APA Help (6th edition): Tables & Figures

Tables:

• Use tables for the purpose of simplifying text.  A table with 2 or fewer columns and rows should be presented in text format instead of a table.
• In text, refer to every table. 
  • eg. "As shown in Table 2, the..."
  • eg. "(see Table 2)."
• Number tables in the order they are first mentioned in text.  DO NOT WRITE "the table above" or "the table below."
• Be consistent in the formatting and vocabulary of all tables when writing a paper.
• Double-space the entire table.
• Italicize the table title.  DO NOT italicize the table number.
• 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, capitalize the first letter anyway.
• 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.
  • eg. "Note. From..."
  • eg. "Note. Adapted from..."
  • eg. "Note. The data in column 1 are from..." 

Example

See Table I as a guide to the formatting of a table.  This table is an example from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2001, p. 149).  The fictitious general note has been included as an example.

[Click on the table to view full-size]

Note. From "Generations," by L.G. Elias and C.C. Bent, 2002, Journal of Geriatric Care, 5, p. 22.

Figures

• A figure is any type of illustration other than a table (chart, graph, photograph, or drawing).
• Use figures to complement information in text or to simplify text.
• Number figures in the order they are first mentioned in text.  DO NOT write "the figure above" or "the figure below."
• 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.
• Ensure that figures are simple, clear and consistent in presentation and vocabulary.
• Ensure data are plotted accurately and the grid scale is proportioned.
• Place labels close to the identified item.
• Axis labels on graphs should be parallel to their axes.
• Captions include the figure title and a brief, but descriptive, explanation of the figure.
• Double-space the caption and place it below the figure.
• The figure legend should be positioned within the borders of the figure.

Example

The following figure and note are each adapted from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2001, pp. 182-183).

[Click on the figure to view full-size]

Figure 1. Mean amplitude startle response for prelesion, sham lesion, and postlesion groups in acoustic and light-and-acoustic test conditions.