RATS review
A focused desktop suite for econometric modeling, forecasting, simulation, and time-series research.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RATS, or Regression Analysis of Time Series, is desktop econometrics and statistical analysis software from Estima. It is designed for applied econometrics researchers, universities, central banks, corporations, and teaching environments that need dedicated time-series workflows. The software combines point-and-click wizards for data, statistics, and time-series tasks with command-driven programming through loops, procedures, and user-defined functions. Its coverage includes regression, hypothesis testing, unit-root and stability tests, ARIMA, ARMAX, error-correction, state-space, VAR, structural VAR, ARCH/GARCH, forecasting, simulation, DSGE, and panel-data workflows.
Pricing is based on one-time licenses rather than a subscription. The listed options range from the $300 Standard Linux executable-only Zone B academic plan to the $650 WinRATS Professional and MacRATS Professional plans. Standard Linux executable-only pricing is $500, Standard UNIX/Linux with source code is $600, and Professional UNIX/Linux Zone B academic pricing is $450. WinRATS and MacRATS are each $500. The Linux source-code option is distinct from executable-only licensing, while professional tiers add professional features. A 21-day trial is available, but there is no free plan. Buyers should compare platform and academic eligibility before selecting a license.
RATS fits teams that value specialized econometric depth over a general-purpose statistical suite. Its time-series toolkit supports impulse responses, variance decomposition, forecasting performance statistics, and univariate and multivariate ARCH/GARCH models. Data connectivity includes Excel, Stata, EViews, Matlab, Haver, SQL/ODBC, FRED, CRSP, and FAME, with report export to text, spreadsheets, and TeX. Choose RATS for research or teaching centered on econometric time series, especially when scripting and simulation matter. Consider another product if you need a free tier, AI features, or a broader statistical environment beyond its econometric focus.
RATS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Deep support for VAR, ARCH/GARCH, ARIMA, and state-space models
- Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Imports and exports Excel, Stata, EViews, Matlab, and Haver data
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan; licensing is paid with one-time pricing
- Desktop-focused rather than a broad general statistics environment
- No AI features
RATS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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