Statistics · Ch 2 — Presentation of Data
Tabulation of Data
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Tabulation of Data
Tabulation is the systematic arrangement of classified data into rows and columns so that it can be read and compared at a glance. A well-made table is often the single most useful way to present business and economic data — a Gujarat cooperative bank's branch-wise deposit figures, for instance, are almost always tabulated before anything else is done with them.
Parts of a good statistical table
| Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Table number | Identifies the table for reference, especially when several tables appear in one report |
| Title | A brief, clear statement of what the table contains, including unit, time, and place |
| Box head (column headings) | Names of the columns, including the unit of measurement |
| Stub (row headings) | Names of the rows |
| Body | The actual figures, placed at the intersection of rows and columns |
| Footnote | Explains any special item or exception within the body |
| Source note | States where the data came from, so the table can be verified or traced back |
Requisites of a good table
- A clear, self-explanatory title placed at the top.
- Rows and columns arranged in a logical order (e.g., chronological, or by size).
- Units of measurement stated clearly (₹, kg, %, quintals).
- Totals and sub-totals shown wherever meaningful.
- Not overcrowded — a table with too many rows/columns defeats its own purpose of clarity.
- A source note at the bottom, so a reader (or an auditor) can trace the figures back. …
Definition 1Stub
The left-most column of a table, giving the headings/description …
Definition 2Box head
The top row of a table, giving the heading (and unit) of e …