In engineering, sometimes you don't need to open MATLAB, Mathematica, Excel, or a specialized engineering program just to run a calculation that takes a few minutes.
There are tools on the internet that let you do many things directly in your browser, from plotting graphs to looking up material properties, and from unit conversions to getting your hands on thermodynamic data.
In this list, which we've put together especially for students, engineers, and anyone interested in technical subjects, we've gathered websites that can genuinely be useful in engineering.
If you'd like to discover other internet tools, you can also take a look at the other tools on Garip Siteler.
1. Wolfram|Alpha — From Equations to Engineering Calculations
Wolfram|Alpha feels more like a computation engine than a classic search engine.
You can solve an equation by typing it in directly, or perform various scientific calculations.
It's especially useful in areas like:
- differential equations,
- integrals and derivatives,
- matrix operations,
- mechanics,
- thermodynamics,
- fluid mechanics,
- electrical circuits,
- unit conversions.
For example, simply by typing:
`solve x^3 - 5x + 2 = 0`
you can examine the roots of the equation.
Who is it for?
Engineering students and anyone who wants to do quick mathematical checks.
2. GeoGebra — Visualize 2D and 3D Mathematics
GeoGebra is a particularly powerful tool for understanding mathematical expressions visually.
In your browser you can do:
- function graphs,
- 3D surfaces,
- geometric constructions,
- derivatives and integrals,
- equation solving,
- probability calculations.
For example, if you want to see what kind of surface a function with two variables forms, the 3D calculator is very handy.
Who is it for?
Mathematics, engineering, and physics students.
3. Desmos — For Plotting Graphs Quickly
Desmos Graphing Calculator is especially useful for plotting function graphs quickly.
You just type in an equation:
`y = sin(x) / x`
and the graph appears instantly.
You can also define parameters and interactively see how the values change the graph.
It's especially practical when you want to quickly check the behavior of a function.
Who is it for?
Students and engineers who want to plot graphs.
4. MatWeb — Material Properties Database
Imagine you're looking for a material's modulus of elasticity, its density, or its thermal properties.
MatWeb is a large engineering materials database that can be used for exactly this purpose.
The site has technical data sheets for:
- steels,
- aluminum alloys,
- polymers,
- ceramics,
- composites,
- various engineering materials.
Depending on the material, you can examine many parameters such as:
- density,
- modulus of elasticity,
- Poisson's ratio,
- yield strength,
- tensile strength,
- thermal properties.
For critical design decisions, data must always be verified against the manufacturer's datasheet and the relevant standards.
Who is it for?
Especially mechanical, materials, and manufacturing engineers.
5. NIST Chemistry WebBook — Thermodynamic and Physical Properties
NIST Chemistry WebBook may look like an old website at first glance.
But don't be fooled by its appearance.
In this database provided by NIST, you can find technical information for various chemical substances, such as:
- thermodynamic properties,
- heat capacity,
- enthalpy,
- vapor pressure,
- viscosity,
- thermal conductivity,
- spectral data.
It's a particularly interesting resource for those working with thermodynamics or fluids.
Who is it for?
Chemistry, mechanical, energy, and process engineers.
6. EngiToolbox — Small Engineering Calculations
EngiToolbox is a site that tries to bring many small engineering calculations together in one place.
For example, you can access various tools such as:
- stress calculations,
- moment of inertia,
- beam calculations,
- RC circuits,
- motion problems,
- CNC calculations.
It won't replace a big analysis program.
But it can be quite useful for the small calculations where you want to do a quick check.
7. Engineering ToolBox — When You Need a Technical Reference
Engineering ToolBox is one of the extensive technical reference sites that has been on the internet for years.
It has a large number of tables and calculation pages on topics such as:
- fluids,
- HVAC,
- mechanics,
- piping,
- materials,
- energy,
- pressure,
- temperature.
Its interface may look quite dated, but there's a reason it keeps showing up in your Google searches for engineering problems.
Which One Should You Use for What?
In short:
- Equations and math: Wolfram|Alpha
- 3D math and geometry: GeoGebra
- Quick graphs: Desmos
- Material properties: MatWeb
- Thermodynamic data: NIST Chemistry WebBook
- Small calculations: EngiToolbox
- Technical reference: Engineering ToolBox
These tools are not a replacement for ANSYS, MATLAB, Mathematica, or professional CAE software.
But when you need to do a small calculation or quickly check a value, sometimes what you need is exactly a single web page.
More Useful Websites
The internet holds thousands of small tools that solve a specific problem in seconds, not just in engineering.
You can discover our picks on Garip Siteler.
Especially in the Education and Useful categories, you can find various tools that can make your daily life easier.
And if you don't know what you're looking for, discovering a random site can sometimes be more fun than searching on Google.