Pearson Correlation Calculator

Enter paired observations to measure linear association using Pearson's r.

Pearson r

0.9922

Mean X / Std X

μx = 3.0000 • sx = 1.5811

Mean Y / Std Y

μy = 6.8000 • sy = 3.3466

Pairs: 5

Interpretation: Very strong linear relationship.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter paired (x, y) observations, one pair per line.
  2. Ensure the data show variability (no constant series).
  3. Review Pearson's r and supporting statistics.
  4. Use the correlation to assess strength and direction of linear association.

Formula

r = Σ[(xi − μx)(yi − μy)] / √[Σ(xi − μx)² Σ(yi − μy)²]

μx, μy = sample means; Σ covers all paired observations

Pearson correlation ranges from −1 (perfect negative) to +1 (perfect positive). Values near zero indicate weak linear relationships.

Full Description

Pearson's r quantifies linear association between two continuous variables. Use it to detect trends, validate regression assumptions, or compare experiment outcomes. Because it depends on mean and standard deviation, Pearson's r is sensitive to outliers and non-linear patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if one variable has zero variance?

Correlation is undefined; this calculator returns 0 and advises using datasets with variation.

Does Pearson correlation detect non-linear relationships?

No. Pearson's r only measures linear relationships. Consider Spearman or Kendall coefficients for monotonic but non-linear relationships.

Can I use this for categorical data?

No. Pearson correlation is meant for continuous numeric data.

Should I remove outliers first?

Outliers can heavily influence Pearson's r. Inspect data visually and consider robust alternatives if needed.