Trust & transparency
Editorial standards & methodology
CalcVault publishes tools people use to make real decisions about money and health. This page explains exactly how we build, source, test, and review everything on the site — so you can judge for yourself whether to trust the result.
Our mission
To be the fastest, most trustworthy place to get a calculation done — free, private, and accurate, with the math shown openly rather than hidden behind a black box. Every calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter never leave your device.
How we build a calculator
Each calculator is built around the same formula a textbook, standards body, or lender would use — not a shortcut or approximation. We implement the formula directly, document it on the page, and include at least one worked example with a known answer so you can verify the tool yourself. Where a field has more than one accepted method (for example, several formulas for ideal body weight), we state which one we use.
Sources & references
Our formulas and category bands come from widely recognised, primary sources, including:
- Mortgages, loans & compound interest — the standard amortization and future-value formulas used across consumer finance.
- BMI — the World Health Organization (WHO) definition and category thresholds.
- BMR & calories — the Mifflin–St Jeor equation, the current standard for resting metabolic rate.
- Body fat — the U.S. Navy circumference method.
- Math & statistics — standard textbook definitions (e.g. Heron's formula, population vs. sample standard deviation).
How we test for accuracy
Before a calculator goes live, its output is checked against worked examples with independently known answers, and against established reference calculators. We re-test whenever the underlying code changes. If a result ever looks wrong, treating that as a bug to fix is our top priority — see corrections below.
Review & updates
Calculators and guides are reviewed by the CalcVault Editorial Team on a recurring basis and whenever a relevant standard, rate convention, or formula changes. Substantive pages show a "last reviewed" date so you know how current they are. Updating for accuracy always takes priority over adding new tools.
Corrections policy
We want to know about mistakes. If you find a wrong result, a broken tool, or an out-of-date figure, please tell us via the contact page. We investigate accuracy reports first, correct confirmed errors promptly, and note material corrections.
Independence & advertising
CalcVault is an independent project supported by advertising, which keeps every tool free with no paywalls or sign-ups. Advertising never influences a formula or a result. We don't sell the numbers you enter; calculations happen on your device, not on a server. See our privacy policy for how ads and analytics use cookies.
Financial disclaimer
Our finance calculators (mortgage, loan, auto loan, compound interest, sales tax, retirement) are for general information and education only. They produce estimates based on the figures you enter and simplifying assumptions, and they do not account for every fee, tax, rate change, or personal circumstance. They are not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Confirm any important decision with a qualified professional and your lender's official figures.
Health & medical disclaimer
Our health calculators (BMI, calories, BMR/TDEE, body fat, ideal weight, pace) are screening and estimation tools for general information only. They are not a medical diagnosis and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual health depends on many factors these tools cannot measure. Talk to a doctor or qualified clinician before acting on any result, especially regarding weight, diet, or exercise.
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