Photo Math Solver: How to Solve Math from a Picture (Step-by-Step)

If you've ever thought “I wish I could just take a picture of this and get the steps,” you're looking for a photo math solver. The good news: it's a real workflow now. In this guide, you'll learn how to solve math from a photo, image, or screenshot—and how to get clean step-by-step explanations using an AI math solver.

1) What is a photo math solver?

A photo math solver (sometimes called a picture math solver or math scanner) is a tool that reads a math problem from an image and returns a solution. The best tools don't just return the final answer—they explain the steps.

Photo: you take a picture of a worksheet or notebook
Image: you upload a saved image from your phone
Screenshot: you capture a problem from an online homework portal

2) Quick checklist for a clear photo (this matters)

Most “it gave the wrong answer” cases happen because the image is hard to read. Before you submit, do this:

Crop tight: include only the problem you want solved
Good lighting: avoid shadows across numbers and symbols
Flat angle: don't photograph at a steep angle (it warps text)
High contrast: dark pencil on white paper works best
Include context: if it's a word problem, include the full sentence

If the tool misreads something like a “1” as a “7”, try rewriting that part neatly and taking a new photo.

3) The best prompt for photo-to-steps (copy/paste)

After you upload the image, don't just ask “solve this.” Ask for a specific format. Here's a prompt that works well:

Prompt template

“Solve the problem in the image. Show every step. Explain the rule you used at each step. If there are multiple methods, show the fastest method and one alternate method. Then check the answer.”

4) Worked example (how to verify the answer)

Example problem: 2(x - 3) + 5 = 17

Distribute: 2x - 6 + 5 = 17
Combine like terms: 2x - 1 = 17
Add 1: 2x = 18
Divide by 2: x = 9
Check in original: 2(9 - 3) + 5 = 12 + 5 = 17 ✓

Even with a photo math solver, always do the last step: substitute back into the original problem. That single check catches most OCR mistakes.

5) Common issues (and what to do)

The solver reads the problem incorrectly

Crop closer to remove unrelated text
Retake photo with better lighting and less blur
If a symbol is unclear (like “≤” vs “<”), type that symbol in your message

You get an answer but no steps

Ask again with constraints: “Show every algebra step and label each transformation.” Tools respond better when you specify format.

The steps don't match your teacher's method

That's normal—many problems have multiple valid approaches. Ask: “Solve using my class method (factoring / completing the square / substitution / elimination) and explain why it works.”

6) Photo math solver FAQ

Can I solve math from a screenshot?

Yes. A screenshot is often clearer than a camera photo because the text is crisp. Upload the screenshot and ask for a step-by-step solution.

Does it work for word problems?

Yes—just make sure the full problem statement is visible in the image. If anything is cut off, the solver may invent missing details.

What should I do if the answer seems wrong?

First, check if the image was misread (blur, shadows, weird symbols). Then ask the solver to “verify by substitution” or “check by plugging the answer back in.”

Try it now

Ready to test a photo or image? Open the AI math solver, upload a picture or screenshot, and use the prompt template above. If you want the fastest improvement in results, start with tight cropping and a clear, well-lit photo.

For more practice after you solve one problem, you can also explore the practice section.