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Best Statistics Books

Topic List90 books curated30 recommendations total

Statistics books recommended most by analysts and researchers — inference, probability and experimental design. Plus the books that teach you to spot a bad chart.

Curated list content

Where to start: Statistics Books recommended most often

Recommended books, ranked by how many of the 22 people behind this list recommended each one.

  1. 1How to Lie with Statistics9 recommendations · recommended by Bill Gates, Benedict Evans and Neil deGrasse Tyson
  2. 2How Not to Be Wrong7 recommendations · recommended by Keith Rabois, Bill Gates and Steven Strogatz
  3. 3You Are Not So Smart3 recommendations · recommended by Terry Crews and Derek Sivers
  4. 4Data Science from Scratch2 recommendations · recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan and Thorsten Heller
  5. 5Innumeracy2 recommendations · recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan and James Gunn
1
Book cover for “How to Lie with Statistics”
Description

Darrell Huff runs the gamut of every popularly used type of statistic, probes such things as the sample study, the tabulation method, the interview technique, or the way the results are derived from the figures, and points up the countless number of dodges which are used to fool…

2
No coverHow Not to Be Wrong
How Not to Be Wrong

The Power of Mathematical Thinking

7 recommendations

Recommended by Keith Rabois, Bill Gates, Steven Strogatz and 3 others

3
Book cover for “You Are Not So Smart”
You Are Not So Smart

Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, an d 46 Other Ways You're Deluding Yourself

3 recommendations

Recommended by Terry Crews and Derek Sivers

4
No coverData Science from Scratch
Data Science from Scratch

First Principles with Python

2 recommendations

Recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan and Thorsten Heller

Description

To really learn data science, you should not only master the toolsdata science libraries, frameworks, modules, and toolkitsbut also understand the ideas and principles underlying them.

5
No coverInnumeracy
Innumeracy

Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences

2 recommendations

Recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan and James Gunn

Description

Dozens of examples in innumeracy show us how it affects not only personal economics and travel plans, but explains mischosen mates, inappropriate drugtesting, and the allure of pseudoscience.

6
No coverJudgment Under Uncertainty
Judgment Under Uncertainty

Heuristics and Biases

2 recommendations

Recommended by Adam Robinson

Description

The thirtyfive chapters in this book describe various judgmental heuristics and the biases they produce, not only in laboratory experiments but in important social, medical, and political situations as well.

7
No coverNaked Statistics
Naked Statistics

Stripping the Dread from the Data

1 recommendation

Recommended by Keith Rabois

8
No coverApplied Predictive Modeling
1 recommendation

Recommended by Kirk Borne

Description

This text is intended for a broad audience as both an introduction to predictive models as well as a guide to applying them.

9
No coverThe Elements of Statistical Learning
The Elements of Statistical Learning

Data Mining, Inference, and Prediction (Springer Series in Statistics)

1 recommendation

Recommended by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Description

During the past decade there has been an explosion in computation and information Technology,. With it has come vast amounts of data in a variety of fields such as medicine, biology, finance, and marketing.

10
Book cover for “The Art of Statistics”
The Art of Statistics

How to Learn from Data

1 recommendation

Recommended by Dan Davies

Description

The definitive guide to statistical thinkingStatistics are everywhere, as integral to science as they are to business, and in the popular media hundreds of times a day.

11
Book cover for “Introductory Econometrics”
Introductory Econometrics

A Modern Approach (Upper Level Economics Titles)

1 recommendation
Description

Discover how empirical researchers today actually think about and apply econometric methods with the practical, professional approach in Wooldridge's INTRODUCTORY ECONOMETRICS: A MODERN APPROACH, 5E.

12
Book cover for “Data Science and Big Data Analytics”
Data Science and Big Data Analytics

Discovering, Analyzing, Visualizing and Presenting Data

Description

Data Science and Big Data Analytics is about harnessing the power of data for new insights. The book covers the breadth of activities and methods and tools that Data Scientists use.

Show 72 more books with a single recommendation
13
Book cover for “First Course in Probability, A”
Book Summary

Sheldon Ross’s First Course in Probability reads like a clear, calculus-based undergraduate textbook: definitions, step-by-step derivations, and many worked examples aimed at building formal comfort with probability. What works best is its mathematical clarity — it pushes you through proofs and algebra so you understand why common distributions and counting arguments work. The main limitation is tone and pacing: chapters can feel terse and formula-heavy, and the bundled diskette/tooling feels dated for readers expecting modern software support.

