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.