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How to Learn Calculus? [A Guide for Learners of All Ages]

Written by Medha Pandey

Updated on: 30 Sep 2024

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Looking to strengthen your calculus skills or prepare for exams? This all-compassing ‘How to Learn Calculus’ guide provides practical tips to help you succeed.

  • Master Calculus Concepts: Learn effective strategies for understanding key topics like differentiation, integration, and multivariable calculus through structured approaches.
  • Explore Top Calculus Resources: Access expert-recommended tutoring services, YouTube channels, textbooks, worksheets, and online courses tailored to various learning styles.
  • Personalized Tutoring Support: One-on-one tutoring helps you overcome challenges and accelerate your calculus learning with customized guidance.

Enhance your calculus skills today! Book a free trial lesson with Wiingy for personalized, expert calculus tutors designed to fit your learning pace and schedule.


Before diving deep into the best ways to learn calculus, there are things to know about calculus, such as its branches.

Branches of Calculus 

  1. Pre-calculus: The curriculum starts in grade 11. It consists of algebra and trigonometry concepts at a level designed for you to study calculus. 
  2. Calculus 1: If you want to advance in math in the future you can learn Calculus 1 from grade 12, but generally it is included in your 1st semester of college. It comprises of basics of limits, derivatives, and integrals. 
  3. Calculus 2: Calculus 2 addresses integration, exploring various techniques for specific integrations and applications of integrals. This covers the entire 2nd semester of college moving forward to Calculus 3. 
  4. Calculus 3: It begins with vector calculus and smoothly transitions into multi-variable differentiation, then multi-variable integral calculus, and then some applications of both.

5 Best ways to learn Calculus 

Mastering calculus can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes both manageable and enjoyable. We provide a variety of learning methods tailored to all skill levels, including personalized tutoring, comprehensive courses, engaging YouTube videos, detailed textbooks, and practice worksheets—all designed to help you succeed in calculus.

Here is the comprehensive table:

Learning MethodRecommended Age GroupEfficacyCost
1. Online Calculus Tutoring High School to UniversityHigh – Personalized support, tailored to individual needsModerate – Typically $20-$50 per hour
2. Calculus Online CoursesHigh School to UniversityHigh – Structured learning, expert guidanceModerate to High – Usually $10-$100 per course
3. Calculus YouTube ChannelsHigh School to UniversityModerate – Great for visual learners, supplementary contentFree – No cost, requires internet access
4. Calculus WorksheetsHigh School to UniversityModerate – Good for practice and reinforcing conceptsLow to Free – Most resources are free or low-cost
5. Calculus BooksHigh School to UniversityHigh – In-depth learning, excellent for self-studyModerate to High – Typically $20-$100 depending on the book
Ways to learn calculus

1. Online Calculus Tutoring  

[1.1] Wiingy 

Calculus tutoring services #1 - wiingy

Wiingy provides students with one-on-one tutoring with certified calculus tutors. We work only with highly qualified, experienced, and verified calculus tutors as we onboard top tutors with a less than 3% selection rate. Students and parents rate the Wiingy experience very highly.

Wiingy Reviews

Wiingy tutors are tailored to address your specific learning needs. The platform offers a Perfect Match Guarantee that matches you with the ideal tutor. In your first free trial with Wiingy, if you wish to change the tutor, they’ll do it for free.

Calculus tutors also help you with homework, and test preparation at a reasonable cost, all while meeting your specific needs in Calculus. Lessons start at just $28 per hour.

[1.2] Wyzant

Calculus tutoring services #2 - wyzant

Wyzant is a tutoring marketplace that matches students with specific subject tutors. It helps you get started with tutoring lessons by answering a few questions about your learning needs and then listing tutors who can cater to your needs. 

It offers in-person and online tutoring. The price of each lesson is set by the tutors. It starts at $10/hr and averages from $35/hr to $60/hr. 

This marketplace guarantees a good fit with your tutor. If you’re not satisfied after your first lesson, you won’t be required to pay for it—no questions asked.

[1.3] Chegg

Calculus tutoring services #3 - chegg

Chegg offers educational services support, offering digital and physical textbook rentals. It did comprise online tutoring services but was discontinued in 2022. Chegg has a subscription-based entry which costs $15.95 per month.

It covers 17 subjects and caters to your specific questions with unique insights. It uses an AI called Cheggmates to tackle your subject issues and is designed to create tailored quizzes and tests.

There are “Chegg experts”, the problem solver who provides written answers to any question or doubt that you have sent either via pictures, text, or diagram. 


Wiingy’s expert calculus tutors offer personalized guidance, ensuring you grasp complex topics effectively. Book your free trial lesson today to experience one-on-one support!


