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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.

Instructions

  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.

About This Tool

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.

Common 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.