How do I cite a dataset in Harvard?

To cite a dataset in Harvard (Cite Them Right), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What is the Harvard format for a dataset citation?

The Harvard format for a dataset is: Author, A.A. (Year) Title of dataset [Dataset]. Version #. Repository Name. doi:xxxxx.

What does the in-text citation look like for a dataset in Harvard?

In Harvard, the in-text citation for the example above is (Author, Year)

How to Cite a Dataset in Harvard (Cite Them Right)

Learn how to cite a dataset or database in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Harvard Reference List Format

Here is the standard Harvard format for citing a dataset in your reference list:

Author, A.A. (Year) Title of dataset [Dataset]. Version #. Repository Name. doi:xxxxx.

Harvard Example for a Dataset

A complete Harvard reference for a dataset, formatted by the official Harvard CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Ferrari, L. (2023) “Global reading habits survey, 2015-2022.” Open Data Archive. doi:10.1000/oda.2023.771.

Matching in-text citation: (Ferrari, 2023)

Harvard In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Author, Year)

Narrative

Author (Year) reports data showing...

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your dataset.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Harvard (Cite Them Right) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Harvard requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: harvard.csl

Editorial sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a dataset in Harvard?: To cite a dataset in Harvard (Cite Them Right), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Harvard format for a dataset citation?: The Harvard format for a dataset is: Author, A.A. (Year) Title of dataset [Dataset]. Version #. Repository Name. doi:xxxxx.
What does the in-text citation look like for a dataset in Harvard?: In Harvard, the in-text citation for the example above is (Author, Year)