Table vs. Figure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
A table presents data in rows and columns for easy comparison, while a figure includes graphical representations like charts or images to visualize information.
Difference Between Table and Figure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A table organizes information into rows and columns, making it straightforward to compare and analyze numerical data or textual information. For instance, a table can list sales figures for different quarters, enabling quick comparison across time periods. A figure, on the other hand, uses visual elements such as graphs, diagrams, or images to convey data. For example, a pie chart showing market share distribution visually represents the same data in a more engaging way.
Tables are ideal for presenting detailed data where precision and exact values are necessary. They allow readers to locate specific information quickly, as each piece of data is clearly positioned in a cell. Figures, however, are more effective for illustrating trends, patterns, and relationships in data, making complex information easier to understand at a glance.
When writing reports, tables can provide a comprehensive overview of data, such as a list of survey responses or experimental results, ensuring all details are accessible. Figures complement tables by offering a visual summary or highlighting key points, such as a line graph showing a trend over time.
In academic and scientific contexts, tables often include statistical data, with precise values that need close examination. Figures, like bar charts or scatter plots, help in visualizing these statistics, providing a quick snapshot of the data distribution and relationships.
In business presentations, tables can detail financial performance metrics, with rows and columns breaking down revenues, expenses, and profits. Figures, such as infographics or organizational charts, make it easier to communicate strategies, processes, or hierarchical structures in a more visually appealing way.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Data organized in rows and columns
Graphical representation of information
Ideal Use
Detailed comparison and analysis
Illustrating trends and patterns
Example
Sales figures by quarter
Pie chart showing market share
Data Presentation
Precise and exact values
Visual summary and highlights
Application in Reports
Survey responses or results
Line graphs or diagrams
Compare with Definitions
Table
Data arranged in rows and columns.
The table lists the population of each city.
Figure
Graphical representation of data.
The figure shows the sales trend over five years.
Table
Tool for organizing and comparing information.
We used a table to compare the test results.
Figure
Image or diagram to illustrate information.
The report included figures to clarify the data.
Table
Grid format for presenting information clearly.
The study's findings were summarized in a table.
Figure
Visual element like a chart or graph.
We used a bar chart as a figure to display results.
Table
Structure to display precise data.
The timetable was displayed in a table format.
Figure
Visual depiction to aid understanding.
The manual included figures to illustrate the process.
Table
A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, writing, or working at
She put the plate on the table
He rang the restaurant to book a table for lunch
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Table
A set of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
The population has grown, as shown in table 1
Figure
Figures Mathematical calculations
Good at figures.
Table
A flat, typically rectangular, vertical surface; a panel.
Figure
An amount represented in numbers
Sold for a large figure.
Table
Present formally for discussion or consideration at a meeting
More than 200 amendments to the bill have already been tabled
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Table
Postpone consideration of
I'd like the issue to be tabled for the next few months
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Table
Strengthen (a sail) by making a hem at the edge.
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Table
A piece of furniture usually supported by one or more legs and having a flat top surface on which objects can be placed
A dinner table.
A poker table.
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Table
The objects laid out for a meal on this article of furniture.
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Table
The food and drink served at meals; fare
Kept an excellent table.
Figure
A person, especially a well-known one
A famous historical figure.
Table
The company of people assembled around a table, as for a meal.
Figure
Impression or appearance made
Cut a dashing figure at the reception.
Table
Either of the leaves of a backgammon board.
Figure
A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
Table
Tables(Obsolete) The game of backgammon.
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Table
A plateau or tableland.
Figure
A diagram
Drew a figure of the office layout.
Table
A flat facet cut across the top of a precious stone.
Figure
A design or pattern, as in a textile
Silk with a paisley figure.
Table
A stone or gem cut in this fashion.
Figure
An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
Table
The front part of the body of a stringed instrument.
Figure
A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
Table
The sounding board of a harp.
Figure
A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
Table
(Architecture) A raised horizontal surface or continuous band on an exterior wall; a stringcourse.
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Table
A part of the human palm framed by four lines, analyzed in palmistry.
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Table
An orderly arrangement of data, especially one in which the data are arranged in columns and rows in an essentially rectangular form.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Table
An abbreviated list, as of contents; a synopsis.
Figure
To make a likeness of; depict.
Table
An engraved slab or tablet bearing an inscription or device.
Figure
To adorn with a design or figures.
Table
(Anatomy) The inner or outer flat layer of bones of the skull separated by the diploe.
