Introducing Explain++: step-by-step calculation breakdowns

We're excited to introduce Explain++, a feature that provides step-by-step, AI-powered explanations of how our calculators work—with citations to relevant statutes and regulations.

What is Explain++?

When you run a calculation, Explain++ breaks down the math and legal rules behind the result. It shows:

• Step-by-step calculation — How we arrived at each number, with intermediate values.
• Jurisdiction-specific rules — The statutes, regulations, and case law that apply to your inputs.
• Citations — Links to official sources so you can verify the rules yourself.

Explain++ uses your jurisdiction settings to tailor explanations. If you're calculating judgment interest in California, it cites California Code of Civil Procedure sections. If you're in Texas, it references Texas Finance Code.

What you will see in a breakdown

Explain++ is designed to be scannable for busy practitioners. A typical breakdown includes:

• Input recap so you can confirm the assumptions at a glance.
• Rule path showing which jurisdictional rules were applied.
• Intermediate steps so you can see how each figure is produced.
• Output summary that you can copy into a memo or case file.

How to use it

1. Run any calculator (e.g., Judgment Interest Calculator).
2. Click the "Explain" toggle or button.
3. Review the structured explanation, which appears inline or in a modal.

Explain++ costs 2 credits per explanation (or free for Unlimited plan subscribers). We cache explanations for 24 hours, so re-running the same calculation doesn't consume additional credits.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Verify inputs first so the explanation reflects the correct assumptions.
• Save the output in your case file or memo so you can reference it later.
• Re-run when facts change (new dates, updated amounts, or a different jurisdiction). This is especially useful when multiple people touch the same matter.

When to use Explain++

Explain++ is especially helpful when you:

• Need to validate a spreadsheet or a prior calculation.
• Want a clear handoff to another attorney or paralegal.
• Are preparing a client update that requires a transparent rationale.
• Need to document how a jurisdictional rule affected the outcome.

What it does not replace

Explain++ is built to improve clarity and traceability, but it does not replace professional judgment. Always verify the inputs and confirm that the cited rules match your matter and the relevant court rules.

How Explain++ fits into your workflow

Think of Explain++ as the documentation layer that sits between a raw result and a finished work product. After you run a calculation, use the breakdown to confirm assumptions, capture the rule path, and create a record that someone else can review without repeating the entire process.

For teams that hand off work between attorneys and paralegals, that transparency matters. It reduces the time spent re-deriving the logic and makes it easier to spot when a jurisdiction choice or an input needs to be revisited.

Why we built it

Attorneys need to understand how calculations work, not just the final number. Explain++ helps you:

• Communicate clearly — Copy explanation text into briefs, client communications, or settlement negotiations.
• Verify accuracy — See the rules and math behind each result.
• Learn — Understand jurisdiction-specific rules and how they apply to your cases.

What's next

We're continuously improving Explain++ to handle more edge cases and provide more detailed citations. If you have feedback or suggestions, let us know.

Try Explain++ on your next calculation: Explore calculators.

Related reading

• Why we started the DocketMath blog
• A practical workflow for jurisdiction-aware legal calculations

What to check in the output

Treat the explanation as a structured review sheet. Confirm the jurisdiction and rule path at the top, then scan the intermediate steps for any date or rate assumption that does not match your matter. If something looks off, go back to the inputs, adjust the value, and rerun so the explanation reflects the corrected assumptions.

Where this shows up

You can use Explain++ directly from the calculator results screen. It is especially useful when you are handing off work to a teammate, building a memo, or preparing a client update that requires a clear trail from inputs to output. The goal is to turn a raw number into a defensible record without forcing anyone to re-derive the math manually.

We will keep expanding the explanation depth as new calculators and jurisdictions are added, so expect incremental improvements rather than one-time changes.

How to use this feature

Explain++ is meant to make calculator outputs easier to review. After you run a calculation, open the explanation view to see the input path, the intermediate steps, and the citations tied to the rule set.

Use the explanation as a review checklist: confirm dates, rates, and jurisdiction settings match the matter. If an assumption is missing, update the inputs and rerun so the output stays defensible.

We will keep expanding the explanation depth as new calculators and jurisdictions are added, so expect incremental improvements rather than one-time changes.

How to use this feature

Explain++ is meant to make calculator outputs easier to review. After you run a calculation, open the explanation view to see the input path, the intermediate steps, and the citations tied to the rule set.

Use the explanation as a review checklist: confirm dates, rates, and jurisdiction settings match the matter. If an assumption is missing, update the inputs and rerun so the output stays defensible.

We will keep expanding the explanation depth as new calculators and jurisdictions are added, so expect incremental improvements rather than one-time changes.