Unsure Calculator is a simple web-based calculator that handles uncertain inputs. Instead of precise numbers, users input estimated ranges (e.g., "100 to 200") or distributions (e.g., "normal(100, 10)"). The calculator then performs the requested arithmetic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and displays the resulting probability distribution of possible outcomes, visualized as a histogram. This allows users to quickly see the range and likelihood of different outcomes when dealing with imprecise estimations, making it useful for back-of-the-napkin calculations involving uncertainty.
Napkin Math Tool is a web-based calculator designed for quick, back-of-the-envelope estimations and explorations. It emphasizes natural language input, allowing users to type expressions like "2 apples + 3 oranges" or "10% of 1 million." It handles unit conversions, uncertainties (e.g., "10±1"), and supports variables for building more complex calculations. The tool aims to be a versatile scratchpad for thinking through quantitative problems, offering a more flexible and expressive alternative to traditional calculators.
Hacker News users generally praised the Napkin Math Tool for its simplicity and ease of use, finding it a handy alternative to a full spreadsheet program for quick calculations. Several commenters appreciated the clean interface and the focus on keyboard navigation. Some suggested improvements, such as the ability to copy calculated results, a dark mode, and support for variables and functions. One user pointed out the potential benefit for teaching basic math principles, while another highlighted its usefulness for estimating cloud computing costs. There was also a discussion comparing it to other similar tools like Tydlig and Soulver.
Postmake.io/revenue offers a simple calculator to help businesses quickly estimate their annual recurring revenue (ARR). Users input their number of customers, average revenue per customer (ARPU), and customer churn rate to calculate current ARR, ARR growth potential, and potential revenue loss due to churn. The tool aims to provide a straightforward way to understand these key metrics and their impact on overall revenue, facilitating better financial planning.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to Postmake's revenue calculator. Several commenters praised its simplicity and ease of use, finding it a helpful tool for quick calculations. Some suggested potential improvements, like adding more sophisticated features for calculating recurring revenue or including churn rate. One commenter pointed out the importance of considering customer lifetime value (CLTV) alongside revenue. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of relying on a third-party tool for such calculations, suggesting spreadsheets or custom-built solutions as alternatives. Overall, the comments reflected an appreciation for a simple, accessible tool while also highlighting the need for more robust solutions for complex revenue modeling.
The DM50 Calculator is a web-based tool designed for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition players to quickly calculate common dice rolls. It simplifies complex calculations involving multiple dice, modifiers, and advantage/disadvantage, providing an expected value result as well as a detailed breakdown of probabilities. This allows players to quickly assess the likely outcome of their actions, particularly useful for planning strategies and estimating damage output. The calculator covers various scenarios, from attack rolls and saving throws to spell damage and healing.
HN users generally praised the DM50 calculator's simple, clean design and ease of use, especially for quick calculations. Some appreciated its keyboard-driven interface and considered it a superior alternative to built-in OS calculators. A few pointed out minor UI/UX suggestions, such as improving keyboard navigation or adding a button to clear the current input. Others noted the potential for expanding its functionality with features like history, memory, and more advanced mathematical operations. Several commenters discussed its implementation details, including the choice of SvelteKit and the handling of keyboard input. The discussion also touched on the broader topic of minimalist web apps and the appeal of single-purpose tools.
Summary of Comments ( 134 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43690289
HN users generally praised the Unsure Calculator for its intuitive approach to dealing with uncertainty in calculations. Several commenters highlighted its potential usefulness in various fields, from project management and cost estimation to personal finance and everyday decision-making. Some suggested improvements, like adding support for distributions beyond normal distributions, and integration with other tools. The clean UI and ease of use were also commended, though one user pointed out a potential ambiguity in the syntax. The developer engaged with the comments, responding to suggestions and clarifying usage. A few commenters also discussed broader implications of embracing uncertainty in calculations and the importance of tools like this for better decision-making.
The Hacker News post discussing the "Unsure Calculator" has generated a fair number of comments, exploring various aspects and potential improvements of the tool.
Several commenters appreciate the simplicity and user-friendliness of the calculator, praising its intuitive syntax and ease of use for quick, probabilistic calculations. They find the ability to express uncertainty directly within calculations particularly helpful. One commenter even suggests integrating it into a spreadsheet environment, highlighting its potential for broader application.
A common thread among the comments involves discussing alternative approaches and existing tools for similar probabilistic computations. Commenters mention libraries like
uncertaintiesin Python and point to existing Monte Carlo simulation techniques as more robust solutions for complex scenarios. They acknowledge the Unsure Calculator's niche as a lightweight tool for simpler estimations, contrasting it with the more comprehensive functionalities of established libraries.The discussion also delves into the specific implementation details of the calculator, including the choice of the PERT distribution for representing uncertainty. Some commenters question this choice and propose alternative distributions or methods for defining uncertainty ranges. A detailed discussion ensues regarding the implications of using different distributions and their impact on the final results.
Furthermore, commenters explore potential improvements and extensions to the calculator's functionality. Suggestions include adding support for correlations between variables, implementing different aggregation methods, and providing more visualizations for the probability distributions. The possibility of incorporating unit handling and error propagation analysis is also raised.
Finally, a few comments focus on the user interface and user experience, proposing enhancements like improved display of results, better handling of edge cases, and more comprehensive documentation. The overall sentiment is positive, with commenters recognizing the value of the Unsure Calculator as a convenient tool for simple probabilistic estimations while acknowledging the potential for further development and refinement.