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Table
Tables A system of laws or decrees; a code
The tables of Moses.
Figure
To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
Table
To put or place on a table.
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Table
To postpone consideration of (a piece of legislation, for example); shelve.
Figure
To consider or regard
Figured them as con artists.
Table
To enter in a list or table; tabulate.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate; compute.
Table
Furniture with a top surface to accommodate a variety of uses.
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Table
An item of furniture with a flat top surface raised above the ground, usually on one or more legs.
Set that dish on the table over there, please.
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Table
The board or table-like furniture on which a game is played, such as snooker, billiards, or draughts.
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Table
A flat tray which can be used as a table.
Figure
A drawing or diagram conveying information.
Table
A supply of food or entertainment.
The baron kept a fine table and often held large banquets.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Table
A service of Holy Communion.
Figure
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
Table
(backgammon) One half of a backgammon board, which is divided into the inner and outer table.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Table
A group of people at a table, for example, for a meal, meeting or game.
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Table
The lineup of players at a given table.
That's the strongest table I've ever seen at a European Poker Tour event
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Table
A group of players meeting regularly to play a campaign.
Figure
A numeral.
Table
A group of diners at a given table or tables.
Table 9 wants another round of beers.
John always gets the best tips because he gets the best tables! It's not fair!
Figure
A number, an amount.
Table
A two-dimensional presentation of data.
Figure
A shape.
A geometrical figure, a plane figure, a solid figure
Table
A matrix or grid of data arranged in rows and columns.
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Table
A collection of arithmetic calculations arranged in a table, such as multiplications in a multiplication table.
The children were practising multiplication tables.
Don’t you know your tables?
Here is a table of natural logarithms.
Figure
Any complex dance moveW.
Table
A lookup table, most often a set of vectors.
Figure
A figure of speech.
Table
(sports) A visual representation of a classification of teams or individuals based on their success over a predetermined period.
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Table
(musical instruments) The top of a stringed instrument, particularly a member of the violin family: the side of the instrument against which the strings vibrate.
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Table
The flat topmost facet of a cut diamond.
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Table
To tabulate; to put into a table or grid.
To table fines
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Table
To supply (a guest, client etc.) with food at a table; to feed.
Figure
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
Table
(obsolete) To delineate; to represent, as in a picture; to depict.
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Table
(non-US) To put on the table of a commission or legislative assembly; to propose for formal discussion or consideration, to put on the agenda.
Figure
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
Table
To remove from the agenda, to postpone dealing with; to shelve to indefinitely postpone consideration or discussion of something.
The legislature tabled the amendment, so they will not be discussing it until later.
The motion was tabled, ensuring that it would not be taken up until a later date.
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Table
To join (pieces of timber) together using coaks.
Figure
(intransitive) To enter into; to be a part of.
Table
To put on a table.
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Table
(nautical) To make board hems in the skirts and bottoms of (sails) in order to strengthen them in the part attached to the bolt-rope.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
Table
A smooth, flat surface, like the side of a board; a thin, flat, smooth piece of anything; a slab.
A bagnio paved with fair tables of marble.
Figure
(obsolete) To indicate by numerals.
Table
A thin, flat piece of wood, stone, metal, or other material, on which anything is cut, traced, written, or painted; a tablet
And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
And stand there with your tables to gleanThe golden sentences.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Table
Any smooth, flat surface upon which an inscription, a drawing, or the like, may be produced.
The opposite walls are painted by Rubens, which, with that other of the Infanta taking leave of Don Philip, is a most incomparable table.
St. Antony has a table that hangs up to him from a poor peasant.
Figure
(obsolete) To prefigure; to foreshow.
Table
Hence, in a great variety of applications: A condensed statement which may be comprehended by the eye in a single view; a methodical or systematic synopsis; the presentation of many items or particulars in one group; a scheme; a schedule.
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Table
A view of the contents of a work; a statement of the principal topics discussed; an index; a syllabus; a synopsis; as, a table of contents.
Figure
(music) To embellish.
Table
An article of furniture, consisting of a flat slab, board, or the like, having a smooth surface, fixed horizontally on legs, and used for a great variety of purposes, as in eating, writing, or working.
We may againGive to our tables meat.
The nymph the table spread.
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Table
A list of substances and their properties; especially, the a list of the elementary substances with their atomic weights, densities, symbols, etc.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Table
Hence, food placed on a table to be partaken of; fare; entertainment; as, to set a good table.
