In this article, we will explore some of the best YouTube channels for learning statistics from scratch. Statistics is one of the most important mathematical fields today, and it is taught across almost every academic discipline.
Whether you are an engineering student, a business or commerce student, a researcher, or a science student studying subjects such as physics, having a good understanding of statistics can be extremely valuable.
Statistics focuses on collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data, whether in the form of tables, charts, or graphs. It is considered an important branch of Applied Mathematics and plays a major role in academic research, business, science, and many other fields.
The history of statistics and probability also has deep roots in the Islamic Golden Age, with early contributions to mathematical and statistical thinking made by Muslim scholars, including the renowned Omani scholar Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi.
Today, statistics is generally divided into two main branches:
Descriptive Statistics: focuses on organizing, summarizing, and presenting data in a meaningful way. Inferential Statistics: involves analyzing sample data and using it to draw conclusions or make predictions about a larger population.
Inferential statistics is particularly important in academic research and data analysis. Several widely used software tools can help students and researchers perform statistical analyses, including:
- SPSS
- EViews
- Microsoft Excel
If you are currently studying statistics at university, this article is for you. We have put together a list of the best YouTube channels to learn statistics from scratch for free.
These channels can help you understand the fundamentals of statistics, learn how to solve statistical problems step by step, and build a strong foundation without having to pay for expensive courses.
All you need is an internet connection, a notebook for taking notes, and a willingness to practice what you learn. So, let’s explore some of the best free YouTube resources for learning statistics for beginners.
MarinStatsLectures-R Programming & Statistics
The lectures on this channel are presented by Professor Mike Marin, a lecturer at the University of British Columbia. His content focuses on explaining the relationship between R programming and statistics, particularly for master’s and PhD students.
However, the channel is not limited to advanced learners. It is also suitable for students at the beginner and intermediate levels of statistics, making it a useful resource for anyone looking to learn statistics from scratch.
The channel covers a variety of important statistics topics, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and bivariate analysis. It also offers beginner-friendly statistics lessons through the “Statistics for Beginners: Puppet Master of Statistics” playlist, along with practical explanations of how to analyze data using the R programming language.
If you are interested in combining statistical concepts with practical data analysis, this channel can be a valuable addition to your list of free YouTube resources for learning statistics.
Simple Learning Pro
This channel features a dedicated playlist designed specifically to teach the basics of statistics and is particularly suitable for beginners. The lessons cover a range of simple yet essential statistics topics, making the playlist a useful starting point for anyone who wants to learn statistics from scratch.
Some of the key topics covered include:
- Histograms
- Bar charts
- Types of experimental designs
- Pie charts
- Median and standard deviation
- Percentages
- Symmetry and skewness
- Residuals
- Types of sampling methods
The lessons are presented in a straightforward way, making them easier for beginners to understand fundamental statistical concepts and gradually build a solid foundation in statistics and data analysis.
Brandon Foltz
This YouTube channel is run by Brandon Foltz, an American educator whose lessons cover a variety of subjects, including introductory statistics, finite mathematics, management science, particularly operations management, as well as the fundamentals of accounting.
The channel features several playlists dedicated specifically to learning statistics, making it a valuable resource for students and beginners who want to build their statistical knowledge step by step.
One of the available playlists is “Statistics #Shorts Under 60 Seconds,” which consists of short videos that explain individual statistics concepts and techniques in less than one minute. It is a convenient option for anyone looking to review a specific topic quickly or learn a new statistical concept in a short amount of time.
The channel also offers the “Statistics 101 Course,” which is one of its most comprehensive statistics resources. This course is divided into 20 separate playlists, covering different statistical units and topics. Together, these playlists provide a structured learning path that can help beginners learn statistics from scratch and gradually develop a stronger understanding of statistics and data analysis.
Stephanie Glen
Although the channel’s cover may suggest that it specializes in calculus, its content actually focuses heavily on statistics and provides several playlists covering different statistical topics.
Each playlist focuses on a specific subject, making the channel a useful resource for students who want to learn statistics from scratch or strengthen their understanding of essential statistical concepts.
The topics covered include:
- Excel for Statistics: Learn how to use Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis.
- Probability: An introduction to probability and its fundamental concepts.
- Statistics Basics: Essential statistical concepts for beginners.
- Regression Analysis: Learn the fundamentals of regression and how it is used to analyze data.
