How to write a correction note when a quoted statistic was replaced by newer data

When a quoted statistic is replaced by newer data, the correction note should name the old value, the new value, the source, and the effect on the page.

A weak correction says only “updated statistics.” That forces readers to guess whether the old number was wrong, outdated, rounded differently, or from a different source. A stronger note says: “The earlier version cited the 2023 estimate of 18 percent. The source released a 2025 estimate of 21 percent on 2026-06-10. The paragraph and chart were updated on 2026-06-24.”

Next, explain interpretation. Did the conclusion change? Did a ranking move? Did the confidence level change? Did the newer data cover a different geography, sample, method, or time period? If the old statistic was valid for its date but no longer current, do not call it false. If the old statistic was misquoted, say that plainly.

Keep the note close to the claim or near a visible correction section. Link or cite the newer source if the page format allows it. Preserve enough old context that someone reading an archived copy can understand the change without comparing drafts.

The practical test is simple: a reader should know whether they need to change a decision they made from the old page. If the answer is no, say the correction updates context only. If the answer is yes, say which decision boundary changed.

How to write a correction note when a quoted statistic was replaced by newer data

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