What Is Tabulation in Excel
What Is Tabulation in Excel
The systematic presentation of numerical data in rows and columns is known as Tabulation. It is designed to make presentation simpler and
analysis easier. This type of presentation facilitates comparison by putting relevant information close to one another, and it helps in further statistical
analysis and interpretation. One of the most important devices for presenting the data in a condensed and readily comprehensible form is tabulation.
It aims to provide as much information as possible in the minimum possible space while maintaining the quality and usefulness of the data.
“Tabulation involves the orderly and systematic presentation of numerical data in a form designed to elucidate the problem under consideration.”
– L.R. Connor
Objectives of Tabulation
The aim of tabulation is to summarise a large amount of numerical information into the simplest form. The following are the main objectives of
tabulation:
To make complex data simpler: The main aim of tabulation is to present the classified data in a systematic way. The purpose is to condense the
bulk of information (data) under investigation into a simple and meaningful form.
To save space: Tabulation tries to save space by condensing data in a meaningful form while maintaining the quality and quantity of the data.
To facilitate comparison: It also aims to facilitate quick comparison of various observations by providing the data in a tabular form.
To facilitate statistical analysis: Tabulation aims to facilitate statistical analysis because it is the stage between data classification and data
presentation. Various statistical measures, including averages, dispersion, correlation, and others, are easily calculated from data that has been
systematically tabulated.
To provide a reference: Since data may be easily identifiable and used when organised in tables with titles and table numbers, tabulation aims
to provide a reference for future studies.
Tabulation is a very specialised job. It requires a thorough knowledge of statistical methods, as well as abilities, experience, and common sense. A
good table must have the following characteristics:
1. Title: The top of the table must have a title and it needs to be very appealing and attractive.
2. Manageable Size: The table shouldn’t be too big or too small. The size of the table should be in accordance with its objectives and
the characteristics of the data. It should completely cover all significant characteristics of data.
3. Attractive: A table should have an appealing appearance that appeals to both the sight and the mind so that the reader can grasp it easily
without any strain.
4. Special Emphasis: The data to be compared should be placed in the left-hand corner of columns, with their titles in bold letters.
5. Fit with the Objective: The table should reflect the objective of the statistical investigation.
6. Simplicity: To make the table easily understandable, it should be simple and compact.
7. Data Comparison: The data to be compared must be placed closely in the columns.
8. Numbered Columns and Rows: When there are several rows and columns in a table, they must be numbered for reference.
9. Clarity: A table should be prepared so that even a layman may make conclusions from it. The table should contain all necessary information and
it must be self-explanatory.
10. Units: The unit designations should be written on the top of the table, below the title. For example, Height in cm, Weight in kg, Price in ₹, etc.
However, if different items have different units, then they should be mentioned in the respective rows and columns.
11. Suitably Approximated: If the figures are large, then they should be rounded or approximated.
12. Scientifically Prepared: The preparation of the table should be done in a systematic and logical manner and should be free from any kind of
ambiguity and overlapping.
Components of a Table
A table’s preparation is an art that requires skilled data handling. It’s crucial to understand the components of a good statistical table before
constructing one. A table is created when all of these components are put together in a systematic order. In simple terms, a good table should
include the following components:
1. Table Number:
Each table needs to have a number so it may be quickly identified and used as a reference.
The location of any one figure or data in the table is fixed and determined by the row and column of the table.
The columns and rows in the main body’s arrangement of numerical data are arranged from top to bottom.
The size and shape of the main body should be planned in accordance with the nature of the figures and the purpose of the study.
As the body of the table summarises the facts and conclusions of the statistical investigation, it must be ensured that the table does not have
irrelevant information.
6. Unit of Measurement:
If the unit of measurement of the figures in the table (real data) does not change throughout the table, it should always be provided along with the
title.
However, these units must be mentioned together with stubs or captions if rows or columns have different units.
If there are large figures, they should be rounded up and the rounding method should be stated.
7. Head Notes:
If the main title does not convey enough information, a head note is included in small brackets in prominent words right below the main title.
Footnotes are used to provide additional information that is not provided by the heading, title, stubs, caption, etc.
When there are many footnotes, they are numbered in order.
Footnotes are identified by the symbols *, @, £, etc.
In general, footnotes are used for the following reasons:
(i) To highlight any exceptions to the data
(ii)Any special circumstances affecting the data; and
(iii)To clarify any information in the data.