STATS File – What is .stats file and how to open it?

STATS File: Definition and Purpose

A STATS file, characterized by the .STATS file extension, is a data file specifically utilized by FreeSurfer, an advanced neuroimaging software suite. FreeSurfer is widely employed for the reconstruction of the brain’s cortical surface from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The STATS file serves as a container for storing statistical data associated with the cortical surface reconstruction process.

Structure and Content of a STATS File

The STATS file contains various statistical measures pertaining to the cortical surface of the brain. These measures include but are not limited to thickness, curvature, area, and volume. The data is organized in a tabular format, where each row represents a specific vertex or region of the cortical surface, and each column represents a different statistical measure. The file may also include information regarding the subject’s demographics, scan parameters, and any preprocessing steps applied to the MRI data. STATS files are crucial for statistical analysis of neuroimaging data, allowing researchers to investigate patterns and differences in cortical morphology across different individuals or groups.

What is a STATS file?

A STATS file is a statistical data file used by FreeSurfer, an open-source software suite for processing and analyzing brain imaging data. STATS files typically contain the results of statistical analyses performed on brain imaging data, such as surface-based morphometry, volumetric measurements, and connectivity analyses. STATS files are saved in a binary format and can be viewed using the FreeSurfer software suite.

How to open a STATS file?

STATS files can be opened using the FreeSurfer software suite, which is available for download from the FreeSurfer website. Once FreeSurfer is installed, STATS files can be opened by using the “mristats” command. The mristats command can be used to view the contents of a STATS file, perform statistical analyses on the data, and export the results to a text file.

Here is an example of how to open a STATS file using the mri_stats command:


mri_stats -i stats.stats


This command will open the STATS file specified by the “-i” option and display the contents of the file. The “-a” option can be used to perform statistical analyses on the data, and the “-o” option can be used to export the results to a text file.

STATS File Format

STATS files, with the file extension .STATS, are a type of file generated by FreeSurfer, a popular neuroimaging software suite. These files contain statistical information related to brain scans and are specifically used to store the results of statistical analyses performed on neuroimaging data. STATS files typically include data such as statistical maps, cluster statistics, and information about the statistical model used. They facilitate the exploration and interpretation of brain imaging results, providing researchers with insights into brain structure, function, and connectivity.

Usage and Significance

STATS files are essential for researchers conducting neuroimaging studies using FreeSurfer. They enable the visualization and analysis of statistical results, allowing researchers to identify significant differences in brain anatomy or function. STATS files are widely used in various fields, including cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, and clinical research. By providing a standardized format for storing statistical information, STATS files facilitate collaboration and data sharing among researchers, enabling the comparison of results across different studies and facilitating meta-analyses.

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