This blank template can be used to manually create a data dictionary. Use one row for each data element, and do not leave rows, columns, or cells blank. Add rows and columns as necessary, and enter n/a if nothing applies. See below for an explanation of column headers.
Use the following link to access a blank template to download and customize:
This template is read-only. Please copy the information into your own spreadsheet to create your data dictionary.
Explanation of column headers:
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Spreadsheet tab: If your spreadsheet has multiple tabs, identify the tab you are describing.
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Element or value display name: What is the name used in your data file?
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Description: Write a brief definition, stated in the singular, that could stand alone from other element definitions.
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Data type: For example, indicate varchar, integer, date, etc.
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Character length: For example, the maximum length for Excel is 255, so indicate 255 or less.
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Acceptable values: List all acceptable values, separated by pipes ( | ). This may be a field name or a range of values.
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Required?: Enter y/n to indicate whether this field is required.
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Accepts null value?: This required to run calculations on your data. Indicate y/n if null value is allowable.
- A note on null values: Null is the absence of a recorded value for a field. A null value differs from a value of zero in that zero may represent the measure of an attribute, while a null value indicates that no measurement has been taken.