APA Citations (7th ed.)

Tables & figures allow authors to present a large amount of information efficiently and to make their data more comprehensible.

Tables usually show numerical values or textual information arranged in an orderly display of columns and rows. A figure may be a chart, graph, photograph, drawing, or any other illustration or nontextual depiction.

Every table & figure should serve a purpose and should not be used for decoration.

When designing tables & figures:

• Label all columns in tables
• Label all elements in figure images (e.g., label the axes of a graph)
• Place items that are to be compared next to each other
• Place labels next to the elements they are labeling
• In figure images, use sans serif fonts that are large enough to be read without magnification
• Design the table or figure so it can be understood on its own
• Avoid decorative flourishes, which are distracting and can cause confusion