Tables summarise and display precise information, such as numerical values, in rows and columns with appropriate headings. The structured format makes it easy to look up and compare information.

Let's look at some examples.

Class timetable

Let’s imagine you work as a learner support assistant and are expected to accompany a student to all their lessons. In the class timetable below, the column headings contain the days of the week (Mon to Fri), and the row headings show daily class times.

To check what class you should attend on a given day and time: locate the class time in the first column and then look along this row until you find the subject listed under the day (e.g. ‘Thu’) column heading.

Daily sales report

In the daily sales report below, the number of teas and coffees sold in a cafe during the last week are listed. The column headings contain the type of coffee, or tea, and the row headings show the days of the week.

To check the number of sales in each category on a particular day: locate the day in the first column and then read the values under each of the column headings in this row.

Some tables include a total row at the bottom of one or more columns. This row adds up all the values in that column, giving you a quick overview of the total amount. Totals are useful for checking overall patterns or making comparisons.

The example below shows the number of participants from different regions signing up for activities and events at a business conference.

So, if we look at the column for the AI strategy workshop, we can see that there are 20 participants from Highland + 9 from Outer Hebrides + 4 from Orkney = a total of 33 participants signed up.