Statistical Standards Program
Table of Contents Introduction 1. Development of Concepts and Methods 2. Planning and Design of Surveys 3. Collection of Data 4. Processing and Editing of Data 5. Analysis of Data / Production of Estimates or Projections 6. Establishment of Review Procedures 7. Dissemination of Data Glossary Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C ·Sample Table ·Introduction ·Major Types of Tables ·Tabular Format ·Table Titles ·Boxheads ·Table Stub ·Body ·Tabular Notes ·Sizing a Table ·Appendix Appendix D Publication information For help viewing PDF files, please click here |
APPENDIX C: NCES GUIDELINES FOR TABULAR PRESENTATIONS (2002 Edition) |
Most NCES publications are printed on paper that is 8 1/2 x 11 inches. The "image" size (area occupied by printed matter) is expected to be about 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches, including space for the page number. It is well to note that, although this section focuses on ways to reduce dimensions, do so within reason. The problems of table layout usually are those of too much rather than too little, and too much vacant space within a table is no less a fault than others. Some ways to improve the appearance and reduce one or both dimensions include pruning, internal revision, and font reduction, now discussed in that order. (See Spacing in the Column Head and Vertical Spacing in the Stub.)
To reduce the width of a table, try¾
To reduce the length of a table, try¾
Internal Revision Conversely, if the table is narrow and much too long for the page, using a double-up table format may shorten it. In less drastic situations, some data columns or data lines may be eliminated by incorporating low-yield categories, or more of them, in an "other" (residual) category or by eliminating categories entirely if they yield no data. Spacing Reduction Font Reduction |