1. Codebook template
A codebook is a table that explains every variable in your dataset: its name, wording, type, codes, missing-value rule and valid range. It stops mistakes later, especially when more than one person touches the data.
Download the codebook template (Excel)
- Columns for variable name, label, type, value codes, missing code, valid range and reverse-coding.
- Example rows to copy, drop-down lists for variable type and reverse coding, and space for 30 variables.
- A “How to use” sheet with five short rules.
Tip: fill it in before you collect data, because the process shows you which questions you cannot analyse. Our questionnaire design guide explains this planning step.
2. Data cleaning checklist
A 17-step checklist that takes you from raw export to analysis-ready file: structure, duplicates, missing data, errors, outliers, recoding, quality checks and a cleaning log.
Download the data cleaning checklist (Excel)
- Each check has a short “how to do it” note.
- A status drop-down (Not started, In progress, Done, Not applicable) and a notes column.
- An automatic progress percentage that updates as you tick items off.
Tip: use the notes column as your cleaning log. Write what you changed, how many cells and why, so you can justify it in your methods.
3. Practice dataset
A simulated survey of 60 respondents with five Likert items and deliberate errors, such as a missing value, an impossible rating and an impossible age. Use it to practise the checklist, then follow our survey analysis worked example to compare your results with ours.
Download the practice dataset (Excel)
The data are simulated and not from real people, so you can use them for teaching and practice.
How to use these files well
- Save a copy of your raw data and never edit it.
- Complete the codebook, then check each variable against it.
- Work through the cleaning checklist on a copy of the data, noting every change.
- Run your analysis only on the cleaned copy.
- Keep the codebook and log with the data for your thesis, report or audit.
Need this done for you?
If you would rather hand over the tidying, we offer data cleaning and validation, coding and recoding variables and data entry and digitisation.
Frequently asked questions
Are the templates really free?
Yes. You can use and adapt them for personal, academic or commercial work.
Do they work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. Drop-down lists and formulas carry over.
What should a codebook include?
Variable name, a clear label or question wording, type, value codes, missing-value coding, valid range and any reverse-coding.
How often should I update the codebook?
Every time you add, rename or recode a variable. Save a dated copy with each version of the dataset.
Related guides and services
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