- Hypothesis Testing and Critical Values: Understand hypothesis tests and how to determine critical values.
- The Normal Distribution: Learn about one of the most important probability distributions in statistics.
- Using the TI-83 Calculator for Statistics: Practical lessons on using the TI-83 calculator for statistical calculations.
- Derivatives: Lessons covering fundamental concepts related to derivatives.
- Ranges and Function Ordering: Tutorials on ranges and the ordering of functions.
With its variety of playlists, this channel can be particularly helpful for students looking for free statistics tutorials on YouTube, especially those who want to combine statistical theory with practical tools such as Excel and the TI-83 calculator.
Dr Nic’s Maths and Stats
The videos on this channel are presented by Dr. Nicola Bettey, an experienced educator specializing in teaching and learning statistics as well as operations research. She also works as a mathematics teacher for secondary school students.
Her channel features a variety of playlists dedicated to both mathematics and statistics, making it a useful resource for students at different learning levels.
Through these playlists, you can explore a range of important topics, including statistical processes, hypothesis testing, the fundamentals of probability, and how probability distributions work, with a particular focus on the normal distribution.
The channel also includes a playlist titled “Understanding Decimal Numbers,” which helps learners develop a better understanding of decimal numbers and related mathematical concepts.
Overall, this channel is a helpful option for students looking for free YouTube lessons in statistics and mathematics, especially those who want to strengthen their fundamentals and build a better understanding of statistical concepts.
Khan Academy Probability and Statistics
This channel belongs to Khan Academy, one of the leading educational platforms offering lessons across a wide range of academic subjects for both school and university students. As a result, you can find a comprehensive collection of videos covering statistics and probability.
The channel includes several playlists that cover important statistical and mathematical concepts. For example, the “Independent and Dependent Events” playlist explains the difference between independent and dependent events and helps learners understand how these types of events work in probability.
In the “Probability and Combinatorics” playlist, you can learn about combinatorics and explore the fundamental principles used to solve counting and probability problems. Meanwhile, the “Statistical Studies” playlist focuses on different concepts related to statistical studies and data collection.
The “Descriptive Statistics” playlist covers the fundamentals of descriptive statistics, which focuses on quantitatively describing and summarizing the main characteristics of a dataset. You can also learn about random variables and probability distributions through the “Random Variables and Probability Distributions” playlist.
Similarly, the “Regression” playlist provides lessons on different types and applications of regression, including topics related to linear and algebraic regression. The channel also introduces learners to inferential statistics through its “Inferential Statistics” playlist.
With its structured lessons and wide range of topics, Khan Academy is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn statistics from scratch for free, whether they are beginners, university students, or simply interested in improving their statistics and probability skills.
Peter Dalley
With the final channel on our list, you can learn statistics from scratch, especially if you are studying economics, business, or business administration.
The channel is run by Peter Daley, a Canadian educator and the creator of the Statistics Workbook website. The website is particularly useful for students because it allows them to download PDF exercises and practice materials related to the lessons, making it easier to reinforce what they have learned.
You can also watch and follow the lessons through the channel or website in MP4 video format. The first playlist consists of eight units covering the essential foundations of statistics:
- Types of Data
- Graphical Summaries
- Numerical Summaries
- Introduction to Probability
- Discrete Probability Distributions
- Continuous Probability Distributions
- Sampling and Sampling Distributions
- Estimating Intervals
The second playlist covers several other important topics for statistics students, including:
- Hypothesis Testing
- Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
- Simple and Multiple Linear Regression
Overall, this channel and its accompanying website can be a valuable resource for students who want to learn statistics for free, particularly those studying economics, business, or related fields. The combination of video lessons and downloadable practice exercises also makes it easier to understand statistical concepts and apply them through hands-on practice.
Conclusion
Learning statistics may seem challenging at first, but with the right resources and consistent practice, you can master it step by step. The YouTube channels mentioned in this article offer a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn statistics from scratch for free, whether you are a beginner, a university student, a researcher, or simply interested in data analysis.
Choose the channel that best matches your learning level and goals, take notes, practice regularly, and do not be afraid to revisit difficult lessons. Remember, understanding statistics is not about memorizing formulas—it is about learning how to use data to make better decisions and draw meaningful conclusions.
So, start learning today, stay consistent, and give yourself time to improve. With patience and practice, statistics can become much easier and more enjoyable than you might expect!
