G*Power
Statistical analysis software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
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What is G*Power
G*Power is a statistical power analysis application used to calculate required sample sizes, achieved power, and related parameters for common hypothesis tests. It is typically used by researchers, students, and analysts during study planning and when reporting power or sensitivity analyses. The tool focuses on power and sample size calculations rather than end-to-end data management, modeling, or visualization workflows. It is commonly distributed as a free desktop application and is frequently cited in academic research methods documentation.
Focused power analysis workflows
G*Power provides dedicated workflows for a range of standard statistical tests (for example, t-tests, ANOVA/ANCOVA, correlation/regression, and chi-square tests) with options for a priori, post hoc, and sensitivity analyses. This focus makes it practical for study planning and for documenting assumptions such as effect size, alpha, and desired power. Compared with broader statistical suites, it concentrates on power analysis rather than general modeling and reporting.
Accessible for academic users
The software is widely used in academic settings and is commonly referenced in research methods sections, which supports consistency in how power analyses are reported. It is typically available at no cost, lowering barriers for students and small research teams. The interface is oriented toward interactive use without requiring programming.
Effect size and parameter support
G*Power includes built-in support for working with effect sizes and translating assumptions into power and sample size outputs. It helps users explore how changes in assumptions (effect size, allocation ratios, tails, and error rates) affect required sample size. This makes it useful for scenario analysis during protocol development.
Not a full stats suite
G*Power does not aim to replace general-purpose statistical analysis platforms that cover data preparation, modeling, automation, and reporting. Users typically need separate tools for data analysis, visualization, and reproducible reporting. This can add workflow friction when teams want an integrated environment from planning through analysis.
Limited advanced study designs
Power analysis needs for complex designs (for example, multilevel/hierarchical models, many mixed-effects models, adaptive designs, or some specialized survival and longitudinal scenarios) may not be fully covered. In such cases, users often rely on simulation-based approaches or specialized statistical packages. This limits applicability for advanced biostatistics and experimental design work.
Desktop-centric and manual
G*Power is primarily used as an interactive desktop tool, which can make it harder to standardize and automate power calculations across projects. It is less suited to programmatic pipelines, version-controlled analysis scripts, and enterprise governance requirements. Teams that need repeatable, auditable workflows may prefer scriptable or platform-based alternatives.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (permanent) | GPower is free for everyone (including commercial users). Distributed by Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf; Windows (GPower 3.1.9.7) and macOS (GPower 3.1.9.6) downloads available; commercial distribution (resale) is prohibited; no warranty; runs locally (no server communication). See official download/terms on the GPower page. |
Seller details
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf, Germany
1992
Open Source
https://www.psychologie.hhu.de/arbeitsgruppen/allgemeine-psychologie-und-arbeitspsychologie/gpower
