Comparing values down columns

We have mentioned that it is easiest to compare values if they are close together in a table. The layout and use of white space should be used to encourage comparison of related values.

In particular, it is easier to compare values down columns than across rows — their most significant digits are closer.

Consider swapping the rows and columns of a table so that the most meaningful comparisons are made by scanning down columns.


Tourists in Hawaii

On the previous page, we showed the 'lifestage' of tourists visiting Hawaii in 2011. The table below again shows the percentages of tourists from the different regions who were in each 'lifestage' category.

  US West US East Japan Canada Europe Oceania
Wedding/honeymoon 3.6 5.6 11.3 3.5 11.8 4.5
Family (with children) 21.6 17.0 15.5 21.6 9.8 18.0
Young (18-34) 11.1 11.0 13.6 12.3 21.3 12.2
Middle aged (35-54) 23.7 26.3 23.8 25.0 33.6 24.2
Seniors (55+) 40.0 40.2 35.8 37.6 23.5 40.1
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

In this table, the values that stand out are:

These features are detected by scanning across the rows of the table. They are clearer if the rows and columns of the table are swapped, so the comparisons are made down columns.

  Wedding
/honey
-moon
Family
(plus
children)
Young
(18-34)
Middle
aged
(35-54)
Seniors
(55+)
Total
US West 3.6 21.6 11.1 23.7 40.0 100.0
US East 5.6 17.0 11.0 26.3 40.2 100.0
Japan 11.3 15.5 13.6 23.8 35.8 100.0
Canada 3.5 21.6 12.3 25.0 37.6 100.0
Europe 11.8 9.8 21.3 33.6 23.5 100.0
Oceania 4.5 18.0 12.2 24.2 40.1 100.0