> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs-test.symmetry.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Widgets vs. API

> Decide between Calculators by Symmetry (CBS) widgets and the calculators API based on what you're trying to build.

Calculators by Symmetry (CBS) has two integration paths: embeddable **widgets** and the **calculators API**. Both use the same Symmetry tax data and return the same compliant results; the difference is how much of the UI and hosting you own.

## What are you trying to do?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Embed a calculator fast, with no UI work" icon="window">
    Use **widgets**. Add one script tag and Symmetry hosts and renders the calculator UI. Configure defaults, theme, and help text inline, by URL, or in the admin console.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Own the UI or run calculations server-side" icon="code">
    Use the **API**. Send inputs from your own interface (or backend) and receive results to display, store, or report on.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Pick by intent:

* **"I just want a working calculator on a page."** → widgets
* **"Fastest possible launch and a standard UI is fine."** → widgets
* **"It needs to match my product's look exactly."** → API
* **"I need calculations on my server or in batch."** → API
* **"I want to store or report on results."** → API
* **"Not sure, or want both?"** → Start with widgets and add the API later. They share the same tax engine, so results stay consistent.

## At a glance

|                    | Widgets                             | API                                    |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **Setup effort**   | Lowest, add one script tag          | Higher, build your own UI and requests |
| **User interface** | Symmetry-managed, themeable         | Fully custom, built by you             |
| **Where it runs**  | In the browser, hosted by Symmetry  | Your client or server                  |
| **Configuration**  | Inline, by URL, or admin console    | Request parameters                     |
| **Best for**       | Fast launch, standard calculator UI | Custom UX, server-side use, reporting  |

<Note>
  Both paths stay current with federal, state, and local tax changes automatically, so your choice comes down to control and integration depth, not accuracy.
</Note>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Widgets quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/cbs/getting-started/embed-a-widget">
    Embed your first calculator in minutes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/cbs/getting-started/call-the-calculators-api">
    Make your first calculators API call.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>