CHEM 321: Table Guidelines
Tables must be numbered (separately from Figures) in the order they are introduced in the report. Each must be
introduced by a sentence in the Results section. Do NOT present a Table without first alerting the reader to what
it contains or what conclusion is to be drawn from its information.
• If you don’t have enough data for at least 3 rows and 3 columns, do not use a Table. Instead, use sentences
to describe results.
• Each Table must have above it a title that describes what the table is about (not just "Table 1").
Example Table 1: Results of chemical characterization tests on cyclohexene a
(A signal [a in the example] can be added to direct attention to a footnote beneath the Table where
special conditions may be outlined.)
• “Causes” (independent variables) should be in left-hand columns; “Effects” (dependent) in right-hand
columns
Each must have scientifically descriptive row and column labels. "Scientifically descriptive" means words that
help the reader understand the relation of the information in the Table to the scientific objectives of the
experiment. Labels tell exactly what the sample contains or what is being measured ("sample 1" and similar
vague labels are not acceptable unless contents are really not known). Labels for numeric values always include
the units of measurement.
Each Table should have enough information included in it so that a reader can make sense of it. Look at The
Journal of Organic Chemistry on the web to get a better idea of how this is done. When you mention a Table
anywhere in your report, you must do so by its number (e.g., “Table 3 shows . . .”).
Tables should be of a size and format that makes them uncluttered and easily to understand.
No part of a Table may be split across two pages. This includes titles and footnotes. If necessary,
reorganize your text so that such splits don't happen, or force a page break.
Below is an example of a “bad” table. What questions does it leave you wondering about? What flaws can you
find in it?
Table 1
Mass Boiling
IR
0.8 95-100C
1600
1.2 100-135 3200,1600
9.4 138-142
3200
Reactions
Br2 went clear, Cro3 stayed orange
Br2 went clear, Cro3 went green
Br2 stayed brown, Cro3 went green
#
1
2
3
Below is an example of a “good” table.
Table 1: Characterization of recovered products a
IR signature
Reaction with
Fraction # Mass (g) Boiling range (°C) O-H (~3200 cm-1) C=C (~1600 cm-1) Br2
CrO3
1
0.8
95-100
+
+
2
1.2
100-135
+
+
+
+
3
9.4
138-142
+
+
a
Crude product from synthesis reaction was distilled over a fractionating column. IR spectra recorded as thin films. Relativities of individual fractions tested against Br2 (2 M
in CCl4) and CrO3 (in conc. H2SO4, acetone solvent). For the bromine test, + means went clear and colorless, and – means stayed brown. For the Jones test, + means went
green and cloudy, and – means stayed orange and clear.