Compare software

CalculiXAnsys Student

Screenshots

CalculiX CGX viewport comparing nodal forces from uniform pressure on triangular and quadrilateral elementsCalculiX CGX stress contour of a bent strip with a circular hole and a rigid-body load constraint

Best for: Engineers who need a free structural FEA solver

Best for: Engineering students learning finite element and fluid simulation

Free

Free software at no cost.

 Free

Student licenses are provided free of charge.

Windows, Linux Windows
  • Linear and non-linear static, dynamic and thermal analysis
  • Reads the Abaqus input format
All 4 strengths
  • Linear and non-linear static, dynamic and thermal analysis
  • Reads the Abaqus input format
  • Exports meshes for several other FEA and CFD codes
  • Includes a simple STEP reader
  • Free access to professional engineering simulation software
  • Covers structural, fluid and electronics analysis
All 3 strengths
  • Free access to professional engineering simulation software
  • Covers structural, fluid and electronics analysis
  • Backed by free courses, tutorials and a learning forum
  • Dated interface with a steep learning curve
  • Developed by volunteers in their spare time
  • Intended for students and learning, not commercial projects
  • Student editions are more limited than the commercial products
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Not open source
License not stated License: Proprietary
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available Not stated if it works offline
Sources

Catalog checked October 1, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.