The process of presentation of classified data in tables to render it simple and concise, is called tabulation. It is an ordered/sequential arrangement of presenting data in rows and columns.

According to Prof. Neiswanger : “A statistical table is a systematic organization of data in columns and rows.”

According to Prof. H. Secrist : “Tables are a means of recording in permanent form the analysis that is made through classification and of placing in juxtaposition things that are similar and should be compared.”

Following are the main parts of a table :

• Table number : A table is assigned a number for its identification. It should be marked at the very top of the table. 
• Title/Heading : The title of the table indicates the subject of the table. This title should be clean, brief and in suitable language. This should be written next to or adjacent to the table number. 
• Stubs and captions : Each row of the table is given a title. The title of row is also called stub. These are given in, the column left of the table. Each column of the table has a heading above it. This is called the caption or column title, 
• Main body of the table : Facts/data-items are presented in the main body of the table. This is the heart of the table. Its shape/size depends on the nature and availability of the dataitems. Its size and form is planned in advance. 
• Drawing lines and leaving blank spaces : The beauty of a table depends on drawing . lines and leaving blank spaces. While line should be short or thick or which colour be used to draw it- all things depend on the available subject information. 
• Arrangement of Items : The arrangement of well-organised and ordered items makes the table attractive and useful. Those cells which are to be compared are kept as close as possible. 
• Unit of measurement : If the unit of measurement is same throughout the table then the unit of measurement should be written along with title of the table. 
• Foot notes : If some necessary information related to data items has been left out in the table or if special clarification about a fact is needed, then an explanatory footnote is given for it at the bottom of the table. 
• Source : To make the data-items authentic and more effective, the context and source of data-items should be made clear at the end of the table.

We should keep following rules in mind while constructing a table:

• Title : Each table should have a clear, complete and brief title. The title should indicate the subject related to the data-items, time, classification basis, etc. 
• Columns and rows : Keeping in mind the objective of tabulation and the available information, the number of cells and rows should be ascertained before hand. Serial number should be marked on columns. 
• Comparison : Comparable data-items should be kept as close as possible in a table. Percentage, ratio, multiple, etc. derived values should also be kept close to their original values (data-items in nearby cells) with a viewpoint of convenience in comparison.
• Lines : Important information should be placed in cells having thick and deep lines, so that they attract the reader’s attention readily. 
• Arrangement of items : Different terms should be arranged in the table according to importance, size, place, time or alphabetically. Data-items with greater importance should be placed in leading columns, while those with less importance should be kept in trailing columns. 
• Special Importance : To attract attention towards information of special importance, these should be written in bold/thick numerals. 
• Footnotes : If some necessary information has been left out in the table or if special clarification is needed about a certain data-item, then a footnote should be given below the table. 
• Sources : The source/origin of the data-items present in the table should be mentioned below the table.