Tables and Figures

Tables and figures are used to present quantitative data and clear illustrations of trends or comparisons. Although not essential in a paper, they are often an integral part of most scientific papers. Tables are for presenting exact numbers; figures show trends and features. Tables are used to summarize numerical values to facilitate their interpretation in the text. Figures emphasize the relationship among numbers; they include charts, diagrams, graphs, photographs and other illustrations. The same (sets of) data should not be presented in tables and figures; each table and figures should contain enough information for the reader to understand it clearly without referring to the text; and all tables and figures should be cited in the text.