sample research paper graphs

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Tables and Figures

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Note: This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resources for the older APA 6 style can be found at this page as well as at this page (our old resources covered the material on this page on two separate pages).

The purpose of tables and figures in documents is to enhance your readers' understanding of the information in the document; usually, large amounts of information can be communicated more efficiently in tables or figures. Tables are any graphic that uses a row and column structure to organize information, whereas figures include any illustration or image other than a table.

General guidelines

Visual material such as tables and figures can be used quickly and efficiently to present a large amount of information to an audience, but visuals must be used to assist communication, not to use up space, or disguise marginally significant results behind a screen of complicated statistics. Ask yourself this question first: Is the table or figure necessary? For example, it is better to present simple descriptive statistics in the text, not in a table.

Relation of Tables or Figures and Text

Because tables and figures supplement the text, refer in the text to all tables and figures used and explain what the reader should look for when using the table or figure. Focus only on the important point the reader should draw from them, and leave the details for the reader to examine on their own.

Documentation

If you are using figures, tables and/or data from other sources, be sure to gather all the information you will need to properly document your sources.

Integrity and Independence

Each table and figure must be intelligible without reference to the text, so be sure to include an explanation of every abbreviation (except the standard statistical symbols and abbreviations).

Organization, Consistency, and Coherence

Number all tables sequentially as you refer to them in the text (Table 1, Table 2, etc.), likewise for figures (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.). Abbreviations, terminology, and probability level values must be consistent across tables and figures in the same article. Likewise, formats, titles, and headings must be consistent. Do not repeat the same data in different tables.

Data in a table that would require only two or fewer columns and rows should be presented in the text. More complex data is better presented in tabular format. In order for quantitative data to be presented clearly and efficiently, it must be arranged logically, e.g. data to be compared must be presented next to one another (before/after, young/old, male/female, etc.), and statistical information (means, standard deviations, N values) must be presented in separate parts of the table. If possible, use canonical forms (such as ANOVA, regression, or correlation) to communicate your data effectively.

A generic example of a table with multiple notes formatted in APA 7 style.

Elements of Tables

Number all tables with Arabic numerals sequentially. Do not use suffix letters (e.g. Table 3a, 3b, 3c); instead, combine the related tables. If the manuscript includes an appendix with tables, identify them with capital letters and Arabic numerals (e.g. Table A1, Table B2).

Like the title of the paper itself, each table must have a clear and concise title. Titles should be written in italicized title case below the table number, with a blank line between the number and the title. When appropriate, you may use the title to explain an abbreviation parenthetically.

Comparison of Median Income of Adopted Children (AC) v. Foster Children (FC)

Keep headings clear and brief. The heading should not be much wider than the widest entry in the column. Use of standard abbreviations can aid in achieving that goal. There are several types of headings:

Stub headings describe the lefthand column, or stub column , which usually lists major independent variables.
Column headings describe entries below them, applying to just one column.
Column spanners are headings that describe entries below them, applying to two or more columns which each have their own column heading. Column spanners are often stacked on top of column headings and together are called decked heads .
Table Spanners cover the entire width of the table, allowing for more divisions or combining tables with identical column headings. They are the only type of heading that may be plural.

All columns must have headings, written in sentence case and using singular language (Item rather than Items) unless referring to a group (Men, Women). Each column’s items should be parallel (i.e., every item in a column labeled “%” should be a percentage and does not require the % symbol, since it’s already indicated in the heading). Subsections within the stub column can be shown by indenting headings rather than creating new columns:

Chemical Bonds

Ionic

Covalent

Metallic

The body is the main part of the table, which includes all the reported information organized in cells (intersections of rows and columns). Entries should be center aligned unless left aligning them would make them easier to read (longer entries, usually). Word entries in the body should use sentence case. Leave cells blank if the element is not applicable or if data were not obtained; use a dash in cells and a general note if it is necessary to explain why cells are blank. In reporting the data, consistency is key: Numerals should be expressed to a consistent number of decimal places that is determined by the precision of measurement. Never change the unit of measurement or the number of decimal places in the same column.

There are three types of notes for tables: general, specific, and probability notes. All of them must be placed below the table in that order.

General notes explain, qualify or provide information about the table as a whole. Put explanations of abbreviations, symbols, etc. here.

Example: Note . The racial categories used by the US Census (African-American, Asian American, Latinos/-as, Native-American, and Pacific Islander) have been collapsed into the category “non-White.” E = excludes respondents who self-identified as “White” and at least one other “non-White” race.

Specific notes explain, qualify or provide information about a particular column, row, or individual entry. To indicate specific notes, use superscript lowercase letters (e.g. a , b , c ), and order the superscripts from left to right, top to bottom. Each table’s first footnote must be the superscript a .

a n = 823. b One participant in this group was diagnosed with schizophrenia during the survey.

Probability notes provide the reader with the results of the tests for statistical significance. Asterisks indicate the values for which the null hypothesis is rejected, with the probability ( p value) specified in the probability note. Such notes are required only when relevant to the data in the table. Consistently use the same number of asterisks for a given alpha level throughout your paper.

