Tables and figures present information in a clear and organized manner, but they differ in format: tables present data in rows and columns, while figures encompass various types of visual representations such as charts, graphs, or images.
Despite these differences, APA Style requires tables and figures to be formatted similarly, with a preceding number, title, and explanatory notes if needed.
APA table format
While tables may vary in size and structure based on the presented data, APA provides general guidelines for their design. To format a table correctly in APA style, adhere to the following rules:
- Place the table number in bold above the table.
- Include a brief, italicized title in the title case below the table number.
- Avoid using vertical lines in the table.
- Use horizontal lines sparingly, only when necessary for clarity.
- Provide clear and concise labels for column and row headings.
- Ensure that numbers are consistently formatted (e.g., using the same number of decimal places).
- Include any relevant notes below the table.
The example below demonstrates a table formatted according to APA guidelines.
APA figure format
In APA style, any images used within your text are referred to as figures. This includes data visualization graphics such as graphs, diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual elements like photographs and artwork.
To ensure that your figures adhere to APA formatting guidelines, follow these rules:
- Place the figure number in bold above the figure.
- Include a brief, italicized title in the title case beneath the figure number.
- If needed, incorporate clear labels and legends into the image itself.
- Place any relevant notes below the figure.
The example provided below illustrates a figure formatted according to APA guidelines.
When creating figures, aim for a simple and straightforward design. Use colors sparingly and only when they serve a clear purpose rather than merely to enhance the image’s visual appeal.
For any text included within the figure, APA suggests using a sans serif font, such as Arial, with a font size ranging from 8 to 14 points. A legend is unnecessary for other figures, like photographs. The figure should consist of the image reproduced at a suitable size and resolution.
Numbering and titling tables and figures
Tables and figures are individually numbered and titled, with the number and title appearing above each table or figure.
Numbering for tables and figures is done separately and sequentially based on the order in which they are mentioned in the text. For instance, the first table referenced in the text is labeled Table 1, while the fourth figure mentioned is labeled Figure 4.
The title should clearly and concisely describe the table or figure’s content, omitting articles to maintain brevity. The table or figure number is presented on a separate line in bold, followed by the title on the next line, formatted in italics and title case.
Number and title example
Example 1
Table 2 Comparison of Mean Scores on the Emotional Intelligence Scale by Gender
Example 2:
Figure 3 Scatter Plot Showing the Relationship Between Hours of Sleep and Job Performance Ratings
These examples demonstrate the proper formatting for table and figure numbers and titles in APA style. The number is in bold, on its own line, followed by the title in italics and title case on the next line. The titles clearly and concisely describe the content of the table or figure.
Formatting table and figure notes
Tables and figures may include notes to provide additional information or clarify the presented data. These notes should be placed below the table or figure and can be formatted as follows:
General notes
A general note provides information that applies to the entire table or figure. It is introduced with the word “Note.” in italics, followed by the note text.
Example
Note. The data presented in this figure were obtained from a longitudinal study conducted over a 5-year period. The study included participants aged 18-25, 26-40, and 41-60. The sample size for each age group was balanced, with an equal number of male and female participants.
Specific notes
A specific note refers to a column, row, or cell in a table or a specific figure part. Specific notes are indicated by superscript lowercase letters (e.g., ^a^, ^b^, ^c^) within the table or figure and are listed in the order they appear.
Example
a n = 350. b Nine participants withdrew from the study before the final evaluation phase.
Probability notes
A probability note indicates the statistical significance of the data presented. Asterisks or other symbols are used to denote different levels of significance (e.g., * for p < .05, ** for p < .01, *** for p < .001).
Example
*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.
Where to place tables and figures
When it comes to positioning tables and figures in APA Style, you have two options available:
- Option 1: Insert tables and figures directly into the body of your text, placing them shortly after the relevant section that references them.
- Option 2: Group all tables and figures together at the end of your document, following the reference list, to avoid interrupting the flow of the main text.
If you choose to embed tables and figures within the text, don’t duplicate any table or figure. If you need to refer to the same one multiple times, only include it once, positioning it after the first paragraph that mentions it.
Regardless of where you place them, ensure tables and figures are aligned flush with the left margin of the text. Leave a blank line space before and after each table or figure to separate them from the surrounding paragraphs. If necessary, you can place a table or figure on a new page to prevent it from being split across multiple pages.
If you opt to place all your tables and figures together at the end of your document, follow these guidelines:
- Allocate one full page for each individual table or figure. Do not attempt to fit multiple tables or figures onto the same page.
- First, include all your tables, giving each table its dedicated page. Organize the tables in the same sequential order that they are mentioned throughout the body of your text.
- After all the tables have been included, move on to your figures. Like the tables, each figure should be presented on a separate page.
Maintain the order in which the figures are referenced within your writing when arranging them in this section.
Referring to tables and figures in the text
When discussing data presented in tables and figures within your writing, avoid simply restating the information that is already clearly visible. Instead, use your textual analysis to highlight specific data points or trends that are pertinent:
- Ineffective: Table 2 shows that 25 participants were in the control group, 30 were in the experimental group, and 28 were in the placebo group.
- Effective: The larger sample size of the experimental group, as depicted in Table 2, strengthens the validity of those results, which differed significantly from…
Whether tables and figures are embedded inline or placed at the end, refer to them by their assigned numbers – not by their positioning nor with descriptive labels:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The chart below illustrates… | Figure 5 illustrates… |
| As evident in the image on page 12… | As evident in Figure 7… |
| The photograph of the rockets shows… | Figure 3 shows… |