2. Calculus online courses

[2.1] Udemy

Calculus online courses #1 - udemy

Udemy is an online marketplace for learning and teaching with over 1,55,000 courses and 40 million students. It has a vast range of courses for calculus including pre-calculus, calculus 1 and 2.

These courses are designed to help all levels of calculus learners also to prepare for their college exams or simply to refresh their calculus knowledge.

Udemy calculus courses give you online access to subject learning with engaging video lessons and interactive exercises. Some of their calculus courses are “Calculus 1 with the Math Sorcerer”, “Become a Calculus 2 Master”, and so on. 

[2.2] Multivariable Calculus by Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Calculus online course #2 - MITopencourseware

This course is available through MIT OpenCourseWare accessible on the Class Central website. It covers the study of Calculus 1 and 2 in detail with the basics of Calculus 3. Topics include vectors and matrices, partial derivatives, double and triple integrals, and vector calculus in 2 and 3-space.

Multivariable Calculus (18.02) is taught during the Fall and Spring terms at MIT and is a required subject for all MIT undergraduates. This course has 34 lectures titled “MIT 18.02 Multivariable Calculus, Fall 2007”. 

[2.3] Harvard X: Calculus Applied

Calculus online course #3 -edx

This course on EdX is for anyone who has finished or is taking a basic calculus course in high school or college. This course teaches how to use calculus in different fields, not the basics of calculus.

It’s suitable for students who have completed an introductory course or teachers seeking practical examples for their classes. It is a 10-week course that promotes self-paced learning at no cost with terms and conditions applied.

When you enroll in this course, you will have the option of pursuing a Verified Certificate. After making that choice, you will only be awarded a certificate if you complete the course.


Structured learning is helpful, but for personalized attention, Wiingy’s calculus tutoring can provide the tailored support you need. Start with a free trial lesson now!


3. Calculus YouTube Channels

[3.1] The Math Sorcerer

Calculus youtube channels #1 - the math sorcerer

The Math Sorcerer is run by Daniel Gabilondo who was a professor at Seminole State College. He uses interactive tools like a whiteboard, recordings of his actual class sessions, and the traditional method of using pen and paper. He not only uploads conceptual-based videos of calculus but also resources and tricks to understand calculus. 

Other than calculus, he covers all the other topics under math with detailed hands-on explanations. He makes space for humor and comedy so that the videos are not monotonous for learners.

The channel is available for free, but access to certain of the videos is limited to The Math Sorcerer members only, with memberships starting at $59 per month.

[3.2] TheFreeCodeCamp

Calculus youtube channels #2 - freecodecamp

It caters to a diverse range of domains, including calculus, and other topics of math. FreeCodeCamp assists over 1 million users daily with a mission to empower learners.

The YouTube channel offers long-form video content, stretching up to 10-11 hours. Calculus is divided into three series of videos titled Pre-algebra, Calculus 1, Calculus 2, and so on. 

It aims to impart free education so learners can access high-quality learning without financial burden. Quincy Larsen is the founder of FreeCodeCamp. He sustains his content consumers by avoiding monotony and ensuring motivation throughout their journey. 

[3.3] Krista King 

Calculus youtube channels #3 - krista king

Krista King offers full college courses on calculus, taught by experienced educators. These courses cover Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 topics, providing a solid foundation at no cost. 

Calculus 1 is covered in a 12-hour-long video, essentially including concepts like limits, derivatives, and integral calculus. Calculus 2 is covered in a 7-hour-long video to provide a deeper understanding of topics like volumes of solids, sequence, and series. 

Dr. Linda Green, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, manages the channel and ensures that learning is effective and clear.  Her teaching experiences and skills in calculus allow her to suggest tailored learning strategies for the users. 


YouTube is great for visual learners, but pairing them with Wiingy’s calculus tutors ensures a deeper understanding. Try a free trial lesson for personalized help.


4. Calculus Worksheets 

[4.1] Kuta software

Kuta software provides free and printable calculus worksheets specifically designed for high school students. This site offers personalized worksheets and enables you to dive into a broad selection of calculus topics. The medium of instruction is very simple and comprehensible to students and beginners. 

It creates as many questions as you want for consistent and rigorous practice. After completion of every worksheet, it provides you with an option to solve the amalgamated worksheets based on already solved problems. 

[4.2] MathGoodies

This platform offers free printable calculus and other math topics worksheets along with interactive lessons, graphing calculators, and puzzles. It covers multiple high school calculus topics with the basics of advanced calculus explained in detail. 

MathGoodies provides high-quality calculus worksheets that align with the US high school curriculum. It is designed to help you improve your math skills, whether you’re a student seeking more practice or an educator seeking additional resources.

