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Tables Graphs and Charts Notes

Tables are primarily used for organizing numerical data and can also be formatted as matrices for qualitative comparisons. Proper formatting includes clear column and row headings, alignment of numbers, and appropriate citation of sources. Charts and graphs serve as alternative visual representations of data, offering less detail but better trend visualization, and also require proper labeling and citation.

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Ash Aisy C Marco
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20 views4 pages

Tables Graphs and Charts Notes

Tables are primarily used for organizing numerical data and can also be formatted as matrices for qualitative comparisons. Proper formatting includes clear column and row headings, alignment of numbers, and appropriate citation of sources. Charts and graphs serve as alternative visual representations of data, offering less detail but better trend visualization, and also require proper labeling and citation.

Uploaded by

Ash Aisy C Marco
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Uses for tables

The biggest use of tables is for numerical data. Imagine that you are
comparing different models of laser printers in terms of physical
characteristics such as height, depth, length, weight, and so on. This type of
data is perfect for a table.

A special type of table is called a matrix. This is where instead of comparing


numerical values in the rows and columns, you are comparing qualitative
data (words). For example, imagine that you were comparing several models
of a laser printer and you want to represent various information, such as
cost, print speed, supply costs, and warranty terms, for each printer being
considered. This is ideal information for a matrix, and it would be mostly
words rather than numbers.

Formatting requirements

In its simplest form, a table is a group of rows and columns of data. At the
top of each column is a column heading, which defines or identifies the
contents of that column (and often it indicates the unit of measurement). On
the left edge of the table are row headings, which define or identify the
contents of that row. Things can get tricky when rows or columns must be
grouped or subdivided. In such cases, you have to create row or column
subheadings, as shown in Figure 5.3.1.

Figure 5.3.1 Format for tables with grouped or subdivided rows and columns.

As you can see, the title and number for the table goes above the table. This
is in contrast to other types of graphics where the title and number
go below the graphic.

Guidelines for using tables

As with other types of graphics, you should refer to the table in the text just
preceding the table. You should also explain the general significance of the
data in the table; don’t expect readers to figure it out entirely for
themselves.

Don’t overwhelm readers with monster 11-column, 30-row tables! Simplify


the table data down to just that amount of data that illustrates your point—
without of course distorting that data.

Don’t put the word or abbreviation for the unit of measurement in every cell
of a column. For example, in a column of measurements all in millimeters,
don’t put “mm” after every number. Put the abbreviation in parentheses in
the column or row heading.

Right- or decimal-align numbers in the columns. If the 123 and 4 were in a


column, the 4 would be right below the 3, not the 1.

Normally, words in columns are left-justified (although you will occasionally


see columns of words all centered).

Column headings are centered over the columns of numerical data (forming
a T-shape). When the table contains text rather than numbers, the column
headings are left-aligned.

Just as you would cite and reference a paraphrase or a direct quote, so too
must you cite and reference any tables that you use that were created by
someone else or that were based on someone else’s data. Indicate the
source of any graphic or data you have borrowed. Whenever you borrow a
graphic or data from some other source, document that fact in the figure title
using an in-text citation. You should also include the reference information in
the reference list.

Charts and graphs

Uses of charts and graphs

Charts and graphs are just another way of presenting the same data that is
presented in tables. At the same time, however, you get less detail or less
precision in a chart or graph than you do in the table. Imagine the difference
between a table of sales figures for a ten-year period and a line graph for
that same data. You get a better sense of the overall trend in the graph but
not the precise dollar amount. Other types of charts and graphs are
horizontal bar charts, vertical bar charts, and pie charts.

Formatting requirements
In bar charts and line graphs, don’t forget to indicate what the x and y axes
represent. One axis might indicate millions of dollars; the other, five-year
segments from 1960 to the present.

Bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts often use special colour, shading, or
line style (solid or dashed). Be sure to indicate what these mean; translate
them in a key (a legend) in some unused place in the chart or graph.

Include a title and numbered label for your charts and graphs. Include the
title and label below the graphic, as shown in Figure 5.3.2.

Figure 5.3.2 Example of a chart

As you can see, there is text above and below the chart that calls attention
to the graphic and briefly indicates its significance.

Just as you would cite and reference a paraphrase or a direct quote, so too
must you cite and reference any charts or graphs that you use that were
created by someone else or that were based on someone else’s data.
Indicate the source of any graphic or data you have borrowed. Whenever you
borrow a graphic or data from some other source, document that fact in the
figure title using an in-text citation. You should also include the reference
information in the reference list.

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