The systematic presentation of numerical data in rows and columns is known as Tabulation. It is designed to make presentation simpler and analysis easier. Tabular presentation facilitates comparison by putting relevant information close to one another, and it helps in further statistical analysis and interpretation. One of the most important devices for presenting the data in a condensed and readily comprehensible form is tabulation. It aims to provide as much information as possible in the minimum possible space while maintaining the quality and usefulness of the data.

Types of Tables

The tables can be categorised into various categories depending upon different aspects, such as the purpose, the nature of data used for the investigation, and the extent of coverage of the table. The following are the various kinds of tables that are commonly used in studies of statistics.

(I) Classification based on the Purpose or Objective

There are two kinds of tables based on the objective or purpose:

1. General Purpose Table:

A General Purpose Table covers a variety of information on a particular subject and shows the raw data in complete detail. For instance, the table provided in the census report. It is also referred to as a Reference Table or a Repository Table.

A general purpose table does not have any specific analytic objective while presenting the data. These tables are often big in size and are provided as a reference in the appendix. There are several uses of these tables. They are commonly used in the departmental reports of the government.

2. Special Purpose Table:

These tables offer information specific to a particular inquiry. For instance, the profit/loss figures of the business over the years.It is also referred to as a Text Table, Summary Table, or Analytical Table. These tables, which present the findings of data analysis, are usually quite concise.

(II) Classification based on the Nature of Data

There are two kinds of tables:

1. Original Table:

This style of the table does not round off its figures; instead, it presents statistical data in its original format. It is often referred to as the Primary Table or the Classification Table. An original table includes information that was first gathered from the original (primary) source.

2. Derived Table:

A Derived Table is a table that displays findings derived from the original data, such as averages, percentages, ratios, etc. It is often referred to as a Derivative Table. A derived table shows the information generated/derived from the primary or the original tables.

(III) Classification based on Extent of Coverage

There are two kinds of tables:

1. Simple Table:

In this type of table, a single characteristic is used to present the data. It is the simplest type of table and is often referred to as a First Order Table or a One-way Table. These are used to show the univariate frequency distribution because they examine only one variable. 

For instance, The table displays the number of students enrolled in every section of B.Com.

2. Complex Table:

A complex table displays data in accordance with two or more characteristics. The complex table can be classified into three parts based on characteristics:

(i) Two-way Table (also known as Double Table): It provides details on two characteristics of a certain phenomenon that are interrelated to each other.

For instance, the table would change to a two-way table if the number of students in B.Com in every section was further divided by Morning and Night shifts.

(ii) Three-way Table (also known as Treble Table): It provides details on three characteristics of a certain phenomenon that are interrelated to each other.

For instance, the table would change to a three-way table if the number of students in B.Com in every section contains information regarding morning and night batches, further classified by gender.

(iii) Manifold Table: A manifold table is a table that explains more than three characteristics of the data. These tables offer information on a wide range of phenomena that are interrelated with each other. This is the most complicated type of table.

For instance, the table would change to a manifold table if the number of students in B.Com in every section contains information regarding morning and night batches, further classified by gender, family income, and housing.