Informatics Practices

Pandas Series in Python | Complete Notes with Examples | CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices (2026–27)

Class 12 · Informatics Practices

Pandas Series in Python

A Series is the first data structure provided by the Pandas library. It is used to store data in a single column along with labels called index.

You can think of a Series as an enhanced Python list where every value has an index label.


What is a Series?

Definition

A Series is a one-dimensional labeled array capable of storing data of any type such as integers, decimal numbers, strings, or Boolean values.


Why Do We Use Series?

  • To store one-dimensional data.
  • To organize data efficiently.
  • To perform mathematical operations.
  • To analyze data quickly.
  • To access data using labels.

Characteristics of Series

Property Description
One Dimensional Stores data in a single column.
Labeled Each value has an index label.
Mutable Values can be changed.
Heterogeneous Can store different data types (though same type is preferred).
Size Can store any number of elements.

Structure of a Series


Index      Value

0          45

1          60

2          75

3          90

The left side contains the Index, while the right side contains the actual Values.


Creating a Series

The syntax for creating a Series is:


import pandas as pd

pd.Series(data)


Creating Series from a Python List


import pandas as pd

marks = [85, 90, 78, 92]

s = pd.Series(marks)

print(s)

Output

0    85

1    90

2    78

3    92

dtype: int64


Creating Series from a Tuple


import pandas as pd

marks = (75, 81, 95, 67)

s = pd.Series(marks)

print(s)


Creating Series from NumPy ndarray

Before creating a Series from an ndarray, import the NumPy library.


import pandas as pd

import numpy as np

arr = np.array([10,20,30,40])

s = pd.Series(arr)

print(s)


Creating Series from Dictionary


import pandas as pd

student = {

"Amit":85,

"Neha":92,

"Rohan":78

}

s = pd.Series(student)

print(s)

Output

Amit     85

Neha     92

Rohan    78

dtype:int64

The dictionary keys automatically become the index labels.


Creating Series from a Scalar Value


import pandas as pd

s = pd.Series(100,index=[0,1,2,3])

print(s)

Output

0    100

1    100

2    100

3    100

dtype:int64

When a scalar value is used, the index must be specified.


Creating Series with Custom Index


import pandas as pd

marks=[85,90,95]

s=pd.Series(marks,index=["A","B","C"])

print(s)

Output

A    85

B    90

C    95

dtype:int64


Data Types in Series

Python Data dtype
10 int64
15.5 float64
"Hello" object
True bool

The dtype Attribute


import pandas as pd

s=pd.Series([10,20,30])

print(s.dtype)

Output

int64


The name Attribute


import pandas as pd

s=pd.Series([25,30,35],name="Age")

print(s)

The name attribute assigns a name to the Series.


Advantages of Series

  • Easy to create.
  • Supports labels.
  • Fast calculations.
  • Handles missing values.
  • Useful for data analysis.
  • Works efficiently with DataFrames.

Real-Life Applications

Application Series Stores
School Marks of Students
Hospital Patient Temperature
Bank Daily Transactions
Weather Daily Temperature
Sports Player Scores

Common Errors

Error Reason
Index length mismatch Number of indexes is different from values.
NameError Pandas library not imported.
ModuleNotFoundError Pandas package not installed.

Quick Revision

Concept Remember
Series One-dimensional data structure
Index Label of each value
List Can create Series
Tuple Can create Series
Dictionary Keys become Index
Scalar Requires Index
Alias pd

CBSE Exam Tips

  • Remember all five methods of creating a Series.
  • Dictionary keys become the index automatically.
  • Scalar values require an explicit index.
  • Know the difference between List and Dictionary-based Series.
  • Be able to identify the output of Series programs.

Summary

A Series is a one-dimensional labeled data structure in Pandas. It can be created from a list, tuple, NumPy ndarray, dictionary, or scalar value. Each element has an associated index, making data access and manipulation simple and efficient. Series serves as the foundation for working with DataFrames and performing data analysis in Python.