A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations, 7th edition - Kate L. Turabian 2007

General issues - Position in the text
Tables and figures
Part III. Style 20 spelling

Many research papers use tables and figures to present data. Tables are grids consisting of columns and rows that present numerical or verbal facts by categories. Figures include charts, graphs, diagrams, photographs, maps, musical examples, drawings, and other images. All these types of nontextual material are collectively referred to as illustrations (a term sometimes used interchangeably with figures) or graphics.

When you have data that could be conveyed in a table or figure, your first task is to choose the most effective of these formats; some kinds of data are better represented in a table, some in a chart, others in a graph. Your choice will affect how your readers respond to your data. These are rhetorical issues, discussed in chapter 8. This chapter focuses on how to construct the particular form you choose, looking specifically at tables and at two types of figures—charts and graphs.

Most tables, charts, and graphs are now generated with software. You cannot, however, rely on software to select the most effective format or to generate such items in the correct style, nor will software assure logical or formal consistency. Expect to change some default settings before generating tables, charts, and graphs and to fine-tune these items once they are produced. For information about inserting tables and all types of figures into your paper, especially if they are not created in your word processor, see A.3.1 in the appendix.

If you are writing a thesis or dissertation that includes tables and figures, your department or university may have specific format requirements, which are usually available from the office of theses and dissertations. If you are writing a class paper, your instructor may also ask you to prepare tables and figures in a certain way. Review these requirements before you prepare your paper. They take precedence over the guidelines suggested here. For style guides in various disciplines, see the bibliography.

26.1 General issues

There are several issues common to the presentation of tables and figures in papers.

26.1.1 Position in the text

A table or figure should follow as closely as possible the paragraph in which you first mention it. If the table or figure does not fit on the rest of the page but is smaller than a full page, continue the text to complete the page and place the table or figure at the top of the next page. (See A.3.1 for information about inserting tables and figures into your paper, and figs. A.12 and A.13 for examples of tables and figures as they should appear on a page.)

You may group smaller tables or figures on a page, as long as they are clearly distinct from one another. Grouped tables generally retain their own titles (see 26.2.2). If grouped figures are closely related, give them a single number and a general caption; otherwise use separate numbers and captions (see 26.3.2).

If a table or figure is marginally relevant or too large to put in the text, put it in an appendix or a section labeled Illustrations in the back matter of your paper (see A.2.3).