14
Book cover for “Head First Statistics”
Head First Statistics

A BrainFriendly Guide

Description

Wouldn't it be great if there were a statistics book that made histograms, probability distributions, and chi square analysis more enjoyable than going to the dentist Head First Statistics brings this typically dry subject to life, teaching you everything you want and need to…

15
No coverHow Animals Work
Description

This book is a little gem; it treats in an authoritative and charming manner a number of physiological and morphological adaptations which animals evolved in coping with certain environmental exigencies....I recommend (this book) to fellow biologists of all ages as one of the…

16
No coverModern Mathematical Statistics with Applications
Description

Many mathematical statistics texts are heavily oriented toward a rigorous mathematical development of probability and statistics, without much attention paid to how statistics is actually used..

17
Book cover for “Statistics in Plain English”
Description

This introductory textbook provides an inexpensive, brief overview of statistics to help readers gain a better understanding of how statistics work and how to interpret them correctly.

18
No coverStatistics Without Tears
Statistics Without Tears

A Primer for NonMathematicians (Allyn & Bacon Classics Edition) by Rowntree, Derek published by Pearson (2003)

Description

What are statistics How do you think statistically Worried about the calculations that are associated with statistics Then this clear and informative book is for you.

19
No coverStatistics
Description

The Fourth Edition has been carefully revised and updated to reflect current data.

20
No coverThe Lady Tasting Tea
The Lady Tasting Tea

How Statistics Revolutionized Science in the Twentieth Century

Description

An insightful, revealing history of the magical mathematics that transformed our world. At a summer tea party in Cambridge, England, a guest states that tea poured into milk tastes different from milk poured into tea.

21
Book cover for “Cracking the AP Statistics Exam, 2020 Edition”
Cracking the AP Statistics Exam, 2020 Edition

Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5 (College Test Preparation)

Description

Make sure you're studying with the most uptodate prep materials! Look for the newest edition of this title, Princeton Review AP Statistics Prep, 2021 (ISBN: 9780525569657, onsale August 2020).Publisher's Note: Products purchased from thirdparty sellers are not guaranteed by the…

23
Book cover for “Ready, Study, Go!”
Ready, Study, Go!

Smart Ways to Learn

Description

Can studying really be interesting and enjoyable This book explores attitudes towards studying and offers tips and techniques to turn studying into an interesting, enjoyable activity instead of the dull drudgery that it is for most people.

24
No coverStatistics II for Dummies
Description

The ideal supplement and study guide for students preparing for advanced statistics Packed with fresh and practical examples appropriate for a range of degreeseeking students, Statistics II For Dummies helps any reader succeed in an upperlevel statistics course.

25
No coverStatistics in Psychology and Education
Description

The fundamentals of statistics provide a strong foundation for the students pursuing the course in education, psychology and Sociology,.

26
No coverA HandsOn Introduction to Data Science
Description

This book introduces the field of data science in a practical and accessible manner, using a handson approach that assumes no prior knowledge of the subject.

27
Book cover for “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Statistics”
Description

Not a numbers person No problem!This new edition is aimed at high school and college students who need to take statistics to fulfill a degree requirement and follows a standard statistics curriculum.

28
No coverAn Introduction to Statistical Learning
An Introduction to Statistical Learning

with Applications in R (Springer Texts in Statistics)

Description

An Introduction to Statistical Learning provides an accessible overview of the field of statistical learning, an essential toolset for making sense of the vast and complex data sets that have emerged in fields ranging from biology to finance to marketing to astrophysics in the…

30
No coverR for Data Science
R for Data Science

Import, Tidy, Transform, Visualize, and Model Data

Description

Learn how to use R to turn raw data into insight, knowledge, and understanding. This book introduces you to R, RStudio, and the tidyverse, a collection of R packages designed to work together to make data science fast, fluent, and fun.

31
No coverThink Stats
Think Stats

Exploratory Data Analysis

Description

If you know how to program, you have the skills to turn data into knowledge, using tools of probability and statistics. This concise introduction shows you how to perform statistical analysis computationally, rather than mathematically, with programs written in Python.By working…

33
No coverComputer Age Statistical Inference
Computer Age Statistical Inference

Algorithms, Evidence, and Data Science (Institute of Mathematical Statistics Monographs (Series Number 5))

Description

The twenty-first century has seen a breathtaking expansion of statistical methodology, both in scope and in influence. 'Big data', 'data science', and 'machine learning' have become familiar terms in the news, as statistical methods are brought to bear upon the enormous data…

34
Book cover for “Statistics, 11th Edition”
Description

Drawing upon over 40 years of experience, the authors of Statistics, 11th Edition provide business professionals with a clear and methodical approach to essential statistical procedures.

