1.2.4 Tables
（表）
Now let’s move on to tables.
Do you know what they are?
Do you know what they are?
I think so, but I’m not sure if I can explain them in English.
Well, a table is an arrangement of figures or facts, usually in rows on a page. With numerical entries, you can present the amount or frequency of each category.
The table below illustrates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by ten highest emitting parties in 2014. Like a bar chart, figures are ordered from the largest on top to the smallest at the bottom. You may also notice that the figures are aligned right.
The table below illustrates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by ten highest emitting parties in 2014. Like a bar chart, figures are ordered from the largest on top to the smallest at the bottom. You may also notice that the figures are aligned right.
(Source: International Energy Agency)
http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/KeyCO2EmissionsTrends.pdf
*The PDF is no longer available. [Dec 24, 2020]
http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/KeyCO2EmissionsTrends.pdf
*The PDF is no longer available. [Dec 24, 2020]
May, have you noticed there is something quite different about a table from other kinds of visual aids?
Umm… Oh, I see! There’s no graphic.
Exactly! Unlike line graphs, pie charts, and bar charts, tables have no graphic. So, you may find them less attractive visually.
Then, why bother using a table?
When your data set has too many variables, a simple table can be a better option as it conveys your claim effectively.
I’m still lost. Can you please explain more?
Well, your priority should be a chart as it can be more appealing. But if you have to use huge amount of data and the space is limited, then a table would be a better option. Does that answer your question?
Yes!
Graphs, charts, and tables all facilitate data presentations and interpretations if used effectively. For more designing tips, read books written by Berinato (2016) and Wong (2010), which are detailed at the end of this module.