About the Problem Solving Engine

What this is

The Problem Solving Engine is a free platform of calculators, converters, estimators, and planners built around one principle: tools should give you accurate, honest answers without collecting your personal information or pretending to know more than they do.

How tools work

Tool calculators (concrete, mortgage, BMI, etc.) run entirely in your browser. Your numeric inputs stay on your device.

The Ask page (/ask) is different. Your query text is sent to our server via POST (not in the URL) so the platform can classify the intent, match tools, and optionally fetch short summaries from trusted open sources. If the platform can't answer, your trimmed query text may be appended to a local log (no name, no IP, no cookie) so we can improve coverage. Queries containing detected personal information (email, phone, SSN, etc.) are rejected and never stored. See the Privacy Policy for the full list.

Each tool uses verified formulas from established sources (standard amortization equations, IRS brackets, WHO guidelines, published construction standards) and documents exactly how results are derived. If a result involves uncertainty, the tool says so.

Confidence levels

Every tool output is labeled with one of three confidence levels:

High Confidence

Deterministic math with exact inputs. The formula gives the same answer every time. Example: concrete volume.

Medium Confidence

Result depends on estimated or self-reported inputs. Useful as a guide — verify before acting. Example: calorie needs.

Low Confidence

Probabilistic or guidance-based output. Treat as a starting point, not a conclusion. Example: content outline.

Priority order

Every decision about this platform follows this order:

  1. User well-being — tools must not mislead or harm
  2. Accuracy — results must be correct and documented
  3. Long-term trust — honest about limitations, transparent about uncertainty
  4. Scalability — useful tools that serve many people

Health and sensitive topics

Tools covering health, finance, or legal-adjacent topics include clear disclaimers. They provide general informational guidance only. They are not a substitute for a licensed professional. Any tool that could cause harm by being wrong is labeled Medium or Low confidence and includes a disclaimer.