35
Book cover for “Statistics for Experimenters”
Statistics for Experimenters

Design, Innovation, and Discovery, 2nd Edition

Description

A Classic adapted to modern timesRewritten and updated, this new edition of Statistics for Experimenters adopts the same approaches as the landmark First Edition by teaching with examples, readily understood graphics, and the appropriate use of computers.

36
No coverA Student?s Guide to Bayesian Statistics
Description

Supported by a wealth of learning features, exercises, and visual elements as well as online video tutorials and interactive simulations, this book is the first studentfocused introduction to Bayesian statistics.

37
No coverAce the Data Science Interview
Ace the Data Science Interview

201 Real Interview Questions Asked By FAANG, Tech Startups, & Wall Street

39
No coverAn Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications
Description

Major changes in this edition include the substitution of probabilistic arguments for combinatorial artifices, and the addition of new sections on branching processes, Markov chains, and the De MoivreLaplace theorem.

40
No coverDiscovering Statistics Using R
Description

The R version of Andy Field's hugely popular Discovering Statistics Using SPSS takes students on a journey of statistical discovery using the freeware R.

41
No coverEmpirical Methods for Artificial Intelligence,
Description

This book presents empirical methods for studying complex computer programs: exploratory tools to help find patterns in data, experiment designs and hypothesistesting tools to help data speak convincingly, and modeling tools to help explain data.Computer science and Artificial…

42
No coverIntroduction to Algorithms
Description

The latest edition of the essential text and professional reference, with substantial new material on such topics as vEB trees, multithreaded algorithms, dynamic Programming,, and edgebased flow.Some books on algorithms are rigorous but incomplete; others cover masses of…

43
No coverNumerical Recipes 3rd Edition
Numerical Recipes 3rd Edition

The Art of Scientific Computing

Description

Coauthored by four leading scientists from academia and industry, Numerical Recipes Third Edition starts with basic mathematics and computer science and proceeds to complete, working routines.

44
Book cover for “Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning”
Description

Pattern recognition has its origins in engineering, whereas machine learning grew out of computer science. However, these activities can be viewed as two facets of the same field, and together they have undergone substantial development over the past ten years.

45
No coverPython Data Science Handbook
46
No coverStatistical Methods in Bioinformatics
Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics

An Introduction (Statistics for Biology and Health)

Description

Advances in computers and bioTechnology, have had a profound impact on biomedical research, and as a result complex data sets can now be generated to address extremely complex biological questions.

47
No coverThe Probability Tutoring Book
The Probability Tutoring Book

An Intuitive Course for Engineers and Scientists (and Everyone Else!)

Description

A selfstudy guide for practicing engineers, scientists, and students, this book offers practical, workedout examples on continuous and discrete probability for problemsolving courses.

48
No coverA Course in Probability Theory, Third Edition
Description

Since its publication by Academic Press, tens of thousands of students have taken a probability course using this classic textbook. Chung's A Course in Probability Theory, now in its third edition, has sustained its popularity for nearly 35 years. Originally developed from Dr.

49
No coverAll of Statistics
All of Statistics

A Concise Course in Statistical Inference (Springer Texts in Statistics)

Description

Taken literally, the title "All of Statistics" is an exaggeration. But in spirit, the title is apt, as the book does cover a much broader range of topics than a typical introductory book on mathematical statistics.

50
No coverBayesian Data Analysis
Description

Winner of the 2016 De Groot Prize from the International Society for Bayesian AnalysisNow in its third edition, this classic book is widely considered the leading text on Bayesian methods, lauded for its accessible, practical approach to analyzing data and solving research…

51
No coverData Analysis
Data Analysis

A Bayesian Tutorial

Description

Statistics lectures have been a source of much bewilderment and frustration for generations of students. This book attempts to remedy the situation by expounding a logical and unified approach to the whole subject of data analysis.This text is intended as a tutorial guide for…

52
Book cover for “Introduction to Probability”
Description

An intuitive, yet precise introduction to probability theory, stochastic processes, and probabilistic models used in science, engineering, economics, and related fields.