* p < .05. ** p < .01. *** p < .001

If you need to distinguish between two-tailed and one-tailed tests in the same table, use asterisks for two-tailed p values and an alternate symbol (such as daggers) for one-tailed p values.

* p < .05, two-tailed. ** p < .01, two-tailed. † p <.05, one-tailed. †† p < .01, one-tailed.

Borders

Tables should only include borders and lines that are needed for clarity (i.e., between elements of a decked head, above column spanners, separating total rows, etc.). Do not use vertical borders, and do not use borders around each cell. Spacing and strict alignment is typically enough to clarify relationships between elements.

This image shows an example of a table presented in the text of an APA 7 paper.

Example of a table in the text of an APA 7 paper. Note the lack of vertical borders.

Tables from Other Sources

If using tables from an external source, copy the structure of the original exactly, and cite the source in accordance with APA style .

Table Checklist

(Taken from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 7th ed., Section 7.20)

Is the table necessary?
Does it belong in the print and electronic versions of the article, or can it go in an online supplemental file?
Are all comparable tables presented consistently?
Are all tables numbered with Arabic numerals in the order they are mentioned in the text? Is the table number bold and left-aligned?
Are all tables referred to in the text?
Is the title brief but explanatory? Is it presented in italicized title case and left-aligned?
Does every column have a column heading? Are column headings centered?
Are all abbreviations; special use of italics, parentheses, and dashes; and special symbols explained?
Are the notes organized according to the convention of general, specific, probability?
Are table borders correctly used (top and bottom of table, beneath column headings, above table spanners)?
Does the table use correct line spacing (double for the table number, title, and notes; single, one and a half, or double for the body)?
Are entries in the left column left-aligned beneath the centered stub heading? Are all other column headings and cell entries centered?
Are confidence intervals reported for all major point estimates?
Are all probability level values correctly identified, and are asterisks attached to the appropriate table entries? Is a probability level assigned the same number of asterisks in all the tables in the same document?
If the table or its data are from another source, is the source properly cited? Is permission necessary to reproduce the table?

Figures include all graphical displays of information that are not tables. Common types include graphs, charts, drawings, maps, plots, and photos. Just like tables, figures should supplement the text and should be both understandable on their own and referenced fully in the text. This section details elements of formatting writers must use when including a figure in an APA document, gives an example of a figure formatted in APA style, and includes a checklist for formatting figures.

Preparing Figures

In preparing figures, communication and readability must be the ultimate criteria. Avoid the temptation to use the special effects available in most advanced software packages. While three-dimensional effects, shading, and layered text may look interesting to the author, overuse, inconsistent use, and misuse may distort the data, and distract or even annoy readers. Design properly done is inconspicuous, almost invisible, because it supports communication. Design improperly, or amateurishly, done draws the reader’s attention from the data, and makes him or her question the author’s credibility. Line drawings are usually a good option for readability and simplicity; for photographs, high contrast between background and focal point is important, as well as cropping out extraneous detail to help the reader focus on the important aspects of the photo.

Parts of a Figure

All figures that are part of the main text require a number using Arabic numerals (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.). Numbers are assigned based on the order in which figures appear in the text and are bolded and left aligned.

Under the number, write the title of the figure in italicized title case. The title should be brief, clear, and explanatory, and both the title and number should be double spaced.

The image of the figure is the body, and it is positioned underneath the number and title. The image should be legible in both size and resolution; fonts should be sans serif, consistently sized, and between 8-14 pt. Title case should be used for axis labels and other headings; descriptions within figures should be in sentence case. Shading and color should be limited for clarity; use patterns along with color and check contrast between colors with free online checkers to ensure all users (people with color vision deficiencies or readers printing in grayscale, for instance) can access the content. Gridlines and 3-D effects should be avoided unless they are necessary for clarity or essential content information.

Legends, or keys, explain symbols, styles, patterns, shading, or colors in the image. Words in the legend should be in title case; legends should go within or underneath the image rather than to the side. Not all figures will require a legend.

Notes clarify the content of the figure; like tables, notes can be general, specific, or probability. General notes explain units of measurement, symbols, and abbreviations, or provide citation information. Specific notes identify specific elements using superscripts; probability notes explain statistical significance of certain values.

A generic example of a figure formatted in APA 7 style.

