Helpful tips on formatting tables when observing APA 6th ed. style.

2. Tables
Presentation by Kate Cottle

3. Tables
▪ Tables are used when you have more than two columns or two
rows of data that you want to present.
▪ The data should support information you have in the text, but
not repeat it.
▪ Tables are not placed in the body text of the paper; instead,
they appear at the end of the paper.
▪ Each table is numbered consecutively (Table 1,Table 2, etc.).
▪ When you refer to the table in the text, you use the number
(Table 1,Table 2, etc.) as the reference.
(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

4. ▪ After the References page, you place your first table.
▪ Every new table gets its own page.
▪ If your table is longer than two pages, repeat the headings.
▪ Number your tables consecutively (Table 1,Table 2, etc.)
▪ If you are using a table from a copyrighted source, get
permission before you use it
– This is if the essay will be published. If the essay is solely for a class,
then you are covered under Fair Use.
(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)
Tables

5. Table Formatting
Table Identification: Left, Headline/Title Case
TableTitle: Left, Italics, Headline/Title Case
Horizontal
line across
entire table
to separate
elements
Horizontal
line across
entire table
to separate
elements
Horizontal
line across
entire table
to separate
elements
Horizontal
line across
entire table
to separate
elements
(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)
Double
spaced
throughout
except for
the spacing
right below
column
headings

6. Table Formatting
Stub Head:
names the
left column
Column Spanner: The word should be
centered only above the columns it
describes; the line should only cover
these columns
(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)
Column Headings: Centered on top
of the column it describes; all column
headings must be parallel parts of
speech.
GeneralTable Note: Start with
“Note.” in italics; follow with the note.
(The note must apply to the whole
table.) Finish with a period even if it is
a fragment.
Columns: The data sets are centered
below the headers that describe
them.

7. Additional Notes about Formatting
▪ Some sources say single-spaced and some say double-
spaced throughout
– Choose the spacing based on which is more readable
▪ Some sources say pick a sans serif font (Helvetica, Arial)
while others say choose a serif font (Times New Roman)
– Choose the font based on which is more readable
▪ Make sure the table is presenting valuable information
– Also make sure the information could not be presented better as
a part of text.
(APA, 2009; Perrin, 2012)

8. References
American Psychological Association. (2009.) Publication manual
of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.).
Washington, DC: Author.
Perrin, R. (2012). Pocket guide to APA style (4th ed.). Boston, MA:
Wadsworth.