53
No coverMastering 'Metrics
54
No coverPractical Statistics for Data Scientists
Practical Statistics for Data Scientists

50 Essential Concepts Using R and Python

Description

Statistical methods are a key part of data science, yet few data scientists have formal statistical training. Courses and books on basic statistics rarely cover the topic from a data science perspective.

55
No coverStatistical Inference by Casella, George, Berger, Roger L. [Cengage Learning, 2001]2nd edition [Hardcover]
Description

This book builds theoretical statistics from the first principles of probability theory. Starting from the basics of probability, the authors develop the theory of statistical inference using techniques, definitions, and concepts that are statistical and are natural extensions…

56
No coverStatistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences
Description

Praise for the First Edition: "I recommend this book, without hesitation, as either a reference or course text...Wilks' excellent book provides a thorough base in applied statistical methods for atmospheric sciences."BAMS (Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society)…

57
Book cover for “Statistics Done Wrong”
Statistics Done Wrong

The Woefully Complete Guide

Description

Everyone knows that abuse of statistics is rampant in popular media. Politicians and marketers present shoddy evidence for dubious claims all the time.

58
No coverBayesian Methods for Hackers
Bayesian Methods for Hackers

Probabilistic Programming, and Bayesian Inference (AddisonWesley Data & Analytics) (AddisonWesley Data & Analytics)

Description

Master Bayesian Inference through Practical Examples and ComputationWithout Advanced Mathematical Analysis Bayesian methods of inference are deeply natural and extremely powerful.

59
No coverFifty Challenging Problems in Probability with Solutions
Description

Remarkable selection of puzzlers, graded in difficulty, that illustrate both elementary and advanced aspects of probability.

60
Book cover for “Honest Rainmaker”
Honest Rainmaker

The Life and Times of Colonel John R. Stingo

Description

Tales of rainmaking, horseracing, and soulsaving boisterously fill these pages, along with the edifying histories of such worthy entities as the U.S. Weather Control Bureau, the Great American Hog Syndicate, and the MidContinental Chinchilla Rabbitry.

61
Book cover for “Mostly Harmless Econometrics”
Mostly Harmless Econometrics

An Empiricist's Companion

Description

The core methods in today's econometric toolkit are linear regression for statistical control, instrumental variables methods for the analysis of natural experiments, and differencesindifferences methods that exploit policy changes.

62
No coverOpenIntro Statistics
Description

The OpenIntro project was founded in 2009 to improve the quality and availability of education by producing exceptional books and teaching tools that are free to use and easy to modify. Our inaugural effort is OpenIntro Statistics.

63
No coverProbability for Statistics and Machine Learning
Probability for Statistics and Machine Learning

Fundamentals and Advanced Topics (Springer Texts in Statistics)

Description

This accessible book provides a versatile treatment of classic as well as modern probability theory, while integrating them with core topics in statistical theory and also some key tools in machine learning. It contains many worked out examples and exercises.

64
No coverANALYTICS
ANALYTICS

INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE

Description

ANALYTICS INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE is the ideal introductory DATA SCIENCE textbook for a wide variety of first year Degree/Diploma students that are looking for a very easy to understand book that has the following features:1. ESSENTIAL THEORY2. SOLVED PROBLEMS3.

65
No coverBarron's AP Statistics
66
No coverBasic Probability
Basic Probability

What Every Math Student Should Know

Description

Written by international awardwinning probability expert Henk Tijms, Basic Probability: What Every Math Student Should Know presents the essentials of elementary probability.

67
Book cover for “Business Analytics Study Guide”
Description

This textbook will be ideal for any college or university student studying Business Analytics/Data Science/Statistics at first year degree or diploma level.

68
No coverData Analysis In Business Research
Data Analysis In Business Research

A StepByStep Nonparametric Approach (Response Books)

Description

While there are books focusing on parametric tests, the domain of nonparametric tests is mostly unexplored. Data Analysis in Business Research: A Step by Step Nonparametric Approach brings under one umbrella all the major nonparametric statistical tools that can be used by…

69
No coverInfo We Trust
Info We Trust

How to Inspire the World with Data

Description

How do we create new ways of looking at the world Join awardwinning data storyteller RJ Andrews as he pushes beyond the usual howto, and takes you on an adventure into the rich art of informing.Creating Info We Trust is a craft that puts the world into forms that are strong and…

70
Book cover for “Machine Learning Cookbook with Python”
Machine Learning Cookbook with Python

Create ML and Data Analytics Projects Using Some Amazing Open Datasets (English Edition)

Description

A Cookbook that will help you implement Machine Learning algorithms and techniques bybuilding realworld projects Key FeaturesLearn how to handle an entire Machine Learning Pipeline supported with adequate mathematics.

