Data on C:N:P of lab-cultured marine dinoflagellates were identified by searching in the ISI Web of Science using keywords such as elemental composition, elemental stoichiometry, elemental ratios, C:N, C:P or C:N combined with the word dinoflagellate. These studies and suitable studies cited within these sources were evaluated for data collection. Experimental conditions were recorded along with the elemental composition data including culturing methods, the media used, culture temperature and salinity. Cell volume and growth rate data were collected when available. Species were then assigned the following traits: 1. thecate or athecate; 2. non-toxic or the potential to produce C-rich or N-rich toxins; and 3. small, medium or large cell volume.