APA - Tables and Figures

APA: Tables and Figures
Why use them?
The purpose of tables and figures in documents

is to enhance your readers' understanding of the
information in the document.
According to the APA (2002), the “typesetter lays out
tables and figures closest to where they are first
mentioned”(p. 155). However, check with your
teacher concerning requirements about table and
figure placement. Tables and figures are sometimes
placed in text close to where they are mentioned and
sometimes placed at the end of the paper.
Table
Use tables for the purpose of simplifying the text.

A table with 2 or fewer columns and rows should be
presented in text format instead of a table.
Format:
Double-space the entire table.

Number tables in the order they are first mentioned in
text.
Italicize the table title. Do not italicize the table
number.
Format
Ensure that your table title is brief but explanatory.

Ensure each column has a heading
Capitalize only the first letter of the first word of all
headings. If a word is a proper noun, however, be sure
to capitalize the first letter anyway.
Format
Notes are placed below the table.

If the table is from another source, include a note
below the table specifying whether it is from another
source or adapted from another source.
e.g. “Note. From....” OR “Note. Adapted from...” OR
“Note. The data in column 1 are from...”
Format
In text, refer to every table.

“As shown in Table 2, the ..... OR (see Table 2).”
Tell the reader what to look for, but only mention the
major points of the table.
Format
Do not write “the table above” or “the table below.”

The essential basic elements
The main text should:
(a) tell the reader when to look at a table or figure (and so this
reference should appear before the
table of figure in single column text)
(b) introduce the contents of the table or figure
(c) point out any key features or trends which the reader should
take a note of
(d) draw a conclusion from the table or figure which answers the
“So what?” question. (Schematics of experimental apparatus are
one exception to this guideline.)
Figures
A figure is any type of illustration other than a table (chart, graph,

photograph, or drawing).
Figures
Use figures to complement information in text or to simplify text.
Figures should be large enough to read easily (between 8 point and
14 point font with sans serif typeface) and convey only essential
information. The preferred typeface in figures is 12-pt Courier.
Axis labels on graphs should be parallel to their axes.
Captions include the figure title and a brief, but descriptive,
explanation of the figure.
Figure
Ensure that figures are simple, clear and consistent in presentation

and vocabulary.
Double-space the caption and place it below the figure.
The figure legend should be positioned within the borders of the

figure.
Figures
Number figures in the order they are first mentioned in text. Do not
write “the figure above” or “the figure below.”
The figure legend should be positioned within the borders of the

figure.
The main text should:
(a) tell the reader when to look at a table or figure (and so this
reference should appear before the
table of figure in single column text)
(b) introduce the contents of the table or figure
(c) point out any key features or trends which the reader should
take a note of
(d) draw a conclusion from the table or figure which answers the
“So what?” question. (Schematics of experimental apparatus are
one exception to this guideline.)
Practice
Using the conventions in using tables and figures and the basic elements, write a sample
discussion using the given table or figure
Hypothetical Topic:
Hypothetical Topic: Fakenews
Task
Revise your problem solution essay.
From our task last week where you identified the significant ideas
that require the use of non-prose materials, insert tables or figures
following the guidelines that have been mentioned from the
discussion.
Sources:
Becker, D. (2019, March 4). What Qualifies as a Table or a Figure in APA Style? Retrieved July 11, 2019, from
https://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2019/03/what-qualifies-as-a-table-or-a-figure-in-apa-style.html
Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). APA Tables and Figures 1 // Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved July 11, 2019, from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_tables_and_figures_1.html
Rowland, D. R. (n.d.). Incorporating Tables and Figures Effectively Into Your Writing. Retrieved July 11, 2019, from
https://uq.edu.au/student-services/pdf/learning/effective-use-tables-figures.pdf
Thomson, J. (2019, June 26). Citing tables & figures: APA (6th ed.) citation guide. Retrieved July 11, 2019, from
https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/cite-write/citation-style-guides/apa/tables-figures

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APA: Tables and Figures

Why use them?

The purpose of tables and figures in documents

Use tables for the purpose of simplifying the text.

Double-space the entire table.

Ensure that your table title is brief but explanatory.

Notes are placed below the table.

In text, refer to every table.

Do not write “the table above” or “the table below.”

The main text should:

A figure is any type of illustration other than a table (chart, graph,

Ensure that figures are simple, clear and consistent in presentation

Double-space the caption and place it below the figure.

The figure legend should be positioned within the borders of the

The figure legend should be positioned within the borders of the

The main text should:

Revise your problem solution essay.

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