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PAST

nhm.uio.no

Free plan WindowsmacOS
Visit nhm.uio.no
Spec score 7.5 #65 of 106 in Statistical Analysis Software

What it is

PAST is free desktop software for statistical analysis, available on Windows and macOS. It provides spreadsheet-style data entry, univariate and multivariate statistics, and graphical analysis. The software includes statistical tests, regression models, and scripting support. Data import covers Excel, NEXUS, TPS, NTSYS, FASTA, PHYLIP, Arlequin, BioGraph, RASC, CONOP, and tab-separated text, giving users several ways to bring existing datasets into the application. PAST is offered under a Free plan listed at free, with no separate paid plan listed. Its deployment is desktop rather than web-based. The maker is PAST, associated with Oslo, Norway, and the software was founded in 1999. The combination of spreadsheet entry, statistical methods, scripting, and broad import-format support makes it suited to users who need local analysis of data from varied sources.

Spec sheet

Deployment
desktopRead 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org
Headquarters
Oslo, NorwayRead 28 Sep 2026 · nhm.uio.no
Founded
1999Read 28 Sep 2026 · nhm.uio.no
Data import formats
Excel, NEXUS, TPS, NTSYS, FASTA, PHYLIP, Arlequin, BioGraph, RASC, CONOP, tab-separated textRead 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org
Regression models
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org
Scripting support
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org
Statistical tests
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org

Plans and prices

Free Free Spreadsheet-style data entry · Univariate and multivariate statistics · Graphical analysis Read 20 Sep 2026 · palaeo-electronica.org

Every PAST plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan listed at free
  • Runs on Windows and macOS
  • Includes statistical tests and regression models
  • Supports scripting
  • Imports many listed data formats

Limits

  • Desktop deployment only
  • No web platform listed

Who it suits

PAST suits people who need desktop statistical analysis on Windows or macOS. It is relevant to users importing datasets from the listed scientific and tabular formats.

Verdict

PAST combines core statistical analysis, scripting, graphical analysis, and many import formats in a free desktop package. Choose it when Windows or macOS deployment fits your workflow.

Where Specifiction places it

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