SymPy
SymPy is a free, open-source Python library for symbolic mathematics, released under the modified BSD license.
What SymPy is
SymPy is a free, open-source Python library for symbolic mathematics, released under the modified BSD license. It can simplify expressions, calculate derivatives, integrals and limits, solve equations, factor polynomials, build Gröbner bases and manipulate matrices symbolically. Separate modules cover plotting, printing, code generation, physics, statistics, combinatorics, number theory, geometry and logic. SymPy can be installed with pip, Conda, Linux package managers, nightly wheels or directly from Git, and the project says it works on virtually any computer that supports Python. The website also offers online options including SymPy Live and SymPy Gamma. Its only hard dependency is mpmath. Projects listed as using SymPy include SageMath, Spyder, PyTorch TorchInductor and Cadabra. An optional experimental SymEngine backend is available, although some functions may not work correctly with it enabled. The tutorial assumes basic Python knowledge and a solid mathematical background.
Good
- Free plan and open-source BSD license
- Covers algebra, calculus, limits and matrices
- Many specialist mathematics modules
- Multiple installation methods
- Online use options available
Watch out
- Tutorial assumes mathematical background
- SymEngine backend is experimental
- Some functions may fail with SymEngine
Who it suits
SymPy suits Python users who need broad symbolic mathematics, from algebra and calculus to matrices and specialized mathematical modules. It is aimed at readers comfortable with Python and mathematics.
Verdict
SymPy provides broad symbolic computation through a Python library with many mathematical modules and installation routes. Its free licensing and online options make it accessible, while the documentation expects capable Python and mathematics users.
Plans and prices
From SymPy's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | BSD licensed · Python library · SymPy says it is free for all to use. |
The facts
Each one read from SymPy's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Core features
- Its listed capabilities include polynomial factorization, Gröbner bases, limits, differentiation, integration, and equation solving.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- SymPy's dependency guide identifies mpmath as its only hard dependency.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The installation guide supports pip, Conda, Linux package managers, nightly wheels, and installation from Git.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Integration
- The SymPy site lists projects using it, including SageMath, Spyder, PyTorch TorchInductor, and Cadabra.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The tutorial assumes readers know basic Python and have a decent mathematical background.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The project says SymPy is open-source software released under the modified BSD license.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Online use
- The project site offers an option to try SymPy online, and its mechanics documentation names SymPy Live and SymPy Gamma.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The installation guide says SymPy can be installed on virtually any computer that supports Python, and documents Linux package-manager installation.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Optional backend
- The SymEngine backend is optional and experimental, and the documentation warns that some SymPy functions may not work correctly with it enabled.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Other modules
- SymPy lists modules for plotting, printing, code generation, physics, statistics, combinatorics, number theory, geometry, and logic.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Project start
- The SymPy repository says Ondřej Čertík started the project in 2005.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Symbolic computation
- It can simplify expressions, compute derivatives, integrals and limits, solve equations, and work with matrices symbolically.checked 11 Oct 2026
- What it does
- SymPy is a Python library for symbolic mathematics.checked 11 Oct 2026
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