1. AuthorAID Workshop on Research Writing
Tanzania
June 2010

2. Tables and Figures: Some Basic Advice
Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH
Texas A&M University

3. Tables: A Few Suggestions
Use tables only if text will not suffice.
Design tables to be understandable without the text.
If a paper includes a series of tables, use the same format for each.
Be sure to follow the instructions to authors.

4. Figures: A Few Suggestions
Use figures (graphs, diagrams, maps, photographs, etc) only if they will help convey your information.
Avoid including too much information in one figure.
Make sure any lettering will be large enough once published.
Follow the journal’s instructions.

5. Note
Some journals redraw figures to suit their own format. However, even for these journals, the submitted figures should be accurately, clearly, and neatly prepared.

6. Discussion Question
If you have data that could be presented in either a table or a figure, how do you decide which one to use?

7. A General Suggestion
Look at tables and figures in journal articles presenting research similar to yours
In your target journal
In other good journals
Use these tables and figures as models when designing your own tables and figures.

8. Sources of Further Information
“Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Making Tables and Figures,” Department of Biology, Bates College, (
Writing and Publishing Scientific Papers, Part 2 (from China Medical Board course), accessible at

9. Thank you!

10. Small-Group Discussion
Please discuss this morning’s lectures. What are the main points to remember? What questions do you have? How do you plan to use the content?
Identify a journal that seems suitable for your paper. Say why you chose this journal. If possible, now or this evening, look at the journal’s instructions to authors and at least one paper in the journal.
If you brought a draft of your paper, note some things that are good about the Results section and any tables and figures and some things that you plan to change. If you didn’t bring a draft, describe your plans for your Results section and any tables and figures. (Please keep the lectures in mind.)
Prepare a brief talk (5 to 10 minutes) presenting highlights of your group’s discussion.