Q.What is tabulation? Describe the main parts of a statistical table.

Tabulation arranges classified data into a table, and a complete table has several standard named parts.

Meaning. Tabulation is the process of arranging classified data in rows and columns in a systematic, orderly form called a statistical table. It follows classification and precedes diagrammatic presentation and analysis; a good table condenses data, eases comparison and reveals patterns.

Parts of a statistical table (top to bottom):

1. Table number — identifies the table for reference.
2. Title — a brief, clear heading stating what the table shows, with its place and time coverage.
3. Head-note (prefatory note) — a note below the title giving information common to the whole table, usually the unit of measurement (e.g. 'figures in ₹ '000').
4. Captions — the headings of the vertical columns.
5. Stubs — the headings of the horizontal rows, down the left side.
6. Body — the main part, containing the actual figures in the cells.
7. Footnote — a note below the body clarifying anything special (a symbol, an estimated figure). …

Students commonly muddle captions and stubs — captions are column headings (across the top), stubs are row headings (down the left). Also frequently omi …