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Partial correlation calculator

Measure the linear relationship between X and Y after statistically removing the effect of one control variable Z.

Partial correlation r(X,Y·Z): —

Fill in the fields above — the result is computed on this page.

Observations
—
Raw X–Y correlation
—
X–Z correlation
—
Y–Z correlation
—
r² after controlling Z
—

X and Y residuals after controlling Z

Each point shows what remains of X and Y after their linear relationship with Z is removed.

Coefficient comparison

Coefficient Value
Fill in the fields above — the result is computed on this page.
What these numbers mean
  • A positive value means an increasing relationship after controlling Z; a negative value means a decreasing one.
  • r² describes shared variance between residuals, not between the full variables.

All series must have equal length and variation. The model controls one variable and describes linear relationships only.

How to use this page
  1. Paste X, Y and Z in matching observation order.
  2. Compare raw and partial correlations.
  3. Inspect the residual plot and possible outliers.

What this page does not do: All series must have equal length and variation. The model controls one variable and describes linear relationships only.

Further reading

Partial correlation answers how strongly X and Y are linearly related after the effect of Z is removed from both variables. The calculator regresses X on Z and Y on Z, then calculates Pearson correlation between the two residual series.

Compare the result with the raw correlation. A large difference suggests that Z accounts for part of the observed relationship. This remains a measure of association and does not establish causation.

Frequently asked questions

How does partial correlation differ from ordinary correlation?

Ordinary correlation uses raw X and Y. Partial correlation removes the linear effect of Z from both variables.

Does a high partial correlation prove causation?

No. It shows an association after controlling Z but does not rule out other variables or reverse causation.

See also

← All calculators

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