Figure Checklist

(Taken from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 7 th ed., Section 7.35)

Is the figure necessary?
Does the figure belong in the print and electronic versions of the article, or is it supplemental?
Is the figure simple, clean, and free of extraneous detail?
Is the figure title descriptive of the content of the figure? Is it written in italic title case and left aligned?
Are all elements of the figure clearly labeled?
Are the magnitude, scale, and direction of grid elements clearly labeled?
Are parallel figures or equally important figures prepared according to the same scale?
Are the figures numbered consecutively with Arabic numerals? Is the figure number bold and left aligned?
Has the figure been formatted properly? Is the font sans serif in the image portion of the figure and between sizes 8 and 14?
Are all abbreviations and special symbols explained?
If the figure has a legend, does it appear within or below the image? Are the legend’s words written in title case?
Are the figure notes in general, specific, and probability order? Are they double-spaced, left aligned, and in the same font as the paper?
Are all figures mentioned in the text?
Has written permission for print and electronic reuse been obtained? Is proper credit given in the figure caption?
Have all substantive modifications to photographic images been disclosed?
Are the figures being submitted in a file format acceptable to the publisher?
Have the files been produced at a sufficiently high resolution to allow for accurate reproduction?

Home » Figures in Research Paper – Examples and Guide

Figures in Research Paper – Examples and Guide

Table of Contents

Figures in research papers are essential visual elements that enhance the presentation of data, summarize complex information, and clarify findings. Whether it’s a graph, chart, image, or diagram, figures help readers quickly interpret and understand the results and key points of a study. This article explores the role of figures in research papers, provides examples, and offers a comprehensive guide for creating effective figures.

Figures in Research Paper

Figures in research papers refer to graphical or visual representations of information, data, or concepts. They are designed to complement the text by presenting information in an easily digestible and visually appealing format. Common types of figures include charts, graphs, photographs, illustrations, and flowcharts.

Examples of Figures in Research Paper

Examples of Figures in Research Papers or Thesis are as follows:

Line graphs Example

Bar graphs Example

Pie charts Example

Scatterplots Example

Tables Example

Photographs or images Example

Diagrams or schematics Example

Purpose of Figures in Research Papers

Simplify Complex Data : Figures condense large datasets into easily interpretable visuals.
Enhance Clarity : They help explain concepts or processes that are difficult to describe in words.
Engage Readers : Visual elements capture attention and make the paper more engaging.
Highlight Key Findings : Figures emphasize critical results or relationships.
Support the Narrative : They provide evidence to back up claims made in the text.

Key Components of Figures

To ensure clarity and usability, figures must include the following elements:

Example : “Figure 1: Annual Growth Rate of Renewable Energy Adoption (2015–2020).”
Example : “X-Axis: Time (years), Y-Axis: Revenue (in millions).”
Example : Red bars for 2020 data, blue bars for 2021 data.
Example : “Source: World Bank Data 2022.”
Caption : A brief description providing context or additional information about the figure.
Example : “Figure 2.”

Guide to Using Figures in Research Papers

Step 1: determine the need for figures.

Evaluate whether a figure will improve the clarity or impact of your paper. Use figures to:

Summarize key data or findings.
Show relationships between variables.
Explain processes or workflows.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Figure

Select a figure type that best conveys your data or concept:

Line Graph : Trends over time.
Bar Graph : Comparisons between groups.
Scatter Plot : Relationships or correlations between variables.
Flowchart : Step-by-step processes or decision trees.

Step 3: Design Figures for Clarity

Follow best practices for figure design:

Use simple and clean visuals.
Avoid clutter by limiting data points and excessive text.
Use consistent fonts, colors, and styles across figures.

Step 4: Integrate Figures with the Text

Mention each figure in the main text and explain its relevance. Avoid simply restating what the figure shows; instead, interpret and analyze the data.

Example in Text : “As shown in Figure 3, the adoption rate of renewable energy increased significantly between 2015 and 2020, particularly in developed countries.”

Step 5: Adhere to Formatting Guidelines

Follow the specific formatting requirements of your journal or citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago). Common guidelines include:

Position figures close to the relevant text.
Include captions and numbering.
Ensure high-quality resolution for digital figures.

Step 6: Cite Data Sources

If the figure uses data from external sources, provide proper attribution in the caption or reference list.

Step 7: Use Tools for Figure Creation

Leverage tools to create professional and accurate figures:

Microsoft Excel : For graphs and charts.
Tableau : For interactive and advanced data visualizations.
R and Python : For customized plots and statistical visualizations.
Canva : For flowcharts and infographics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading Figures : Too much data or detail can confuse readers. Simplify wherever possible.
Inconsistent Design : Use uniform styles for fonts, colors, and labels across figures.
Missing Context : Ensure captions provide enough information for standalone understanding.
Poor Quality : Low-resolution images or graphs can reduce the paper’s credibility.
Ignoring Guidelines : Failing to follow journal or style-specific formatting rules.

Figures are an invaluable component of research papers, transforming data into visually engaging formats that enhance comprehension and impact. By choosing the appropriate type of figure, following best practices for design, and adhering to formatting standards, researchers can effectively communicate their findings. Whether presenting trends, relationships, or processes, figures make research more accessible and impactful.

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.
Tufte, E. R. (2001). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information . Graphics Press.
Knaflic, C. N. (2015). Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals . Wiley.
Cleveland, W. S. (1994). The Elements of Graphing Data . Hobart Press.
Microsoft (2024). “Using Excel for Data Visualization.” Microsoft Corporation.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer