Tabulation is a systematic & logical presentation of numeric data in rows and columns to facilitate comparison and statistical analysis. It facilitates comparison by bringing related information close to each other and helps in further statistical analysis and interpretation.

In other words, the method of placing organized data into a tabular form is called as tabulation. It may be complex, double or simple depending upon the nature of categorization .

5 Major Objectives Of Tabulation:

(1) To Simplify the Complex Data

• It reduces the bulk of information, i.e. raw data in a simplified and meaningful form so that it could be easily by a common man in less time.

(2) To Bring Out Essential Features of the Data

• It brings out the chief/main characteristics of data.
• It presents facts clearly and precisely without textual explanation.

(3) To Facilitate Comparison

• The presentation of data in row & column is helpful in simultaneous detailed comparison on the basis of several parameters.

(4) To Facilitate Statistical Analysis

• Tables serve as the best source of organized data for further statistical analysis.
• The task of computing average, dispersion, correlation, etc. becomes easier if data is presented in the form of a table.

(5) Saving of Space

• A table presents facts in a better way than the textual form.
• It saves space without sacrificing the quality and quantity of data.

What is Tabular Presentation of Data ?

A table helps representation of even large amounts of data in an engaging, easy to read, and coordinated manner. The data is arranged in rows and columns. This is one of the most popularly used forms of presentation of data as data tables are simple to prepare and read .

The most significant benefit of tabulation is that it coordinates data for additional statistical treatment and decisionmaking. The analysis used in tabulation is of 4 types:

1. Qualitative
2. Quantitative
3. Temporal
4. Spatial

1. Qualitative Classification: When the classification is done according to traits, such as physical status, nationality, social status, etc., it is known as qualitative classification.
2. Quantitative Classification:  In this, the data is classified on the basis of features which are quantitative in nature. In other words, these features can be estimated quantitatively.
3. Temporal Classification: In this classification, time becomes the categorizing variable, and data are classified according to time. Time may be in years, months, weeks, days, hours, etc.,
4. Spatial Classification: When the categorization is done on the basis of location, it is called spatial classification. The place may be a country, state, district, block, village/town, etc.,

Basics of Tabular Presentation

Objectives Of Tabulation:

Following are the Objectives Of Tabulation:

• To Simplify the Complex Data
• To Bring Out Essential Features of the Data
• To Facilitate Comparison
• To Facilitate Statistical Analysis
• Saving of Space

What Are the Three Limitations of a Table ?

Following Are the Major Limitations of a Table:

(1) Lacks Description

• The table represents only figures and not attributes.
• It ignores the qualitative aspects of facts.

(2) Incapable of Presenting Individual Items

• It does not present individual items.
• It presents aggregate data.

(3) Needs Special Knowledge

• The understanding of the table requires special knowledge.
• It cannot be easily used by the layman.

Explain the Main Parts of a Table:

Following Are the Main Parts of a Table: