PAST

PAST is a free desktop statistics package for researchers who need spreadsheet-style data entry, statistical testing, regression, scripting, and graphics in one application. It is best suited to users handling biological or other research datasets in specialist file formats. The trade-off is a focused Windows and macOS tool rather than a browser-based, cross-platform service.

Overview

PAST has been developed by its maker since 1999 from Oslo, Norway. Its free plan combines data entry with univariate and multivariate statistics and graphical analysis, so a single installation can cover routine exploration through more advanced modelling. Statistical tests and regression models give it scope beyond a basic spreadsheet, while scripting support helps repeat analyses instead of relying solely on point-and-click work.

The strongest reason to choose PAST is breadth without a purchase price. The main constraint is platform coverage: deployment is desktop-only on Windows and macOS, which excludes Linux and users who need work from a browser or across several device types.

Key features

Analysis and modelling

Univariate and multivariate statistics address both single-variable summaries and datasets with several measures considered together. Regression models support relationships between variables, and statistical tests provide formal comparisons. These capabilities make PAST a practical fit for research workflows that move from entering observations to testing hypotheses and modelling associations.

Data handling

Import support spans Excel, NEXUS, TPS, NTSYS, FASTA, PHYLIP, Arlequin, BioGraph, RASC, CONOP, and tab-separated text. That range is particularly useful for users combining spreadsheet data with specialist formats used in biological, phylogenetic, or related research. If your work stays in a single mainstream format, this breadth matters less.

Scripting and graphics

Scripting support can make repeated or structured analyses more consistent, while graphical analysis helps turn results into visual summaries. Together with spreadsheet-style entry, these features give PAST a workflow that can serve both exploratory work and repeatable projects without requiring separate tools for every stage.

Pricing

PAST is free. The Free plan costs nothing and includes spreadsheet-style data entry, univariate and multivariate statistics, and graphical analysis. There are no paid tiers, seat charges, trial period, or renewal terms to weigh. That makes it a straightforward choice for individuals, students, and research groups that need desktop statistics without a software budget. The cost advantage does not remove the platform limitation: users must work on Windows or macOS.

Platforms

PAST is desktop software for Windows and macOS. It is not offered as a web deployment, and Linux is not among its supported platforms. Choose it when your primary computer runs one of the two supported desktop systems; look elsewhere if browser access or Linux compatibility is essential.

Who it's for

PAST fits researchers and analysts who need statistical tests, regression, scripting, graphics, and specialist data imports in one free package. It is especially compelling for work that moves between Excel and domain-specific formats such as FASTA, PHYLIP, or NEXUS. It is a weaker fit for teams standardised on Linux, users seeking browser collaboration, or anyone whose priority is a platform-agnostic workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free with core analysis included: univariate and multivariate statistics, graphical analysis, and spreadsheet-style entry are covered at 0.00 USD.
• Broad specialist importing: support for Excel, phylogenetic formats, and several research-specific text formats reduces conversion work for mixed datasets.
• More than basic calculations: regression, statistical tests, and scripting support extend it to modelling and repeatable analysis.

Cons

• Desktop-only delivery: Windows and macOS support leaves out Linux and browser-based use.
• No paid option for expanded deployment: there is no separate tier described for teams needing different platforms or service arrangements.

Alternatives

For a broader statistical software shortlist, see Statistical Analysis Software.

• jamovi is the better choice when you want browser access, Linux support, and point-and-click analyses powered by R; its free Guest plan includes the full module library and requires no credit card.
• JASP suits users wanting entirely free software on Linux, macOS, or Windows, provided their 64-bit system has at least 4 GB of RAM and 4 GB of free disk space.
• EViews is aimed at users who need a commercial EViews 14 license; its academic single-user license is $700 a month and requires current academic affiliation.
• GNU PSPP is a free cross-platform alternative with no license fees and no artificial limits on cases or variables.
• gretl is free, open-source software distributed under the GNU GPL for users who value redistribution and modification.
• StatsDirect is free on macOS and Windows with no license fees or use restrictions.
• Pingouin is a free Linux Python package with no paid plans or usage limits stated.
• LatentGOLD is a paid Windows option for users needing its Basic plus Advanced/Syntax standard single-user license at €795 a year.

Verdict

Choose PAST if you need a no-cost Windows or macOS package that combines statistical tests, regression, scripting, graphics, and imports for specialist research data. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the desktop-only platform choice: browser, Linux, or broader deployment needs point to another tool.