If you've ever spent 20 minutes trying to figure out whether your table title goes above or below your table – it goes above, for the record – you already know that APA formatting is full of small rules that are easy to forget and even easier to get wrong. Tables and figures are two of the trickiest areas when it comes to presenting data clearly in an academic paper.

PERRLA handles the formatting for you. Let's walk through what APA 7th Edition actually requires for tables and figures, and how PERRLA takes care of the rest.

What are tables and figures in APA?

In the APA format, tables and figures are the two categories used to present information visually. The distinction is fairly simple:

• Tables display data in rows and columns – grids of numbers, comparison charts, or structured lists.
• Figures cover everything else: graphs, charts, photographs, illustrations, maps, and diagrams.

Both serve the same purpose: to present information more clearly than prose alone can. And APA has specific formatting rules for each.

How to format a table in APA 7th Edition

APA tables follow a consistent structure. Once you know the parts, they're straightforward to replicate – it's keeping track of all of them at once that tends to trip students up.

What to include in an APA table

Every APA table should have the following elements:

• A table number
• A title
• Column headings (and row headings, if applicable)
• The table body (your actual data)
• Notes, if needed

APA table number and title

The table number goes on its own line above the table, in bold (e.g., Table 1). Tables are numbered in the order they appear in your paper. The title goes on the next line, in italics and title case, followed by the table itself – no extra lines between them.

APA table body and notes

The table body should use horizontal lines above and below the column headings and at the bottom of the table. Vertical lines are not used in APA tables, so skip the gridlines. Notes go below the table and begin with the word "Note." in italics, followed by a period. Use notes to explain abbreviations, acknowledge a data source, or flag anything that needs clarification.

How to create a properly formatted APA table in PERRLA

With PERRLA, adding a properly formatted table to your paper takes just a few clicks. Here's how it works:

1. Place your cursor where you'd like the table to appear in the body of your paper.
2. In the PERRLA Ribbon Tab, select Insert Table.
3. Enter the details for your table: Table Title, Number of Columns, Number of Rows, and – if needed – Table Notes. Notes are optional and can be used to clarify information or avoid repetition. If you'd like to include them, check the Include Notes checkbox.
4. Click Insert Table.

PERRLA handles the number, title placement, horizontal rules, and note formatting automatically – no manual adjustments needed.

How to format a figure in APA 7th Edition

Figures follow a structure similar to tables, with a few differences worth noting.

What counts as a figure in APA?

Pretty much any visual element that isn't a table qualifies as a figure. This includes charts, graphs, photographs, drawings, maps, flowcharts, and infographics. If you're not sure whether something is a table or a figure, ask yourself: does it display data in rows and columns? Table. Is it anything visual? Figure.

APA figure number and title

Like tables, figures are numbered in order of appearance (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.). The figure number appears in bold above the image. The title follows on the next line, in italics and title case – for example, Sasquatch Sightings in the Pacific Northwest, 1968-1998.

APA figure notes and image placement

Figure notes work the same way as table notes. They appear below the figure and begin with "Note." in italics. Use notes to credit image sources, explain symbols, or add context. The image itself should be placed as close as possible to the first reference to it in the body of your paper, left-aligned, and sized clearly enough to be readable without being overwhelming.

How to add a properly formatted APA figure in PERRLA

Adding a figure with PERRLA is just as straightforward as adding a table. Whether you're inserting a graph from a research study or a photo you took in the field, PERRLA will make sure it lands in your paper formatted exactly the way APA requires.

1. Place your cursor where you'd like the figure to appear in the body of your paper.
2. In the PERRLA Ribbon Tab, select Insert Figure.
3. Select your figure image. You can choose a file from your computer (.jpg or .png) or pull an image directly from a website by entering its URL.
4. Add your Figure Title (concise, title case).
5. Add a Figure Note, if needed.
6. Click Insert Figure.

Tables and figures include some of the more detail-heavy formatting requirements in APA, but they don't have to be stressful. PERRLA handles the structure so you can focus on the content. Try PERRLA free for seven days – no credit card required, no usage limits.