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 |