When you need a list of tables
Include a list of tables whenever the body or appendices contain at least one numbered table. Some schools require it only when there are two or more; check your manual. If you have no tables, leave the page out entirely rather than writing "None."
What each entry contains
- Table number: Table 1, Table 2, and so on, in the order the tables appear.
- Table title: exactly as it appears above the table in the text.
- Page number: the page where the table begins, right-aligned with dot leaders.
Numbering choices
| Style | Example | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Consecutive through the document | Table 1, Table 2 … Table 18 | Most APA-style theses and dissertations |
| By chapter | Table 3.1, Table 3.2, Table 4.1 | Some sciences and engineering programs |
| Appendix tables | Table A1, Table B2 | Tables placed in appendices |
Pick one system and use it throughout. Mixing numbering styles is one of the most common format review corrections.
Example layout
Table 1. Demographic Characteristics of Participants ............ 58
Table 2. Descriptive Statistics for Study Variables ............. 61
Table 3. Correlations Among Study Variables ..................... 63
Table 4. Summary of Multiple Regression Analysis ................ 66
Generate it automatically in Word
- Add each table title with References > Insert Caption and the label "Table".
- Place the cursor on the List of Tables page and choose References > Insert Table of Figures, with the caption label set to Table.
- Update the list (right-click > Update Field) after every revision.
Common mistakes
- Titles in the list are shortened or worded differently from the table titles in the text.
- Tables were renumbered during revision but the list and in-text references were not.
- In-text mentions use the wrong number ("see Table 4" pointing to Table 5).
- Figures and tables are mixed in one list; they belong in separate lists.
Formats differ by university, program, and field. Your graduate school's thesis and dissertation manual and your committee always take priority over any general guide, including this one.
Frequently asked questions
Do tables in the appendices go in the list of tables?
Usually yes, numbered by appendix (Table A1). Some schools list only body tables; follow your manual.
Should the list of tables be single-spaced?
Many schools want single spacing within an entry and a blank line between entries. Your graduate school manual sets the rule.
Can I put tables and figures on the same page?
The lists stay separate: a List of Tables page, then a List of Figures page.