PRISM
PRISM is a free, open-source probabilistic model checker for formal analysis of systems with random or probabilistic behaviour.
What PRISM is
PRISM is a free, open-source probabilistic model checker for formal analysis of systems with random or probabilistic behaviour. It supports discrete-time and continuous-time Markov chains, Markov decision processes, probabilistic automata, probabilistic timed automata, partially observable models, and interval models. Costs and rewards can be added to supported models. Its property specification language includes PCTL, CSL, LTL, and PCTL*, with quantitative and costs-and-rewards extensions. Analysis methods include symbolic algorithms based on BDDs and MTBDDs, discrete-event simulation for approximate or statistical checking, quantitative abstraction refinement, and symmetry reduction. PRISM uses its own language, PEPA, and SBML as input languages, and supports temporal logic and counterexamples. Version 4.10.1 supports UMB import and export, imports POMDPs from explicit files, and can optionally exchange initial state information through a .tra file. PRISM is distributed under GNU General Public License version 2 and is known to run on Linux, Windows, and macOS in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It requires Java 11 or later; binary distributions require the Java Runtime Environment.
Good
- Supports several probabilistic model types.
- Includes symbolic and simulation-based analysis methods.
- Supports temporal logic and counterexamples.
- Free and open source under GNU GPL version 2.
Watch out
- Requires Java 11 or later.
- Binary distributions require the Java Runtime Environment.
- Version 4.10.1 supports specific import and export formats.
Who it suits
PRISM suits people formally modelling and analyzing systems with probabilistic behavior, including those working with the supported model types and specification languages. It is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Verdict
PRISM offers a broad set of probabilistic formalisms and analysis methods for formal modelling. Check its Java requirement and supported input and exchange formats for compatibility with your workflow.
Plans and prices
From PRISM's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PRISM | Free | Free and open source · GNU General Public License, version 2 |
The facts
Each one read from PRISM's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Analysis methods
- PRISM includes BDD and MTBDD based symbolic algorithms, discrete-event simulation for approximate or statistical model checking, quantitative abstraction refinement, and symmetry reduction.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- PRISM is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- Version 4.10.1 supports import and export using UMB format, imports POMDPs from explicit files, and can optionally export or import initial state information via a .tra file.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The download page lists version 4.10.1, first released on 2 April 2026.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Maintainers
- The site says PRISM was created and is actively maintained by Dave Parker, Gethin Norman, and Marta Kwiatkowska, with development currently led from Oxford by Dave Parker.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Model types
- It supports discrete-time and continuous-time Markov chains, Markov decision processes, probabilistic automata, probabilistic timed automata, partially observable models, and interval models.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Prerequisite
- Running PRISM requires Java version 11 or above; binary distributions require the Java Runtime Environment.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PRISM is a probabilistic model checker for formal modelling and analysis of systems with random or probabilistic behaviour.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security use cases
- The case studies include analysis of security-related systems, including contract signing, anonymity, threats and attacks, and quantum cryptography protocols.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Specifications
- Its property specification language incorporates PCTL, CSL, LTL, and PCTL*, as well as quantitative and costs/rewards extensions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its FAQ and manual, and invites other questions, feedback, bug reports, and feature requests through its forum or GitHub issue tracker.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The site says PRISM is known to run on Linux, Windows, and macOS, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Rewards and costs
- PRISM supports extensions of its models with costs and rewards.checked 7 Oct 2026
