DesignCalcs, Inc was established in 1991 as a small mail order business by Karl Hanson, S.E., P.E., who wrote all of the programs. After earning a science teaching degree and, later, a degree in structural engineering, his career path eventually led to a position as the Structural Technical Director at a successful consulting firm. Over the years, DCALC has evolved from the accumulated experience of designing many projects in the Chicago land area, including bridges, post-tensioned concrete parking structures and various building types. DCALC has been used by hundreds of firms, principally in Illinois, and has been sold almost entirely by word-of-mouth.

Originally written for the DOS operating system using a graphical programming interface, the majority of DCALC have been converted to the Windows platform. The conversion to Windows has required several years of programming effort, testing and verification with published examples and on-the-job production.

Recognizing the advantages of DCALC's original interface and calculation presentation, the new version retains the essential easy-to-use features but has added many new ones. The virtually limitless memory restrictions and capabilities of the Windows enviroment has allowed DCALC to incorporate powerful enhancements, such as software integration, VB Automation, Web connectivity and email support.