How to Cite a Dataset in APA Format

Citing a dataset in APA format requires the author or creator, year, dataset title, version (if applicable), publisher or repository, and DOI or URL. Datasets are increasingly cited in academic research as data sharing becomes more common.

Basic Dataset Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for a dataset citation is:

Reference list entry:

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

Parenthetical in-text citation: (Author, Year)

Narrative in-text citation: Author (Year)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference a dataset within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The analysis used publicly available census data (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).
• Narrative: The U.S. Census Bureau (2023) released the updated population estimates.

Common Variations

Dataset with a DOI

Always prefer the DOI when one is available.

Smith, J. A. (2023). Survey of workplace satisfaction (Version 2.0) [Data set]. ICPSR. https://doi.org/10.3886/example

Dataset from a Government Agency

U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). American Community Survey 5-year estimates [Data set]. https://data.census.gov

Dataset without a Version Number

Omit the version information from the reference.

World Bank. (2024). World Development Indicators [Data set]. https://databank.worldbank.org

Tips for Citing Datasets

• Use [Data set] in square brackets after the title to identify the source type.
• Include the version number in parentheses after the title when applicable.
• Prefer the DOI over a URL when both are available.
• Cite the specific dataset you used, not the general repository or database.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a dataset I created myself? If your dataset is unpublished, describe it in the text of your paper without a formal reference entry. If it is deposited in a repository, cite it using the repository’s assigned DOI or URL.

Should I cite the dataset and the article that describes it separately? Yes. Cite both the dataset and any associated publication as separate references.

How do I cite a subset of a larger dataset? Cite the full dataset in the reference list and describe the specific subset you used in the text of your paper.