Dataplot review
A free desktop package for scripted statistical analysis, modeling, and visualization.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Dataplot pros and cons
- 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
Dataplot fact sheet, pricing and score →
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