Tables from spreadsheets
Never publish tables in which all values are boxed (the default format for tables produced by many spreadsheets). Consider using a bold typeface for headings or using extra white space to separate rows and columns as an alternative to lines.
Reason | No. | % |
Needle/Surg. Injuries | 279 | 0.2 |
Rape | 1502 | 0.8 |
TB | 1564 | 0.9 |
STI | 2745 | 1.5 |
Med Exam | 4717 | 2.6 |
Clinical Suspicion | 15387 | 8.5 |
PMTCT | 45590 | 25.0 |
VCT | 102443 | 56.3 |
Other | 7825 | 4.3 |
The table below presents the data more effectively.
Reason | No. | % |
Needle/Surg. Injuries | 279 | .2 |
Rape | 1,502 | .8 |
TB | 1,564 | .9 |
STI | 2,745 | 1.5 |
Med Exam | 4,717 | 2.6 |
Clinical Suspicion | 15,387 | 8.5 |
PMTCT (pregnancy) | 45,590 | 25.0 |
VCT (voluntary) | 102,443 | 56.3 |
Other | 7,825 | 4.3 |
Large tables
In large tables, it can be difficult to read across rows. To help the eye to match values on the same line, hairlines can be drawn between occasional rows, or some rows can be printed on a very light grey background.