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How to Cite a Dataset in Turabian (9th edition)

Learn how to cite a dataset or database in Turabian format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Turabian Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Turabian format for citing a dataset in your bibliography:

Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Dataset." Version #. Repository Name, Year. https://doi.org/xxxxx.

Turabian Example for a Dataset

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

Ferrari, Luca. 2023. “Global Reading Habits Survey, 2015-2022.” Version 2.1. Open Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.1000/oda.2023.771.

Matching in-text citation: (Ferrari 2023)

Turabian In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

(Author Year)

Narrative

Author (Year) found in their dataset...

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your dataset.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Turabian (9th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Turabian 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: turabian.csl

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a dataset in Turabian?
To cite a dataset in Turabian (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Turabian format for a dataset citation?
The Turabian format for a dataset is: Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Dataset." Version #. Repository Name, Year. https://doi.org/xxxxx.
What does the in-text citation look like for a dataset in Turabian?
In Turabian, the in-text citation for the example above is (Author Year)

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Cite a Dataset in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Turabian

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