Dataplot is a free desktop system for scientific visualization, statistical analysis, and nonlinear modeling. NIST describes its intended users as researchers and analysts working with scientific and engineering processes. Its capabilities cover statistical and mathematical analysis, graphics, fitting, time-series analysis, reliability, and statistical process control, including statistical tests and regression models. Dataplot uses an interactive, high-level language with free-format, English-like syntax. Commands support graphics, fitting, data analysis, and mathematics. It produces 2D and 3D, contour, color, multi-trace, and multi-plot graphics, as well as presentation and summary graphics. It imports space-, comma-, or tab-delimited ASCII text, limited Fortran unformatted binary data, and Excel workbooks through READ EXCEL. The default workspace holds 10 variables by 1,000,000 rows, totaling 10,000,000 data points. Dataplot runs on Windows, Linux/Unix, and macOS. The Windows distribution is a binary installation for Windows 10/11; Linux/Unix and macOS distributions are built from source, which is available on GitHub. Its graphical interface uses Tcl/Tk scripts that must be installed separately. Dataplot can generate PostScript graphics and convert plots to PDF. Users can extend it with command macros, GUI menu changes, or source code changes.
Who it is for
Dataplot suits researchers and analysts working with scientific and engineering processes who need statistical analysis, nonlinear modeling, or scientific graphics on a desktop. It is also suited to users comfortable with an interactive command language and, on Linux/Unix or macOS, building the distribution from source.
What is good
- Free public-domain software for Windows, Linux/Unix, and macOS.
- Covers statistical tests, regression, time-series, reliability, and process control.
- Supports 2D, 3D, contour, and multi-plot graphics.
- Imports delimited text, limited Fortran binary, and Excel workbooks.
- Can be extended with macros, GUI menu changes, or source changes.
- Generates PostScript graphics and can convert plots to PDF.
What to know first
- The graphical interface requires Tcl/Tk installed separately.
- Linux/Unix and macOS distributions must be built from source.
- Native smartphone and tablet installations are not provided.
- Official support is not guaranteed and prioritizes NIST staff.
Verdict
Choose Dataplot if you need a free desktop tool for scientific and engineering analysis, with statistical methods, modeling, and graphics in one system. It is a stronger fit for users comfortable with its command language and platform specific installation steps. Look elsewhere if you need a native mobile installation or guaranteed official support.
Get started with Dataplot
- Visit the Dataplot website to download the distribution for your desktop platform.
- On Windows, use the binary installation for Windows 10/11.
- On Linux/Unix or macOS, build the distribution from source available on GitHub.
- Install Tcl/Tk separately if you want to use the graphical interface.
- Import delimited ASCII text, limited Fortran unformatted binary, or Excel workbooks with READ EXCEL.
What the free plan stops at
The default workspace supports 10 variables by 1,000,000 rows, totaling 10,000,000 data points. Official support is not guaranteed and is provided when staff time allows, with NIST staff prioritized.
Questions about Dataplot
How much does Dataplot cost?
Dataplot is free public-domain software. Its listed plan is free.
Which operating systems does it support?
It is available for Windows, Linux/Unix, and macOS. The Windows distribution is for Windows 10/11, while Linux/Unix and macOS distributions are built from source.
Does Dataplot have a free trial?
No. It has a free plan and no free trial.
What data formats can it import?
It imports space-, comma-, or tab-delimited ASCII text, limited Fortran unformatted binary, and Excel workbooks through READ EXCEL.
Does Dataplot provide official support?
Support is not guaranteed and is provided when staff time allows, with NIST staff prioritized. A Dataplot mailing list is available.
Can it be installed on a phone or tablet?
It does not provide native smartphone or tablet installations. Its FAQ says Android may be possible through a Linux installation, but that route has not been explicitly tested.
Dataplot plans and pricing
All plansCompared on statistical analysis software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Deployment
- desktop
- Statistical tests
- Yes
- Regression models
- Yes
- Scripting support
- Yes
- Data import formats
- ASCII text (space-, comma-, or tab-delimited); limited Fortran unformatted binary; Excel workbooks via READ EXCEL
