APA Figures and Tables – How to Format Them Accurately

In academic writing, tables and figures are an excellent way to present data and information visually.

This allows the researchers to make their work more accessible and readable. If you want to add a table or figure to your APA paper, this guide is for you.

Read on to learn how to properly create and format tables and figures according to the Manual of the American Psychological Association 7th Edition.

How to Format a Table in APA

Tables serve as a means of organizing and displaying data and helping the researcher and readers make sense of it. With a neat arrangement of rows and columns, it offers a method for presenting information accurately and clearly.

Components of Table Format

Here are the key components that you need to add in an APA table:

• Table Number: Each table should have a unique number (e.g., "Table 1"), appearing above the table title in bold text.
• Table Title: You need to provide a descriptive title for every table. The italicized title is placed below the number, written in the title case.
• Column Headings and Alignment: The headings should be clear, brief, and capitalized in sentence case. They should be centrally aligned.
• Row Headings and Stub Headings: Ensure center alignment for row and stub headings.
• Table Body: The table body comprises the actual data in the cells. This data should be orderly, clear, and consistent.
• Notes and Abbreviations: General notes or abbreviations go below the table, starting with "Note." followed by an explanation.

Table Formatting Guidelines

The table should be formatted according to the following rules established by the APA 7th edition. 

Applying Borders

In the APA style, using too many borders is not recommended. In general, limit the use of borders to the following situations:

• Include a border at the top and bottom of the table.
• Add a border beneath column headings, including decked heads (subheadings within a column).
• Use a border above column spanners (headings that span across multiple columns).
• Don’t use vertical borders to separate data within the table, as it can make the table look cluttered and less readable. 
• Similarly, don’t put borders around every cell in the table. Use adequate spacing between columns and rows and strict alignment to differentiate the cells.

APA Table Example

The sample table below includes all the required components formatted accurately according to the above guidelines:

Table Size

You should adjust the size of an APA table to fit within standard page margins (1 inch on all sides). If a table appears too wide, APA allows you to format it on a separate landscape-oriented page.

Placing your Table

You should place your table right after you’ve mentioned or referenced the data in your text. Tables are often added in the “Results” or “Data Collected” sections of the research, but could be added at any other relevant place. 

How to Format Figures in APA

Incorporating visual elements such as graphs, charts, and images can enhance the clarity of your research. Here are the APA rules for adding figures:

Components of APA Figure Format

A figure within an APA research paper typically consists of the following components:

• Figure Number: Assign a unique figure number to each figure, positioned above the figure and aligned to the left (e.g., "Figure 1").
• Figure Title: Give the figure a descriptive title in italics and place it below the figure number. This title concisely explains the content presented in the figure.
• Axis Labels in Graphs: For graphs and charts, ensure clear labeling of the x and y-axes with appropriate labels. Axis labels assist readers in comprehending the variables represented and the scale employed.
• Legends: If the figure incorporates multiple elements, such as lines or bars in a graph, include a legend. The legend defines each element and facilitates accurate interpretation for readers.
• Images: Figures often consist of images or illustrations. When incorporating images, provide adequate and accurate labeling.
• Note: For additional information or context, particularly with images or complex figures, include a note or caption below the figure. The note, starting with "Note," should use straightforward language to explain the figure briefly.

Guidelines for APA Figures

Adhere to the following rules when integrating a figure into your APA paper.

Figure Placement

Place figures close to the relevant text. Figures are usually added following their initial mention in the text. 

Figure Format

Unlike table formatting, APA doesn’t provide particular rules for formatting figures, as each figure can be very different in nature. However, you need to ensure that figures meet the following criteria:

• Ensure clear identification or description of elements within the figure. You can do this through accurate labeling.
• You should use fonts, colors, and sizes consistently, using an intuitive criteria.
• Maintain a professional and sound structure and ensure that the figure is overall understandable within the context of the presented data.

APA Figure Example

The sample figure shown below demonstrates the components and guidelines discussed above to help you visualize:

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