Citation Styles Playbook

What are figures?

In APA style, a figure is any kind of visual display, except a table.  Examples of figures: graphs, charts, drawings, maps, photos, infographics, and other illustrations.

What are tables?

Tables typically display numerical values or textual information arranged in columns and/or rows.

Where do figures and tables go in my paper?

There are two options for the placement of figures (and tables) in a paper:

• Embedded -- figures or tables appear in the text after they are first called out (mentioned).
• Separate page -- this page will be located after the references list.

NOTE: If you are only citing images without reproducing them in your paper, see the Miscellaneous section.

• Number
  • The figure number goes above the figure in bold (e.g. Figure 1). Number figures consecutively (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.)
• Title
  • The figure title appears one double-spaced line below the figure numbers, in italics and title case.
• Image
  • The image part of the figure is the chart, graph, photograph, drawing or other illustration itself
• Legend
  • The figure legend (also know as a key), if used, should be positioned within the borders of the figure and explain any symbols used in the figure image.

Note: figure notes can appear below the figure to explain, describe, clarify or supplement information in the image.  Not all figures include notes, but in most cases, notes are very  helpful and should be included. When the figure has been taken from a source (as opposed to it being an original figure), provide the full citation for the source in the note (the figure won't be cited in the References).  Notes are double-spaced and flush left. Format: Note. Text of the note. 

Example:

• Number
  • The table number goes above the table in bold. (e.g. Table 1). Number tables sequentially (Table 1, Table 2, etc.)
• Title
  • The table title goes one double-spaced line below the table number in italics in title case.  (In title case the first letter of major words are capitalized).
• Headings
  • All tables should include column headings including a heading for the left most column (aka stub heading).
• Body
  • The table body includes all the rows and columns of a table.  The body can be single spaced, one-and-a-half spaced, or double spaced.
• Notes
  • Notes describing the contents of the table appear below the table.  Not all tables include table notes.  Notes are double-spaced and located flush left. Format: Note. Text of the note.

Example: