Spearman Correlation Calculator
Rank correlation for ordinal or non-linear data.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Spearman's rho
- 0.9
- Strength
- Very strong
- Pearson's r for comparison
- 0.9055
- X ranks
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Y ranks
- 1, 2, 4, 3, 5
- Pairs
- 5
Quick answer
Spearman's rho is Pearson's correlation applied to ranks, so it captures any monotonic relationship, even a curved one.
ρ = 1 − 6Σd² ÷ (n(n² − 1))
How to use the Spearman Correlation Calculator
- 1Enter both variables as paired lists in the same order.
- 2Read rho — ties are handled with average ranks.
- 3Compare with Pearson's r: a big gap suggests a curved relationship or outliers.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- X values10, 20, 30, 40, 50
- Y values12, 15, 40, 38, 90
Results
- Spearman's rho0.9
- StrengthVery strong
- Pearson's r for comparison0.9055
- X ranks1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Y ranks1, 2, 4, 3, 5
- Pairs5
Frequently asked questions
When should I prefer Spearman?
With ordinal data, small samples, outliers, or a relationship that is monotonic but not straight.
Can rho be 1 when r is not?
Yes. A perfectly increasing curve gives rho = 1 while r stays below 1 because the relationship is not linear.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.