Figures, Charts, Images, Data Tables

Figure Formatting

Figure 1. Feel free to add a sentence or two (figure caption) to point out important features.

 All figures are to be numbered.

 All figures should have a caption describing the picture or image. The figure caption
should contain the same font as the one used in the report, but be smaller (11 point font,
say).
 Note how the figure number and caption are BELOW the figure.
 If the artwork is not your own, you must cite where it came from (internet site, book,
magazine, etc.). Notice that the picture likely came from another source  see example
below.

Figure 1. Student driving a car during rush hour [1].

 The reference [1] indicates to the reader that this picture came from another
source.
 The works cited page, or references page will show more information about
reference 1, or [1].
General guidance on how to format a figure is given below. Also, ANY time a figure (graph,
chart, image) or table appears in the report, the document should allude or reference this visual
aid. Never include a figure, table, or image without alluding to it or referencing it in the report.
 Data Tables

Engineering data (test data, computations, etc.) is commonly summarized using tables. Tables
help organize the information so it is easy to read. Use a data table when:
 The exact numbers are more important than the trend.
 Statistics such as sample size, standard error, and P-values are used to support your
conclusions.
 The number of data pairs is relatively small (less than 6 to 10 data pairs).
 A summary of the categorical parameters and other non-quantitative information
makes it easier to interpret the results.

Table 1. List of Classes and Number of Students.

Size Rank
Class Name (number of (1=most preferred, 4
students) least preferred)

IME 1001 10 4

IME 1002 20 3

IME 413 12 1

 Notice how the table is numbered and there is a table title (not unlike a caption).
 The table number and title go ABOVE the table.
 If you are showing a data table with results (say from computations), use a
reasonable number of significant digits. In general, 3-4 significant digits are OK.
 Avoid excessive table spacing (e.g., overly wide cells).
 Equations and Using the Equation Editor

Equations: Each equation is to be placed on a line by itself. Equations that will be referred to in
the text of the report should be numbered and all variables should be fully defined Statements
relating to equations are to be treated as sentences and punctuated accordingly, although a period
is not required after an equation when it is on a line by itself.

Use subscripts or superscripts as needed. Never, EVER, in a technical report use the carrot (^)
symbol for superscripts. In other x^2 should be written as x2.

Example:

One of the most famous equations in mechanics is

F=ma (1)

where F is the force (N), m is mass (kg) and a is acceleration (m/s2).

In the example above note how the equation was typed out using the equation editor1. All of
the variables are defined and the units are shown.

You should type out the analysis, or show sample computations (in some cases the computation
may be done over and over, and just a single example is sufficient). See the example below.

If the mass is 10 kg and the acceleration is 5 m/s2, the computed force is

m
F=10 kg∗5 =50 N (2)
s2

In the above example, notice how the analysis is typed out fully (all steps are shown) and, once
again, the equation is numbered. Why is this done? Because when editing or reviewing the
document it is very convenient to reference an equation number.

1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOtZW95ZcGg