Dataplot
Dataplot: A free desktop package for scripted statistical analysis, modeling, and visualization. Ranked #42 of 106 in Statistical Analysis Software by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for scientific users scripting analysis of text data.
At a glance
- Editor score5.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forScientific users scripting analysis of text data
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- DeploymentDesktop
- Founded1978 · Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Includes hypothesis tests, ANOVA, and linear or nonlinear model fitting
- Macros let users save and reuse analysis procedures
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Data import centers on delimited ASCII text files
- Fortran unformatted binary support is limited
- Excel import requires the READ EXCEL command
Our verdict on Dataplot
Dataplot is a free, public-domain desktop statistical package developed and maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is aimed at researchers and analysts working with scientific and engineering processes, especially those who want to script analysis of text data. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it combines statistical analysis, visualization, modeling, monitoring, and optimization rather than focusing on a single test or chart type.
Its breadth covers hypothesis testing, including two-sample t tests, one-factor and multi-factor ANOVA, and linear, polynomial, multilinear, and nonlinear model fitting. Scientific data visualization and graphics generation are also included. Command-based workflows can be saved and reused as Dataplot macros, which suits repeatable procedures and users comfortable expressing analysis in commands. The package is free, so it may appeal to scientific teams that need these capabilities without a paid plan; its public-domain status should not be confused with an open-source designation.
Import options shape the fit. Dataplot reads ASCII text with space, comma, or tab delimiters, supports some Fortran unformatted binary files on a limited basis, and can import Excel workbooks through the READ EXCEL command. That makes it a reasonable choice when data can be prepared in those forms and analysis is the priority. Teams seeking broader file-import flexibility or a wider general-purpose statistical feature set may prefer an established alternative. Dataplot is best suited to scientific and engineering users comfortable with scripted work; it is less suitable when broad data connectivity is central.
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Dataplot pricing
Dataplot fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Statistical tests | Yes |
| Regression models | Yes |
| Scripting support | Yes |
| Bayesian analysis | Not verified |
| Data import formats | ASCII text (space-, comma-, or tab-delimited); limited Fortran unformatted binary; Excel workbooks via READ EXCEL |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | itl.nist.gov |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Dataplot
- RA free, programmable environment for statistical analysis, modeling, visualization, and data import.9.4
- StataA broad, scriptable desktop environment for professional and reproducible applied analysis.9.3
- IBM SPSS StatisticsA broad desktop statistics suite with testing, modeling, forecasting, reporting, and R/Python integration.9.2
See all Dataplot alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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