StatKey review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

StatKey is a collection of browser-based statistical applets from Lock5, intended for introductory statistics students and instructors. It is particularly suited to learners who want to explore inference and sampling distributions interactively, rather than follow a packaged sequence of lessons. The tools cover descriptive statistics and graphs for quantitative and categorical data, along with simulations and procedures for examining statistical ideas.

Its strongest fit is practicing inference. Learners can build bootstrap confidence intervals for means, medians, standard deviations, and proportions, and explore randomization-based hypothesis tests. Sampling-distribution simulations cover means and proportions; interactive theoretical distributions include normal, t, chi-square, and F. Chi-square and ANOVA randomization procedures extend the range of questions the applets can illustrate. This gives instructors and students several ways to investigate statistical concepts, though the product is described as a set of tools, not a full lesson or classroom-management system.

StatKey runs in current web browsers and supports built-in datasets as well as uploads of custom CSV or text data, with upload help documented. Keyboard navigation and screen-reader support are also listed. The product is free, so learners can access its applets without choosing among paid tiers. Email and documentation are the listed support channels. Because StatKey is presented as an online companion to Statistics: Unlocking the Power of Data, it is a natural fit for learners using that textbook or seeking focused practice with simulations and inference. Those looking for a broader course platform with a structured lesson sequence or classroom tools should consider a different type of product.

StatKey pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Free interactive simulations for sampling distributions and inference
  • Analyze built-in datasets or upload custom CSV and text data
  • Keyboard navigation and screen-reader support
• Where it doesn't
  • Focused on introductory statistics rather than a broad course curriculum
  • Online applets depend on a current web browser
  • Designed as a companion to Lock5's Statistics: Unlocking the Power of Data

StatKey fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 9 Oct 2026 · How we research and update