How to Cite a Dataset in APA 7th Edition

This guide explains how to format a dataset citation in APA 7th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a dataset in APA 7th Edition:

Template

Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of dataset* (Version x.x) [Data set]. Publisher/Repository. https://doi.org/xxxxx

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(World Bank, 2023)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

World Bank. (2023). World development indicators [Data set]. The World Bank Group. https://doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
List the person(s) or organization that created or compiled the dataset. Use the same format as for other APA references (Last, Initials).
2
Add the year
Include the year the dataset was published or most recently updated, in parentheses.
3
Write the dataset title
Italicize the title. Use sentence case. If there is a version number, include it in parentheses after the title. Follow with "[Data set]" in square brackets.
4
Add the publisher or repository
Name the organization or repository that hosts the dataset (e.g., ICPSR, Dryad, Zenodo, The World Bank).
5
Include the DOI or URL
Provide the DOI as a URL if available. If no DOI exists, provide the direct URL to the dataset.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to include "[Data set]" in square brackets after the title.
Omitting the version number when multiple versions of the dataset exist.
Not including the DOI or repository URL.
Confusing the dataset creator with the repository — the creator is the author, the repository is the publisher.
Not italicizing the dataset title.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a specific version of a dataset?

Include the version number in parentheses after the title: Title of dataset (Version 2.0) [Data set]. This ensures readers can locate the exact version you used.

What if the dataset is unpublished or privately held?

For unpublished datasets, use the same format but note "Unpublished raw data" in square brackets instead of "[Data set]." Include as much identifying information as possible.

Do I cite the dataset itself or the paper that describes it?

Cite the dataset directly if you used the data. If you are discussing the methodology, cite the accompanying paper. You may cite both if relevant.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your dataset:

Author/Creator
Title
Version
Publisher/Repository
Year
DOI/URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the creator

List the person(s) or organization that created or compiled the dataset. Use the same format as for other APA references (Last, Initials).

Add the year

Include the year the dataset was published or most recently updated, in parentheses.

Write the dataset title

Italicize the title. Use sentence case. If there is a version number, include it in parentheses after the title. Follow with "[Data set]" in square brackets.

Add the publisher or repository

Name the organization or repository that hosts the dataset (e.g., ICPSR, Dryad, Zenodo, The World Bank).

Include the DOI or URL

Provide the DOI as a URL if available. If no DOI exists, provide the direct URL to the dataset.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to include "[Data set]" in square brackets after the title.

Omitting the version number when multiple versions of the dataset exist.

Not including the DOI or repository URL.

Confusing the dataset creator with the repository — the creator is the author, the repository is the publisher.

Not italicizing the dataset title.