Why Trust MapleKit
We built MapleKit to be accurate, private, and transparent. This page explains how we achieve that: the formulas we use, how we handle your data, and when we recommend consulting professionals instead of relying on our tools alone.
How We Choose Our Formulas
Every calculator on MapleKit uses formulas that are widely recognized in their fields. We don't invent our own math—we implement standards that doctors, financial institutions, and educators rely on. For example, our BMI calculator uses the standard formula recommended by the World Health Organization (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Our BMR calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is commonly used in clinical and research settings to estimate basal metabolic rate. Loan and mortgage calculators use standard amortization formulas that match what banks use to calculate monthly payments and interest.
When multiple valid formulas exist (for instance, for ideal weight or body fat estimation), we either use the most widely cited one or document which formula we use so you can interpret results correctly. We document limitations on each calculator page and in our Accuracy and limitations guide. Our goal is that you can verify our approach: the math is transparent and based on established research and practice.
Your Data Stays on Your Device
MapleKit is designed so that your inputs never leave your browser. When you enter your height, weight, loan amount, or any other value, the calculation runs entirely on your device using JavaScript. We don't have a server that receives your numbers; we don't store them in a database or use them for advertising. That's not just a promise—it's how the site is built. You can confirm this by using your browser's developer tools or network tab: no calculation data is sent to our servers.
We don't require an account or signup. You don't give us your name, email, or payment information. If we use analytics (for example, to see how many people visit the site), that data is aggregated and not tied to your individual use. For full details, see our Privacy Policy and our Privacy First page.
When to Use Our Tools—and When to See a Professional
Our calculators are intended for education, planning, and quick estimates. They are not a substitute for professional advice. For health-related results (BMI, BMR, calorie needs, body fat, ideal weight), we encourage you to use our tools to understand general ranges and trends. If you're making decisions about diet, exercise, or medication, or if you have existing health conditions, a doctor or dietitian can give you personalized guidance that our calculators cannot.
For financial tools (loans, mortgages, retirement, investments), our results are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Real-world rates, fees, and tax rules vary. For large financial decisions, a qualified financial advisor or your lender can provide advice tailored to your situation. We explain this in our Understanding your results guide and on each calculator page. Being clear about limitations is part of how we build trust: we'd rather you use our tools wisely than assume they replace expert advice.
Transparency and Updates
We correct errors when we find them and improve our explanations when we get feedback. If you spot a bug or a misleading result, we want to hear from you—our Contact page and email are available for that. We don't hide behind legalese when it comes to what our tools can and can't do. Our Disclaimer and Terms of Service spell out that our calculators are for educational use and that we're not providing medical, financial, or legal advice.
Who We Are
MapleKit is run by a small team that cares about useful, honest tools. We're not a large corporation; we don't have investors demanding that we monetize user data. We built the site because we wanted calculators that are free, private, and accurate—and we keep it that way. You can learn more in our About page. If you have questions about why or how we do things, reach out; we're happy to explain.
Related reading
- Accuracy and limitations — What our calculators can and can't do
- How calculators work — The math and logic behind our tools
- Understanding your results — How to interpret results and when to see a pro