Side by side
CalculiX vs OpenFOAM
Both stand on simulation & cae software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWindows
Visit CalculiX 
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
OpenFOAM brings simulation, mesh and post-processing tools together in a free toolbox, with ParaView support and several deployment platforms. Support and code customisation are separate services with limited annual hours.
Visit OpenFOAMThe facts
| CalculiX | OpenFOAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | OpenFOAM |
| Website | calculix.de | openfoam.com |
| On simulation & cae software | #4 of 18 | #1 of 18 |
CalculiX: what it does well
OpenFOAM: what it does well
- Free and open source under the GNU General Public Licence.
- Includes mesh generation, solvers and post-processing tools.
- Supports ParaView visualization and VTK workflows.
- Available for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted use.
- v2606 adds GPU offloading as a compile-time option.
What to know first
- Support queries require a prior support package.
- Support package service hours are limited per year.
- GPU work remains on a separate development track.
Alternatives to CalculiX Alternatives to OpenFOAM The whole list