How to Cite a Dataset in Vancouver

This guide explains how to format a dataset citation in Vancouver. 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 Vancouver:

Template

Author(s). Title [dataset]. Repository; Year [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: URL

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(1)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Smith JA, Lee B. National health expenditure trends, 2010--2025 [dataset]. Dryad Digital Repository; 2025 [cited 2026 Mar 28]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.example

Step-by-Step Guide

1
List the authors
Write each author's surname followed by their initials (no full stops between initials). Separate multiple authors with commas.
2
Write the dataset title
Write the title in sentence case. Immediately follow the title with '[dataset]' in square brackets.
3
Add the repository and year
Name the data repository (e.g., Dryad, Figshare, Zenodo). Follow with a semicolon, the publication year, and the cited date in square brackets.
4
Include the URL or DOI
Write 'Available from:' followed by the full DOI URL or direct link to the dataset.
5
Assign the reference number
Use the next sequential number in your numbered reference list and cite it in the text.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to include '[dataset]' after the title to identify the content type.
Omitting the '[cited ...]' date for the dataset access.
Not including the repository name as the source.
Using full first names instead of initials for the authors.
Placing a full stop after the DOI or URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I indicate that a source is a dataset in Vancouver style?

Place '[dataset]' in square brackets immediately after the title. This content-type designator tells the reader what form the source takes.

Do I cite the repository or the institution that produced the data?

The repository where the dataset is hosted acts as the publisher. The institution or individuals who created the data are listed as the authors.

What if the dataset has a DOI and a URL — which do I use?

Prefer the DOI, formatted as a URL (https://doi.org/...). DOIs are persistent and more reliable than direct URLs, which may change over time.

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

List the authors

Write each author's surname followed by their initials (no full stops between initials). Separate multiple authors with commas.

Write the dataset title

Write the title in sentence case. Immediately follow the title with '[dataset]' in square brackets.

Add the repository and year

Name the data repository (e.g., Dryad, Figshare, Zenodo). Follow with a semicolon, the publication year, and the cited date in square brackets.

Include the URL or DOI

Write 'Available from:' followed by the full DOI URL or direct link to the dataset.

Assign the reference number

Use the next sequential number in your numbered reference list and cite it in the text.