PhET: free science and maths simulations
PhET says students and educators can use its science and maths simulations for free for non-commercial purposes, without asking permission.
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What it is
This guide covers the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder, a set of interactive science and maths simulations. Its About page says it provides "fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations" covering physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and maths. It is not an AI tool. We included it because it is a free educational resource from an official source.
Is it free?
Yes, for the website. PhET's help centre says students and educators can use the simulations "for free for any non-commercial purposes", including classroom use and homework, with attribution, and that you do not need to ask permission. PhET is a nonprofit project and says it relies on donations to stay free.
The licensing page identifies the regular HTML simulation files as CC BY-NC 4.0. Commercial use requires a separate licence from the University of Colorado Boulder, according to the licensing page and help centre. Its examples include ad-supported websites, monetised YouTube channels and paid educational resources. This guide links to PhET; it does not embed or redistribute simulations.
Which devices
- The simulations are written in HTML5, so they run in a web browser, says the About page. Some older ones use Java or Flash.
- PhET also offers apps for iOS and for Android and Chromebook. The help centre says the apps allow offline use of the HTML5 simulations and that "proceeds fund more HTML5 sim development". That wording suggests the apps may cost money. We did not check app prices, so check the store listing.
Privacy and data
- PhET's privacy policy says resources for students need no login, and that no personally identifiable information is collected from non-registered users. It also says personal information can be collected if you contact the project or complete a survey.
- It says limited non-personal information is collected when a simulation runs, such as simulation name, language, device type, browser information and an anonymised IP address.
- The policy also describes non-personally identifying Google Analytics data and cookies. This is not a zero-telemetry or local-only service. Its policy does not cover PhET-iO simulations accessed through third-party educational platforms; check that platform's terms.
- Teachers can register for some resources. The policy says registration is not permitted for children under 13.
India
- We found no India-specific statement. The content is in English first. The site offers other languages, but we did not check which, or whether the content matches Indian syllabuses.
How to start
- Open the official PhET website and browse for a subject or simulation.
- Read the selected simulation page and its device requirements. Prefer an HTML5 simulation for browser use; legacy Java and Flash simulations are different.
- Follow the simulation page's launch instructions. Start with a simple classroom or homework example and change one variable at a time.
- Check attribution and licensing before sharing or embedding a simulation. Check app prices separately if you want an app.
What changed since this post?
Official About, getting-started help, licensing and privacy pages rechecked on 14 October 2026. Free non-commercial use with attribution remains the help centre's position. Commercial use needs a separate licence. App prices, India-specific availability and syllabus alignment remain unchecked. These are source checks, not simulation tests.
Frequently asked questions
Is PhET free?
The website simulations are free for non-commercial use, says PhET. The apps may cost money, and we did not check.
Do I need an account?
Its privacy policy says student resources need no login.
Is it AI?
No. We included it because it is a free educational resource from an official source.
Sources: About PhET, Help centre, Privacy policy, Licensing and attribution. Checked 14 October 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated. No PhET logo is used.