CalPal

Product Introduction

1. Definition: CalPal is a browser-based literate calculator that merges a Markdown text editor with a computational engine, enabling contextual mathematical storytelling. It falls under the technical category of "augmented calculation tools" and operates entirely client-side.
2. Core Value Proposition: CalPal eliminates context loss in calculations by integrating narrative documentation with real-time math, solving "Blank Page Syndrome" through its BYOK AI Assistant (Gemini). It targets users needing audit-ready, explainable computations without compromising privacy.

Main Features

1. Literate Calculation Engine:

   • How it works: Users write calculations in plain English mixed with variables (e.g., net_pay = salary * (1 - tax_rate)). The engine executes operations inline, displaying results adjacent to formulas.
   • Technology: Custom parser for mixed-unit arithmetic (e.g., 5 km + 2000 m = 7 km) and symbolic computation. Supports aggregation functions like total and mean(results).

2. BYOK AI Assistant (Gemini):

   • How it works: Users prompt the AI (e.g., "Draft a travel budget") to generate structured templates with pre-populated line items. Outputs are editable directly in the calculation workspace.
   • Technology: Gemini API integration for context-aware task automation, optimized for financial/modeling scenarios.

3. Unified Time-Date Engine:

   • How it works: Auto-converts timezones (e.g., "Meeting at 9 pm IST" displays EST equivalent) and handles date math (e.g., today + 3 weeks).
   • Technology: Luxon.js for timezone coordination and ISO date manipulation.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Fragmented workflows between documentation (Notion/Excel) and calculation tools, leading to versioning errors and unreproducible results.
2. Target Audience:
   • Data analysts needing audit trails for financial models.
   • Project managers budgeting cross-currency expenses.
   • Remote teams coordinating deadlines across timezones.
3. Use Cases:
   • Real-time SaaS pricing calculations with inline explanations.
   • Travel budget drafting via AI, followed by manual unit conversions (e.g., 100 USD in EUR).
   • Agile sprint planning using date arithmetic (4th Saturday of Feb 2026).

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike traditional calculators (e.g., Wolfram Alpha) or spreadsheets, CalPal combines computation, documentation, and AI templating in a zero-setup browser environment. Competitors lack integrated timezone/unit handling or enforce cloud dependency.
2. Key Innovation: Local-only data execution ensures 100% privacy—no server processing. The "literate" approach allows dynamic variable reuse (e.g., salary persists globally) and AI-generated scaffolding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is CalPal free for commercial use?
   Yes, CalPal is 100% free and browser-based, with no hidden subscriptions or data monetization.
2. How does CalPal ensure data privacy?
   All calculations occur locally; no user data leaves the browser, complying with GDPR/CCPA standards.
3. Can I share CalPal calculations with collaborators?
   Export workflows are planned, but current sharing requires manual copy-paste due to local-only storage.
4. What AI model powers the BYOK Assistant?
   CalPal uses Google’s Gemini API for contextual task generation, optimized for numerical templating.
5. Does CalPal support API integrations?
   Not currently; it’s a standalone web app focused on self-contained calculation narratives.