X12 Data Element Type
The data element type taxonomy of the ASC X12 standard.
Definition
Each X12 data element carries a type: Nn numeric with implied decimal (n digits after the point, e.g. N2), R explicit decimal, ID identifier drawn from a code list, AN alphanumeric string, DT date (CCYYMMDD or YYMMDD), TM time (HHMM…), B binary. The type also governs the meaning of the min/max length.
Origin
Defined by the Design Rules of the ASC X12.6 standard (Application Control Structure) and applied across the X12 Data Element Dictionary, maintained by the Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12, administered by DISA).
Example in context
DE 610 (Amount) is type N2: the value "12345" means 123.45. DE 373 (Date) is type DT: "20260620" = 20 June 2026.
Related terms
- X12 DE 373 — date element, type DT.
- Reference Designator — the positional notation of an element.