Presenting gender statistics

 

GENERAL RULES FOR PREPARING USER-FRIENDLY TABLES

 

The general rules for preparing user-friendly tables are:

• Each table must have a number and a title describing the subject and coverage. Depending on the context, the title could also spell out the message of the table.
• The table should have an appropriate grid with horizontal and/or vertical rulers. However, too many grid lines should be avoided.
• The columns and rows must be labelled with complete and self-explanatory headings (sub- and straddle headings if necessary).
• The units used must be clearly designated.
• Each cell must contain data or a notation, and this must be complemented with the full explanation of symbols, i.e. an explanation of signs and symbols used. This holds true for both those codes that replace the real data (such as not applicable, not available), and for those codes added to data that define a specific characteristic (such as provisional, estimated).
• The necessary definitions and methodological information must be given.
• The data source must be fully cited.

For more detailed information, please refer to our list of selected reference material.