What are the best practices for creating clear and concise tables and figures?

3 Use clear and consistent labels

Labels are the texts that identify and describe the elements of your tables and figures, such as the title, axis, categories, variables, units, symbols, or abbreviations. You should use clear and consistent labels that convey the meaning and relevance of your data. For example, you should use descriptive and informative titles that summarize the main message of your table or figure. You should also use appropriate and consistent terms, units, symbols, or abbreviations for your labels and explain them if necessary.

4 Simplify and highlight your data

One of the main goals of creating tables and figures is to simplify and highlight your data so that your readers can easily understand and interpret your results. You should avoid cluttering your tables and figures with unnecessary or redundant information, such as too many rows, columns, categories, variables, or details. You should also use visual cues, such as colors, shapes, sizes, or styles, to highlight the most important or relevant aspects of your data. However, you should use these cues sparingly and appropriately, and avoid using them to distort or misrepresent your data.

5 Align your tables and figures with your text

Your tables and figures should complement and support your text, not replace or contradict it. You should align your tables and figures with your text in terms of the content, order, and message. For example, you should refer to your tables and figures in your text and explain their main findings or implications. You should also place your tables and figures close to where they are mentioned in your text, or in an appendix if they are too large or detailed. You should also make sure that your tables and figures are consistent with your text in terms of the data, labels, terms, units, or symbols.

6 Check and revise your tables and figures

Before you finalize your tables and figures, you should check and revise them for accuracy, clarity, and consistency. You should make sure that your tables and figures are accurate and reliable, and that they reflect the data and analysis that you have performed. You should also make sure that your tables and figures are clear and concise, and that they convey the intended message and meaning to your readers. You should also make sure that your tables and figures are consistent with each other and with the guidelines and standards that you have followed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?