71
No coverPattern Classification 2nd Edition with Computer Manual 2nd Edition Set
Description

The first edition, published in 1973, has become a classic reference in the field. Now with the second edition, readers will find information on key new topics such as neural networks and statistical pattern recognition, the theory of machine learning, and the theory of…

72
No coverPrinciples of Statistics
Description

There are many textbooks which describe current methods of statistical analysis, while neglecting related theory. There are equally many advanced textbooks which delve into the far reaches of statistical theory, while bypassing practical applications.

73
No coverPROBABILITY & STATISTICS
PROBABILITY & STATISTICS

INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE

Description

Students will be introduced to the Data Analysis techniques used in Commerce, Economics, Business and Science. It will include Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics Probability, Random Sampling and Regression Analysis.

74
No coverProbability Theory and Statistical Applications
Probability Theory and Statistical Applications

A Profound Treatise for SelfStudy (De Gruyter Textbook)

Description

This accessible and easytoread book provides many examples to illustrate diverse topics in probability and statistics, from initial concepts up to advanced calculations. Special attention is devoted e.g.

75
Book cover for “Probability Theory”
Probability Theory

A Concise Course (Dover Books on Mathematics)

Description

This clear exposition begins with basic concepts and moves on to combination of events, dependent events and random variables, Bernoulli trials and the De MoivreLaplace theorem, a detailed treatment of Markov chains, continuous Markov processes, and more.

77
Book cover for “Statistics Crash Course for Beginners”
Statistics Crash Course for Beginners

Theory and Applications of Frequentist and Bayesian Statistics Using Python (Machine Learning & Data Science for Beginners)

78
No coverStatistics Economics for Class 11 (Examination 20202021)
80
No coverStatistics For Economics & Introductory Microeconomics For CBSE Class 11 20212022 Session
82
No coverStatistics for Machine Learning
Statistics for Machine Learning

Implement Statistical methods used in Machine Learning using Python (English Edition)

83
No coverStatistics Made Easy
Description

The books in this bitesized new series contain no complicated techniques or tricky materials, making them ideal for the busy, the timepressured or the merely curious. Statistics Made Easy is a short, simple and tothepoint guide to statistics.

84
Book cover for “Student Study Guide to Accompany Statistics Alive! 2e by Wendy J. Steinberg”
Description

This affordable student study guide and workbook to accompany Wendy Steinberg's Statistics Alive! text will help students get the added review and practice they need to improve their skills and master their Introduction to Statistics course.

Recommended Statistics Books by Balaji S. Srinivasan

Balaji S. Srinivasan recommends 2 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Balaji S. Srinivasan

Recommended Statistics Books by Bill Gates

Bill Gates recommends 2 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Bill Gates

Recommended Statistics Books by Keith Rabois

Keith Rabois recommends 2 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Keith Rabois

Statistics Books: common questions

What are the most recommended statistics books?
How to Lie with Statistics, How Not to Be Wrong and You Are Not So Smart are the most recommended statistics books on BookMentions, ranked by how many people recommended them.
Who recommends statistics books?
Balaji S. Srinivasan, Bill Gates, Keith Rabois and Adam Robinson are among the people who recommend books on this list. Each name links to their full set of book recommendations.
Which of these statistics books should I read first?
How to Lie with Statistics is the most recommended here with 9 recommendations, which makes it the safest place to start.

Built from recommendation data, category signals, and source-backed book records. Use this list as a starting point; open any book to see proof, context, and Amazon options where available.

Recommendation dataCategory signalsSource-backed book recordsOpen book pages for proof/context

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About this list

This list aggregates books that appear in public recommendation sources, reader-interest signals, and category data. Books are ranked by their position from the source list; recommendation counts and ratings are shown where available. Open any book to see source-backed recommendation proof, editorial context, and Amazon options — the per-book detail page is where the trust signals live.

Recommended books by person: who recommends statistics books

Books recommended by the people below. Open a profile to see everything they recommend, with the source behind each pick.