# What is the n8n data store node?

> The n8n data store node is the Data table node: it saves rows inside n8n between workflow runs. What it does, its operations, and when to use Sheets.

Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/data-store-node · Updated 2026-10-18 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com)

[n8n and automation](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-n8n-and-automation) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary)

Quick answer

The n8n data store node is the built-in Data table node: it saves rows of data inside n8n itself, so a workflow can remember things between runs. You use it to insert, look up, update or upsert rows in a table, without connecting Google Sheets or a database.

Last updated October 18, 2026

[Take the free module →](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/n8n-jump-start/12)Module 12 of the free [n8n Jump Start](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/n8n-jump-start) course, about 12 minutes. No account needed.

Updated October 18, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about)

## Why it matters for a small business

Most workflows forget everything when a run ends. That is fine until you need memory: which leads you already emailed, which invoice numbers you already logged, the last time a job ran. Without it, a workflow sends the same email twice or adds the same row again.

The Data table node is n8n's answer: a dedupe list or a small lookup table lives right next to the workflow, with no extra account or credential to manage.

## Data table node operations, and a business use for each

| Operation | What it does | Example use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Insert | Adds a new row | Log each new web lead with the date it arrived |
| Get | Reads rows that match your conditions | Look up a customer's tier before an AI step writes a reply |
| Update | Changes rows that match | Mark a lead as Contacted after the follow-up goes out |
| Upsert | Updates the row if it exists, adds it if not | Keep one row per email address, however often the form is sent |
| If Row Exists, If Row Does Not Exist | Passes items on only when a match is, or is not, found | Skip invoice numbers you have already processed |
| Delete | Removes rows that match | Clear test rows before you go live |

Row operations as listed in the node. There are also table operations: Create, List, Update and Delete. The example uses are mine.

## In a real lesson: n8n: Read, Add and Update Google Sheets Rows with an AI Step

The free [n8n Google Sheets lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/n8n-google-sheets-read-append-update) solves the same "remember what you already did" problem with a sheet instead. Northgate Content Studio, a made-up team, keeps its content requests in Google Sheets, and the workflow uses Append or Update Row with Column to match on set to a unique column, so running it twice never creates a duplicate.

A Data table does the same job with Upsert, matched on the same unique column. I pick the sheet when people need to see and edit the list, and the Data table when only the workflow needs it.

[Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/n8n-google-sheets-read-append-update) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/n8n-google-sheets-read-append-update).

## How AI helps

The node also has a tool version for the [AI Agent node](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/ai-agent-node), so an agent can look up or save rows while it works, for example checking a price list table before it answers. Start it on read-only lookups before you let it write.

## Common confusions

### n8n Data table vs Make data store

"Data store" is the name Make uses for its built-in storage. In n8n the built-in equivalent is called Data table, which is why searches for an n8n data store node often come up empty.

### Data table vs Google Sheets

A Data table lives inside n8n and needs no credential. A [Google Sheet](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/google-sheets) is easier for people to read, share and edit. Pick by who needs to see the data.

## Tips

- If you do not see the Data table node, check your n8n version. It is a newer node, and older installs do not have it.

## Related terms

[Node](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/node) · [Google Sheets (as an automation database)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/google-sheets) · [Append row](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/append-row) · [Execution](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/execution) · [AI Agent node](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/ai-agent-node) · [Source of truth](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/source-of-truth)

## More n8n and automation terms

[n8n template](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/n8n-template) · [No-code (and low-code)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/no-code) · [OAuth](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/oauth) · [Pinecone](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/pinecone)

## Where you use it: free lessons

- [n8n: Read, Add and Update Google Sheets Rows with an AI Step](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/n8n-google-sheets-read-append-update) (n8n, 12 min)
- [n8n AI Agent Tutorial: Save Social Media Ideas to Google Sheets](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/n8n-ai-agent-tutorial-google-sheets) (n8n, 12 min)

## Frequently asked questions

**Does n8n have a data store node?**

Yes, under a different name. The built-in node for saving data between workflow runs is called Data table. Search for "Data table" in the node panel.

**Where is the n8n data store node documentation?**

Look for the Data table node in the official n8n docs at docs.n8n.io, since that is its real name. This page covers what it does and when to use it.

**Should I use a Data table or Google Sheets in n8n?**

Use a Data table when only the workflow needs the data, such as a list of IDs you already processed. Use Google Sheets when people need to read or edit it.

[All AI glossary terms, A to Z](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) · [Free prompt templates](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/prompts)