Dataantalet

Dataantalet is a term used in statistics and data analysis to denote the total number of observations in a dataset. The word is formed from data and antal, the latter meaning “the number” in several Scandinavian languages, and is often encountered in regional or language-specific statistical writings. In practice, dataantalet describes the size of the data being analyzed and is closely related to the concepts of sample size and population size.

In reporting and analysis, dataantalet is a key descriptor because many statistical properties depend on the amount of data available. It influences the precision of estimates, the width of confidence intervals, and the statistical power of tests. While in English-language literature the symbol n is commonly used for a sample and N for a population, dataantalet serves as a general label for the count of data points in a given dataset, regardless of its role in a particular analysis.

Calculation of dataantalet is straightforward: it is the count of individual observations in the dataset. For tabular data, this typically corresponds to the number of rows. For longitudinal or time-series data, it may refer to the total number of recorded time points across all units. In aggregated or multi-record formats, it may be the sum of observations across groups.

Data quality concepts relate closely to dataantalet. Missing values, invalid records, or duplicates can reduce the effective dataantalet used in analysis, even if the dataset file contains more entries. Researchers often report both the nominal dataantalet and the effective sample size after data cleaning.