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Tables

Presentation by Kate Cottle

Tables

▪ Tables are used when you have more than two columns or two rows of data that you want to present.

▪ The data should support information you have in the text, but not repeat it.

▪ Tables are not placed in the body text of the paper; instead, they appear at the end of the paper.

▪ Each table is numbered consecutively (Table 1, Table 2, etc.).

▪ When you refer to the table in the text, you use the number (Table 1, Table 2, etc.) as the reference.

(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

▪ After the References page, you place your first table.

▪ Every new table gets its own page.

▪ If your table is longer than two pages, repeat the headings.

▪ Number your tables consecutively (Table 1, Table 2, etc.)

▪ If you are using a table from a copyrighted source, get permission before you use it – This is if the essay will be published. If the essay is solely for a class,

then you are covered under Fair Use.

(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

Tables

Table Formatting Table Identification: Left, Headline/Title Case

Table Title: Left, Italics, Headline/Title Case

Horizontal line across entire table to separate elements

Horizontal line across entire table to separate elements

Horizontal line across entire table to separate elements

Horizontal line across entire table to separate elements

(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

Double spaced throughout except for the spacing right below column headings

Table Formatting

Stub Head: names the left column

Column Spanner: The word should be centered only above the columns it describes; the line should only cover these columns

(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

Column Headings: Centered on top of the column it describes; all column headings must be parallel parts of speech.

General Table Note: Start with “Note.” in italics; follow with the note. (The note must apply to the whole table.) Finish with a period even if it is a fragment.

Columns: The data sets are centered below the headers that describe them.

Additional Notes about Formatting

▪ Some sources say single-spaced and some say double-spaced throughout – Choose the spacing based on which is more readable

▪ Some sources say pick a sans serif font (Helvetica, Arial) while others say choose a serif font (Times New Roman) – Choose the font based on which is more readable

▪ Make sure the table is presenting valuable information – Also make sure the information could not be presented better as

a part of text.

(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

References

American Psychological Association. (2009.) Publication manual

of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.).

Washington, DC: Author.

Perrin, R. (2012). Pocket guide to APA style (4th ed.). Boston, MA:

Wadsworth.