Layout

Think carefully about how to arrange the rows and columns. Values that we want to compare should be close to each other, ideally in a column. Judicious use of white space can help to show the structure of complex tables.

The layout above has little structure. The table below contains the same information but is easier to understand.

Annotation

When a table is included in a report, the main information that can be gained from the table should also be summarised in the body of the report in words.

Do not simply repeat the values in the table. The annotation should summarise and interpret.