How to Cite a Dataset in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography)

This guide explains how to format a dataset citation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography). 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 Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography):

Template

Note: Author or Organization, "Title of Dataset," version, Publisher/Repository, Year, URL or DOI. Bibliography: Author or Organization. "Title of Dataset." Version. Publisher/Repository, Year. URL or DOI.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

1. World Bank, "World Development Indicators," The World Bank Group, 2023, https://doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29.

Bibliography Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your bibliography:

Bibliography entry

World Bank. "World Development Indicators." The World Bank Group, 2023. 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.
2
Write the dataset title
Place the title of the dataset in quotation marks. Use headline-style capitalization.
3
Add version and publisher
Include the version number if applicable. Add the name of the repository or publisher, followed by the year.
4
Include the DOI or URL
Provide the DOI as a full URL or the direct URL to the dataset. End with a period.
5
Format notes vs. bibliography
In notes, use commas to separate elements. In bibliography, use periods. The note includes all information in running format.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Italicizing the dataset title instead of placing it in quotation marks.
Omitting the version number when citing a specific version of a dataset.
Not including the repository or publisher name.
Forgetting to include the DOI or URL.
Not distinguishing between the dataset creator and the hosting repository.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I italicize or quote the dataset title in Chicago?

Place the dataset title in quotation marks, not italics. Chicago treats datasets as smaller works (like articles) within a larger repository container.

How do I cite data I accessed through an API?

Cite the dataset as you would normally, but include the API endpoint or the dataset's landing page URL. Note the date of access if the data is regularly updated.

Do I need an access date for datasets?

Include an access date if the dataset is frequently updated and does not have a fixed publication date. Otherwise, the publication year is sufficient.

Information You Will Need

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

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

Generate citations automatically with CiteDash

Stop formatting citations by hand. CiteDash automatically generates accurate Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography) citations for all your sources while you research and write.

Start Free Trial More Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography) Guides

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the creator

List the person(s) or organization that created or compiled the dataset.

Write the dataset title

Place the title of the dataset in quotation marks. Use headline-style capitalization.

Add version and publisher

Include the version number if applicable. Add the name of the repository or publisher, followed by the year.

Include the DOI or URL

Provide the DOI as a full URL or the direct URL to the dataset. End with a period.

Format notes vs. bibliography

In notes, use commas to separate elements. In bibliography, use periods. The note includes all information in running format.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Italicizing the dataset title instead of placing it in quotation marks.

Omitting the version number when citing a specific version of a dataset.

Not including the repository or publisher name.

Forgetting to include the DOI or URL.

Not distinguishing between the dataset creator and the hosting repository.