BASIC GUIDELINES FOR DRAWING TABLES

Every table must be given a number.

For example, first table in 4th chapter of project report must be given number as TABLE 4.1.

2. Every table must be given a TITLE/LABEL.

For example if the table is about the number of males and females in the sample then it should be given
title as “GENDER-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE”

3. Each column and row of the table must be given a LABEL.

For example in a table which shows gender-wise distribution of sample, first column must be labeled as
MALE and second as FEMALE.

4. Important values in tables must be written vertically (means from top to bottom).
This is because the readers like to read tables from top to bottom and not from left to right

5. If all the data in the table shows the percentage, then percentage symbol must not be written in
all cell of the table. Instead of this, PERCENTAGE must be written in the TITLE OF THE
COLUMN.
Let us see in the following example;

MALE (%) FEMALE(%)

60 40

he unit of measurement of the variable must be written at the top.

For example, if a table shows the amount of Rs. In different banks, then following table should be
drawn;
All values in the table are in Rs-CRORES.
SBI BOB
450 500

7. The source of data / information must be written below the table.

For example in the above table if the information is taken from TIMES OF INDIA newspaper, dated 8TH
April, 2014, then below the table, this must be written as shown below;
All values in the table are in Rs-CRORES.
SBI BOB
500 200
th
Source: Times of India, 8 April, 2014

8. Avoid writing very small (less than zero) or very large (million or more) numbers in the cell of
the table because such numbers are difficult for readers to easily compare. Thus, crime rates are often
shown per 100,000 residents, births or deaths per 1,000 residents, etc. let us see this in following
example;
All values in following table are in Crore Rs
SBI BOB
500 200
 BASIC GUIDELINES FOR FIGURES / GRAPHS

1. Graphs are used to show complex idea with clarity. They must be used
whenever there is a complex information in the table
2. Data must be clearly seen in the graphs. For example if a graph is drawn to
show male and female population, then the total male and female
population must be shown in the bar diagram.
3. Proper graphs must be drawn to show the data of the table. There are many
types of graphs like bar diagram, percentage bar diagram, pie chart etc.
(WRITE THE ANSWER OF TYPES OF GRAPHS HERE)
4. Graph can be drawn in 2D or 3D also. Appropriate graphs must be drawn
wherever necessary.
5. The graph must be selected in such a way that it becomes easy for the
reader to read the graph.
6. Use proper colours to show different data so that readers can easily identify
different types of information.
7. Every graph must be given a number. For example, first figure in 4th chapter of project
report must be given number as FIGURE 4.1.
8. If the graph is drawn in black and white, then proper use of shading is necessary.
9. All the information in the graph must be properly arranged with logic. For example graphs
showing ranks of students must be drawn in such a way that ranks are ordered as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc.
10. If the graph is taken from any secondary data source, then proper source of information
must be written below the graph.