[4.3] Cuemath

Cuemath is a math tutoring platform that also provides worksheets on all topics under math based on a curriculum ranging from kindergarten to grade 10.

It allows you an immersive platform to experience learning and practicing calculus together. This helps you to grasp the reasoning behind the calculus problems and retain basic arithmetic concepts.

It consists of fun calculus MCQs along with puzzles and games in a sheet form. Hence, whether you are a beginner or seeking to brush up your knowledge of calculus, these worksheets cover topics like differentiation, integration, range, functions, and more.


Practice makes perfect, and adding Wiingy’s tutoring offers real-time feedback to solidify your skills. Book a free trial lesson and get expert guidance!

5. Calculus Books

[5.1] Stewart Calculus

James Stewart is the author of Stewart Calculus for 1-8th Editions. He has made the instructions for learning calculus clear, accurate, and relevant to real-world examples, through this calculus book.

In the 8th Edition of Stewart Calculus, the author explains calculus’s uses and provides sections containing all types of calculus formulas. Following that come several examples and a variety of exercises designed to help you teach the most effective way to learn calculus.   

[5.2] Calculus with Multiple Variables Essential Skills Workbook

This book caters to learners who are familiar with single-variable calculus (derivatives and integral). It is a workbook with lots of exercises for developing essential skills in multivariable calculus including vector calculus. 

At the start of every chapter, there is an outline of the topics covered with a brief description. By the end of the chapter, there are fully solved examples to help you serve as a guide.

This book is authored by Chris McMullen. He aims to cover all the possible types of questions of calculus with full solutions in this book. You can find these solutions at the end of the book which are very helpful for exam preparation. 

[5.3] Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions

This is another book authored by Chris McMullen in which he aims at helping students to have basics ready for advanced studies in calculus and related fields, where calculus is used. 

Since the workbook includes full solutions, it is ideal for self-paced learning. Students can work through problems at their own speed, revisit difficult sections, and reinforce learning without needing immediate help from a teacher or tutor.

It can also be used as a supplementary resource alongside school work, as a study guide during exam preparation, or even for brushing up on skills after completing a calculus course.


For self-study, books are invaluable, but real progress comes with personalized help from a Wiingy Calculus tutor. Experience it with a free trial lesson today!

Why learn Calculus 

We learn calculus to develop critical problem-solving skills and understand real-world applications in science, engineering, and economics.

Calculus plays a crucial role in real-world applications, especially in advanced machine learning and data science. It’s used in a wide range of fields, including space exploration, telecommunications, medicine (particularly chemistry), finance, and even music. These industries rely on calculus to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

Students learn calculus to prepare themselves for advanced learning in subjects like physics, engineering, and advanced mathematics. 

If you’re wondering how to learn Calculus, get personalized calculus tutoring with Wiingy’s expert tutors—book your free trial lesson today!

Easy ways to learn Calculus [5 effective Calculus learning tips]

While calculus is often considered a challenging subject, the key to mastering it lies in adopting the right strategies. With a structured approach, clear understanding of core concepts, and consistent practice, even the most complex problems can be simplified. By focusing on foundational principles and breaking problems into manageable steps, you can build confidence and achieve success in calculus without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are five easy, fun ways to learn calculus:

Understanding the basics: Simple information is received better, just like translating complex calculus problems into simple digestible terms will help you comprehend the basic foundational concepts and easily tackle difficult questions. 

Practice regularly: In math, consistency is crucial. You can better comprehend patterns and solidify knowledge with regular practice. Think about designating a certain period for math practice every day.

Use in real life: Calculus applications to practical settings might help make abstract ideas more relatable and understandable. Try to connect arithmetic issues to real-world situations, including budgeting, measuring ingredients for recipes, or computing distances.

– Breaking down large problems: Large, complex problems can often be overwhelming and time-consuming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts can make it easier to solve equations. A step-by-step approach will enhance your logical and critical thinking. 

Opting for online resources: There is an abundance of free online resources designed to assist with both learning and practicing mathematics. Educational platforms such as Khan Academy and Wiingy, among others, provide a wide range of calculus courses and tutoring services, respectively. 

Assistance from calculus tutors covers numerous levels of mathematical proficiency. These resources are readily accessible and can significantly enhance your understanding and skills in math.

Book your free trial lesson today!

Components of Calculus

Fundamental theorem of calculus

When learning calculus, you’ll encounter two essential concepts: differentiation and integration. Differentiation involves finding the rate of change or slope of an entire function at various points, while integration focuses on calculating the area under the curve of a function, representing the cumulative effect of small increments. The fundamental theorem of calculus beautifully links these two concepts, illustrating how they are essentially inverse operations, except for a constant value that depends on the starting point of the area calculation.

