When searching for statistical data try a variety of resources and use terms that work with the type of resource you are searching. For example, searching the term percent in a database will yield more relevant results than using the term statistics. In contrast, the latter term is effective when searching the Web.

Search Key Words

To locate statistical information in databases and on the Web, use words that identify your topic (or concepts) and key words such as data, statistic or percent.

Search statistics

Search Authoritative Websites and Government Statistics

Search for and restrict results to government and association or organization fact sheets, which usually include statistics and often reference primary sources, such as original research or studies. As shown in the examples below, limit to domain .gov (site:.gov) for government sites or add association or organization to your keyword terms.

searching statistics chart

Add Date Limits

If you need statistics within a date range, specify the dates in your search expression or use available date limiters.
For example, when searching the Web include the dates, such as 2019, 2020 and 2021. Most databases and the advanced search in search engines allow you to limit to specific dates.