Data vs. Datum: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Data refers to factual information used for reasoning, discussion, or calculation, often in plural form, while datum is the singular form, representing a single piece of information.
Key Differences
Data are pieces of factual information, often numeric, used collectively for reference or analysis. A datum is a singular term referring to a single piece of such information.
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Nov 29, 2023
In research and analysis, data serve as the collective evidence from which conclusions are drawn. Each individual piece of this collection is a datum.
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Nov 29, 2023
Data is often used in fields like statistics, science, and computing to refer to sets of information. A datum, meanwhile, can be a single number, fact, or observation within these sets.
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Nov 29, 2023
The term data is more commonly used in modern English, sometimes treated as singular. In contrast, datum is less common and more specific, representing an individual element of data.
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Nov 29, 2023
Data can encompass a wide range of information types and quantities. Each specific piece of this aggregate, such as a measurement or statistic, is a datum.
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Comparison Chart
Plurality
Usually plural (pieces of information)
Singular (a single piece of information)
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Fields of Application
Used in statistics, science, computing, etc.
Used to refer to a specific data point
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Grammatical Treatment
Often treated as singular in contemporary usage
Strictly singular
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Data and Datum Definitions
Data
Facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis.
The data from the survey revealed significant trends.
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Datum
A single piece of information.
Each datum in the study was carefully analyzed.
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Data
Information processed or stored by a computer.
The data was corrupted due to a system error.
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Datum
A point, number, or fact from which conclusions can be drawn.
This particular datum is critical for our hypothesis.
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Data
Information used as a basis for calculation or reasoning.
The data indicated a rise in temperature trends.
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Datum
An item of factual information derived from measurement or research.
The datum showed an unexpected result in the experiment.
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Data
Quantitative or qualitative values in a study or research.
The research data was crucial for the experiment's success.
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Datum
A reference point for scientific or mathematical calculations.
The geographical datum was used for the map's accuracy.
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Nov 22, 2023
Datum
Pl. da·ta (-tə) A fact or proposition used to draw a conclusion or make a decision. See Usage Note at data.
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Oct 19, 2023
Data
Information, especially in a scientific or computational context, or with the implication that it is organized.
The raw information was processed and placed into a database so the data could be accessed more quickly.
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Datum
Pl. da·tums A point, line, or surface used as a reference, as in surveying, mapping, or geology.
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Data
(collectively) Recorded observations that are usually presented in a structured format.
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Data
(computing) A representation of facts or ideas in a formalized manner capable of being communicated or manipulated by some process.
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Data
Senseid|en|telephony}}(mobile telephony) {{ellipsis of mobile data: digital information transmitted using the cellular telephone network rather than Wi-Fi.
Run out of data
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Datum
(plural: data) (philosophy) A premise from which conclusions are drawn.
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Datum
(plural: datums) A fixed reference point or set of reference points which precisely define a system of measurement or a coordinate system.
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Data
A collection of facts, observations, or other information related to a particular question or problem; as, the historical data show that the budget deficit is only a small factor in determining interest rates.
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Oct 19, 2023
Datum
(plural: datums) (nautical) A floating reference point, or SLDMB, used to evaluate surface currents in a body of water. Often employed by coastal search and rescue.
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Data
Information, most commonly in the form of a series of binary digits, stored on a physical storage medium for manipulation by a computer program. It is contrasted with the program which is a series of instructions used by the central processing unit of a computer to manipulate the data. In some conputers data and execuatble programs are stored in separate locations.
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Oct 19, 2023
Datum
To provide missing data points by using a mathematical model to extrapolate values that are outside the range of a measuring device.
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Data
A collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn;
Statistical data
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Datum
Something given or admitted; a fact or principle granted; that upon which an inference or an argument is based; - used chiefly in the plural.
Any writer, therefore, who . . . furnishes us with data sufficient to determine the time in which he wrote.
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Data
Details or pieces of information that are processed.
We need more data to make an informed decision.
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Nov 22, 2023
Datum
A single piece of information; a fact; especially a piece of information obtained by observation or experiment; - used mostly in the plural.
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Oct 19, 2023
Datum
The quantities or relations which are assumed to be given in any problem.
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Datum
A point, line, or level surface used as a reference in measuring elevations.
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Datum
An individual fact or statistic considered in analysis.
Each datum contributes to the overall understanding of the topic.
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Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can data be both qualitative and quantitative?
Yes, data can be either qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numeric).
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Nov 29, 2023
What is data in simple terms?
Data are facts or information used collectively for analysis or decision making.
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How are data used in computing?
In computing, data refer to information processed or stored by computers.
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What does datum mean?
Datum is a single piece of information or data point.
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Is datum used often in everyday language?
Datum is less common in casual use and more specific to fields like science or statistics.
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Is the word data singular or plural?
Traditionally plural, but often treated as singular in modern usage.
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Can a datum be subjective?
While data aim for objectivity, a single datum can sometimes be subjective.
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How is data used in research?
Data are used in research to support hypotheses and derive conclusions.
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What is an example of data in everyday life?
Survey results or daily temperature readings are examples of data.
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Does a datum have to be numerical?
No, a datum can be numerical or non-numerical, like a factual statement.
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Can datum be a reference point?
Yes, a datum can serve as a reference in scientific or mathematical contexts.
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Does datum mean the same as data?
Not exactly; datum is a singular form referring to a single data point.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can datum refer to a measurement?
Yes, a datum can be a measurement or specific fact obtained from research.
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Can data be visualized?
Yes, data can be represented visually through charts, graphs, and diagrams.
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How is data collected?
Data can be collected through various methods like surveys, experiments, or observations.
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Are data always reliable?
Not necessarily; the reliability of data depends on how it's collected and analyzed.
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Is a datum important in statistics?
Yes, each datum is vital in statistics for accurate analysis.
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Can one datum change a conclusion?
Potentially, especially if it's a critical piece of information.
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Is data important in decision making?
Yes, data are crucial in making informed and rational decisions.
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How do data and datum relate to information?
Data are structured pieces of information, while a datum is an individual element of this data.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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