How we test tools

Last updated 31 October 2026

A tool only goes live when it passes every check below. Until then it is marked Soon and kept out of search engines.

The checks

Right answer: tested against worked examples, edge cases and the results of trusted references.
As good as the best: it must do the job at least as well as the top results people already use.
Fast: a result in under two seconds on a mid-range phone, or visible progress for large files.
Private: file tools are checked to confirm nothing leaves the device.
Works for everyone: keyboard use, screen readers, colour contrast, large touch targets and small screens.
Explained: clear steps, a worked example and, for calculators, the formula and source.
Human review: a person signs off the tool and its page, and the date is recorded.

We re-check money and tax tools when rules change, and at least once a year. Reports from users go straight to the person who reviewed the tool.