Determine if the presentation of information will benefit by using a table. If there are only enough data for the table to fill two rows or columns, a table should not be used. If the table will present a great deal of data that will benefit the paper, then it is probably a good idea to include it. Presentation of a table is an important factor. Most tables in APA papers are completed using a 12-point font type, double spacing and one-inch margins. Either portrait or landscape orientation is acceptable.
Label the table. Many APA research papers contain more than one table or figure. The first table should be labeled "Table 1." Any additional tables after that are labeled in the same manner with numbers 2, 3 and so on.
Title the table. Every table within the paper should have a brief title that explains what the table is referencing.
Create headings. Each column and row in the table should have a heading label, even if the information seems obvious. The heading titles should be brief and can be abbreviated if necessary. The stub column is the first column in the table and is on the far left-hand side. This column will contain the main information of the table. Each other column contains information relating to the stub column information.
Insert the body of the table. The body consists of the actual data the table is representing. If numbers are used, they should be consistent in measurement throughout an entire column within the table. The measurements can change by column as long as they are clearly illustrated within the table. When adding the information to the table, consider the order in which it is placed. Many times, the results are placed in order from highest to lowest, oldest to newest or best to worst. The order in which they are placed should be carefully planned. Table entries that will be compared to each other should be situated next to each other.
Add any necessary notes to the table. Notes are listed on the bottom of the table and are typically marked with an asterisk. Notes can be one of three types. A general note is used for an explanation such as an abbreviation or a symbol. A specific note explains information in a particular area of the table, such as a row or column. A probability note provides some kind of statistical significance to the reader.