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Table
Any collection and arrangement in a condensed form of many particulars or values, for ready reference, as of weights, measures, currency, specific gravities, etc.; also, a series of numbers following some law, and expressing particular values corresponding to certain other numbers on which they depend, and by means of which they are taken out for use in computations; as, tables of logarithms, sines, tangents, squares, cubes, etc.; annuity tables; interest tables; astronomical tables, etc.
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Table
The company assembled round a table.
I drink the general joy of the whole table.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Table
The arrangement or disposition of the lines which appear on the inside of the hand.
Mistress of a fairer tableHath not history for fable.
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Table
One of the two, external and internal, layers of compact bone, separated by diploë, in the walls of the cranium.
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Table
A stringcourse which includes an offset; esp., a band of stone, or the like, set where an offset is required, so as to make it decorative. See Water table.
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Table
The board on the opposite sides of which backgammon and draughts are played.
This is the ape of form, monsieur the nice,That, when he plays at tables, chides the dice.
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Table
A circular plate of crown glass.
A circular plate or table of about five feet diameter weighs on an average nine pounds.
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Table
The upper flat surface of a diamond or other precious stone, the sides of which are cut in angles.
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Table
A plane surface, supposed to be transparent and perpendicular to the horizon; - called also perspective plane.
Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
Table
The part of a machine tool on which the work rests and is fastened.
Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Table
To form into a table or catalogue; to tabulate; as, to table fines.
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Table
To delineate, as on a table; to represent, as in a picture.
Tabled and pictured in the chambers of meditation.
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Table
To supply with food; to feed.
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Table
To insert, as one piece of timber into another, by alternate scores or projections from the middle, to prevent slipping; to scarf.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Table
To lay or place on a table, as money.
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Table
In parliamentary usage, to lay on the table; to postpone, by a formal vote, the consideration of (a bill, motion, or the like) till called for, or indefinitely.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Table
To enter upon the docket; as, to table charges against some one.
Figure
To prefigure; to foreshow.
In this the heaven figures some event.
Table
To make board hems in the skirts and bottoms of (sails) in order to strengthen them in the part attached to the boltrope.
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Table
To live at the table of another; to board; to eat.
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Table
A set of data arranged in rows and columns;
See table 1
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Table
A piece of furniture having a smooth flat top that is usually supported by one or more vertical legs;
It was a sturdy table
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Table
A piece of furniture with tableware for a meal laid out on it;
I reserved a table at my favorite restaurant
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Table
Flat tableland with steep edges;
The tribe was relatively safe on the mesa but they had to descend into the valley for water
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Table
A company of people assembled at a table for a meal or game;
He entertained the whole table with his witty remarks
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Table
Food or meals in general;
She sets a fine table
Room and board
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Table
Hold back to a later time;
Let's postpone the exam
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Table
A systematic arrangement of data.
The financial report included a table of expenses.
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Figure
Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Figure
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Figure
Judge to be probable
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
Make a mathematical calculation or computation
Figure
Understand;
He didn't figure her
Figure
Tool for summarizing and highlighting key points.
Figures in the presentation helped convey complex information.
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between a table and a figure?
A table organizes data in rows and columns, while a figure uses graphical elements like charts or images.
What type of information is best displayed in a table?
Numerical data, survey responses, and any detailed, comparable information.
Can a report include both tables and figures?
Yes, using both can provide comprehensive data analysis and visualization.
When should I use a table?
Use a table for detailed data comparison and precise information presentation.
When is a figure more appropriate?
Figures are ideal for illustrating trends, patterns, and relationships visually.
What is an example of a figure in a report?
A line graph showing annual revenue growth.
Can figures include photographs?
Yes, figures can include photographs, diagrams, and other visual elements.
How do tables and figures complement each other?
Tables provide detailed data, while figures offer a visual summary and highlight key points.
What software is commonly used to create tables?
Spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
What software is commonly used to create figures?
Tools like Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft PowerPoint, or specialized graphing software.
Are tables or figures better for statistical data?
Tables are better for precise values; figures help visualize distributions and trends.
What is a common use of tables in business?
Financial performance metrics, such as revenues and expenses.
What is a common use of figures in business?
Visual communication of strategies, like organizational charts.
Can tables show data trends?
Yes, but figures like line graphs or bar charts are more effective for illustrating trends.
Do academic papers use tables or figures more often?
Both are used frequently; tables for detailed data and figures for visual summaries.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