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

The first part of the theorem, known as the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, tells us that for any continuous function, we can find an antiderivative or indefinite integral FFF by integrating over an interval with a variable upper limit.

The Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

The second part, called the Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, states that the integral of a function over a fixed interval equals the change in any antiderivative FFF between the endpoints of that interval. Essentially, to calculate the total accumulation of a function over an interval, you subtract the value of the antiderivative at the start of the interval from its value at the end.

The following are the key ideas in calculus that are necessary for understanding the fundamental theorem.

  1. Limits
  2. Differential Calculus
  3. Integral Calculus
  4. Multivariable or Functional Theory

Conclusion

For learning and mastering calculus, different resources offer unique benefits, but online tutoring stands out as the most effective option.

  • Online Tutoring provides personalized, one-on-one support with real-time feedback, helping students grasp complex concepts more effectivelyfind top Calculus tutors on Wiingy!
  • Online Courses offer structured learning from experts, ideal for self-paced study but without individualized attention.
  • YouTube Channels are great for visual learners, providing free supplementary content to reinforce understanding.
  • Worksheets allow for consistent practice and concept reinforcement.
  • Books provide in-depth coverage for those who prefer comprehensive self-study.

Want to excel in calculus? Book a free trial lesson with Wiingy today for personalized tutoring tailored to your needs!

Additional Reads

How to Learn Math

How to Learn Algebra

How to Learn Geometry

How to Learn Statistics

How to Learn Probability

How to Learn Trigonometry

FAQs on how to learn Calculus

How can Wiingy help me improve in Calculus?

Wiingy offers personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions with expert calculus tutors to help you master difficult concepts like limits, derivatives, and integrals. Our tutors adapt their teaching style to your learning pace and needs, ensuring you build confidence and improve your problem-solving skills. Whether it’s homework help or exam prep, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to improve in calculus? Book a free trial lesson today!

2. What makes Wiingy’s calculus tutoring different?

At Wiingy, we connect you with certified calculus tutors who provide customized lessons tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Our tutors focus on simplifying complex topics and ensuring you fully grasp key concepts through interactive sessions. With Wiingy’s flexible scheduling and personalized approach, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of calculus.

Want to try it out? Book a free trial lesson now and experience the Wiingy difference!

3. Can Wiingy help me prepare for calculus exams?

Yes, Wiingy’s expert tutors are experienced in helping students prepare for calculus exams, from high school to university level. Our tutors focus on key topics, problem-solving techniques, and test-taking strategies, giving you the confidence to excel in your exams. Each lesson is customized to your exam syllabus and learning needs.

Need help preparing for your calculus exam? Book a free trial lesson with Wiingy today!

How long does it take to learn calculus?

Learning calculus can vary widely in time depending on a person’s prior math knowledge, learning style, and practice time. Generally, a 4-5 month calculus course in high school or college can offer a solid foundation.

A calculus tutor is another catalyst in the process of learning calculus. If you have a strong foundation in algebra and trigonometry then, you would understand calculus concepts quickly. 

For independent learners, the time frame may range from a few months to a year, depending upon the breadth and regularity of the study.

Is Calculus hard to learn for beginners?

Calculus can be challenging for beginners, especially due to the abstract nature of its concepts which need a strong foundation in algebra and trigonometry. Topics like limits, derivatives, and integrals draw algebraic concepts to understand the rate of change. Thus, the difficulty arises when you are needed to apply previously learned concepts to new problems. 

However, beginners can overcome these difficulties and successfully learn calculus with good teaching strategies, enough practice, and a dedication to comprehending the underlying principles.

What should I know before learning calculus?

A solid foundation in precalculus courses, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, is necessary before tackling calculus. Algebra is especially important since it is the foundation for comprehending functions and manipulating equations, both of which are essential to calculus. Understanding trigonometric identities, functions, and their characteristics is extremely crucial, particularly when working with calculus problems involving areas under curves and rates of change.

What is the most effective way to learn calculus?

The most effective way to learn calculus owing to its abstract nature involves a good calculus tutor. There are a couple of tutoring services available online like Wiingy, Preply, and more.

Additionally, engaging with interactive resources like tutorials, YouTube channels, and other math books are among the ways to learn calculus.

Is learning calculus useful?

Calculus is useful for many disciplines like science, engineering, economics, and more. It provides resources for shaping and resolving problems with changes and rate of change. For example, the rate of change in metrics, and motion in physics. 

Understanding system dynamics, predicting outcomes, and performing accurate calculations are all made easier using calculus, which is useful in research and industry. Calculus also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are beneficial in academic and professional contexts.

Written by

Medha Pandey

Reviewed by

Prerit Jain

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