Figures and tables are how a manuscript carries its weight. A reader skimming for the first time will read your headings, then your figures, then your tables, before reading any prose. This lesson sets the bar for both.
When To Use A Figure vs A Table
Use A Figure When...
Use A Table When...
The pattern matters more than the number
The numbers matter
You want to show relationships
You want to show values
A picture replaces 200 words
A table replaces 200 numbers
The data is hierarchical or spatial
The data is rectangular
Quality Checklist
Aspect
Pass If
Title and number
Both present, consistent
Caption length
One sentence (figures), longer descriptive (tables)
Standalone meaning
A reader who reads only the figure understands it
Sources cited
Yes, if not your own
Referenced in text
Yes - figures and tables must be called out
Colour usage
Not the only carrier of meaning
Font in image
Sans-serif, minimum 10 pt at print scale
Anti-Patterns
**Decorative-only** - figures that exist to fill space.
**Tiny screenshots** - readable only at zoom.
**Pie charts for many slices** - use a bar chart.
**3D bar charts** - the depth distorts comparison.
**Tables with hundreds of rows** - move to appendix, show a sample.
Discussion
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