6.1 Tables
When presenting data in a table keep in mind the following:
- The heading is placed above the table.
- The table should be interpretable as a stand alone object using an informative heading and judicious footnotes.
- Sample sizes and units are always included.
- Use horizontal lines only; these are often placed above and below headings, and at the bottom of tables.
Example
The following is an example of a properly formatted table.
Table 1. Summary of trait measurements made on individuals of Solidago ssp. collected within shaded and open habitats in the vicinity of Portland, Oregon. "sd" denotes standard deviation.
| Trait | Habitat: Shaded (n = 20) | Habitat: Open (n = 18*) | ||
| Mean (sd) | 95% confidence interval | Mean (sd) | 95% confidence interval | |
| Leaf area (cm2) | 4.59 (0.974) | 4.14 - 5.05 | 4.54 (0.972) | 4.24 - 5.15 |
| Leaf mass (mg) | 2.52 (0.765) | 2.15 - 2.89 | 2.62 (0.705) | 2.25 - 2.99 |
| Root mass (mg) | 9.97 (2.754) | 8.67 - 11.26 | 9.90 (2.454) | 8.37 - 11.16 |
* data for two individuals misplaced