operatingSystem": "macOS", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.logo.dev/numi.app", "caption": "Numi app icon for Mac" }, "sameAs": [ "https://numi.app/", "https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/numi" ], "review": { "@type": "Review", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person" }, "reviewBody": "Numi remains the nicest lightweight math notepad on the Mac in August 2026: free to try, plain-language calculations, variables, and unit/currency smarts without spreadsheet ceremony. Pay once if you need unlimited notes and iCloud sync; otherwise the free app may be enough. Soulver is the premium rival; Spotlight is the zero-cost rival. For freelancers and developers who think in sentences not cells, Numi still deserves the global hotkey." }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Numi", "description": "Calculator and converter application" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" } }, { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi#article", "headline": "Numi for Mac — Full Review & Installation Guide 2026", "description": "Numi remains the nicest lightweight math notepad on the Mac in August 2026: free to try, plain-language calculations, variables, and unit/currency smarts without spreadsheet ceremony. Pay once if you need unlimited notes and iCloud sync; otherwise the free app may be enough. Soulver is the premium rival; Spotlight is the zero-cost rival. For freelancers and developers who think in sentences not cells, Numi still deserves the global hotkey.", "image": "https://img.logo.dev/numi.app", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi" }, "articleSection": "UtilitiesApplication", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", ".key-facts" ] }, "about": { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "Numi", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi" }, "mentions": [ { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "Soulver" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is Numi different from a regular calculator?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Traditional calculators show a grid of buttons and display one result. Numi is a text editor where you type math in plain English alongside notes. Multiple calculations live in one document, you can define variables, and non-math lines serve as context and organization. It's closer to a scratchpad than a calculator." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Numi free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes for core math. The free Mac, Windows, and Linux builds cover everyday single-document calculations. If you need multiple notes plus iCloud sync, buy the one-time unlock on numi.app/buy (Paddle) or get Numi through Setapp. Public listings often put that unlock in the roughly $20-$30 range; confirm the live checkout before you pay. Nothing forces a subscription for the basic paid license model." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can Numi replace a spreadsheet?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For simple calculations with notes and variables, yes: it's faster and cleaner than opening Excel or Google Sheets. For anything requiring cell references, formulas across columns, pivot tables, or data visualization, no. Numi handles back-of-envelope math, not data analysis." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does it support programming operations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Numi handles hex-to-decimal conversions ('0xFF in decimal'), binary conversions, and CSS color format conversions ('#FF5733 in rgb'). It's not a full programming calculator, but it covers the conversions developers need most often." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How accurate are the currency conversions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Numi pulls exchange rates from online sources and updates them periodically. The rates are accurate for estimation and budgeting but may lag behind real-time market rates. Don't use them for forex trading, but they are accurate enough for freelancer invoicing and travel budgets." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Numi work on Apple Silicon?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Numi runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel Macs. The CLI version also supports Apple Silicon. Requires macOS 10.12 or later." } } ], "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/numi" } }, { "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Numi Video Tutorials", "description": "Tutorial videos for learning Numi on Mac", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "NUMI - A BEAUTIFUL calculator app for Your Mac", "description": "Enjoy this preview from ScreenCastsONLINE. We publish 2 NEW VIDEOS each week, since 2005! *** SIGN UP for a 7-day ScreenCastsONLINE trial membership TODAY and get access to our WHOLE CATALOG of over 1", "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZUdABnHfy9A/mqdefault.jpg", "uploadDate": "2025-09-02T06:30:14Z", "duration": "PT5M13S", "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUdABnHfy9A", "interactionStatistic": { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction", "userInteractionCount": 269 } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "Numi | The Smartest Calculator for Mac?", "description": "Numi isn’t just a calculator—it’s a powerful, intuitive tool that combines math, conversions, and text. But is it worth using, better than the regular calculator? Let’s break down its best features!", "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6DLd1SE-9FY/mqdefault.jpg", "uploadDate": "2025-02-14T23:00:07Z", "duration": "PT4M44S", "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DLd1SE-9FY", "interactionStatistic": { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction", "userInteractionCount": 450 } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "12 Mac Apps I Regret Not Installing Sooner", "description": "----- ----- Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:16 App 1 0:57 App 2 1:23 App 3 2:02 App 4 2:29 App 5 2:53 App 6 3:24 App 7 3:53 App 8 4:23 App 9 4:57 App 10 5:24 App 11 5:47 App 12", "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A9kFbm2Nx4c/mqdefault.jpg", "uploadDate": "2025-08-27T14:22:36Z", "duration": "PT6M35S", "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9kFbm2Nx4c", "interactionStatistic": { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction", "userInteractionCount": 6200 } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "Numi - Type Text to Help Calculating Numbers on Mac (1/2)", "description": "Numi - Type Text to Help Calculating Numbers on Mac (1/2)", "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bxSEZVWJWoQ/mqdefault.jpg", "uploadDate": "2018-05-25T08:42:57Z", "duration": "PT5M33S", "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/bxSEZVWJWoQ", "interactionStatistic": { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction", "userInteractionCount": 889 } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "item": { "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "Numi - The BEST Calculator App for MacOS!", "description": "Timestamps - 0:00 Introduction 0:17 Price 0:39 Dark Mode 1:22 Menu Bar 1:55 Hotkey 2:23 Conversions 3:00 Always on Top 3:27 Type to Calculate 3:55 Design 4:08 Precision Controls 4:34 Ease of Use 4:50 ", "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/stmQD6n6pP4/mqdefault.jpg", "uploadDate": "2020-06-06T00:00:17Z", "duration": "PT5M35S", "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/stmQD6n6pP4", "interactionStatistic": { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction", "userInteractionCount": 1627 } } } ], "numberOfItems": 5 } ] } ```