How to reference a dataset in Vancouver
A dataset reference in Vancouver has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: A number, like (1)
- Checked 23 October 2026
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The 5 parts
1. Author. Title. Repository; Year. DOI
1. . 2 · TITLEStudent sleep survey, 2024. 3 · REPOSITORYNorthgate Data Archive; 4 · DATE2024. 5 · DOIdoi:10.5555/sds.2024.12
- 2 · TitleAs the source gives it.The dataset’s title.
- 3 · RepositoryAs the source gives it.The repository or archive that holds it.
- 4 · DateThe year.The year it was published.
- 5 · DOI“doi:” then the DOI, with no space.On the dataset’s page.
Two places, one source
The survey asked students how long they slept (1).
The source’s number.1. Student Data Service. Student sleep survey, 2024. Northgate Data Archive; 2024. doi:10.5555/sds.2024.12
The full reference, in the order you first cited each source.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
Two authors
Give both names, with a comma between them.
1. Green A, Patel R. Student sleep survey, 2024. Northgate Data Archive; 2024. doi:10.5555/sds.2024.12
In your essay: (1)
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list.
1. Green A, Patel R, Okafor D, Lee H. Student sleep survey, 2024. Northgate Data Archive; 2024. doi:10.5555/sds.2024.12
In your essay: (1)
Check your university’s version
Most universities publish their own Vancouver, with small differences in brackets and in how many authors to list. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows Citing Medicine (2nd edition), the US National Library of Medicine’s guide to Vancouver style.
Questions
How do I cite a dataset in the text?
Use the number the source has in your list: (1). The list is in the order you first cite each source, so the first source you cite is 1.
Is Vancouver the same at every university?
Most universities publish their own Vancouver, with small differences in brackets and in how many authors to list. Your module handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
KanBananza’s step-by-step guides show how to plan an assignment and keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Let Peel do this as you read
Save a page in one click. Peel fills in the details, flags anything missing, and builds your reference list in any style, free.
These guides and Peel’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with Peel or KanBananza and don’t endorse them. See our terms.