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APA – Citing Sources

Tables & figures

Please note that tables and figures have the same overall setup, according to the 7th edition of APA.

Important information about tables and figures

As a student, you have the right to use copyrighted tables and figures in text or in a presentation internally at JU via an agreement with Bonus Copyright Access. (Some exceptions exist, see Guide to Reproduction at Higher Education Institutions). Always add a reference.

However, if you want to use a table or figure in a text that is to be published in, for example, DiVA, the above does not apply. In most cases, you need to ask permission from the publisher to publish the image in your text. Exceptions exist when it is stated that the image is free for use (Public Domain) or has a so-called Creative Commons license. In most cases, you need to specify the attribution.

Read more about how to handle copyright material in our guide here: Pictures and Copyright.

The following should be considered when using tables and figures

  • The tables and figures should be numbered in bold. This is placed above the title.
  • Tables and figures should have headings in italics. 
  • Tables and figures may have an explanatory note to describe the content in the table/figure which needs clarification (e.g. explanations of abbreviations or asterisks). 
  • Tables and figures should have a note below, with a complete source citation if the table/figure is taken from another source. Copyright attribution should also be included. Copyright could for example be owned by the publishing company. 

Depending on the type of table/figure, the amount of information that needs accounting for and possible references, the table/figure might look a bit different.

APA has specific rules for how to make tables and figures. To get it right, take a look at the examples that APA has provided on their website if you plan to make a table/figure of your own. See  APA Style: Tables and Figures.

Example of a table with copyright:


Table 1

Average values and (standard deviations) in test A and B

Age Points
A B
7-12 (n=25) 157 (4,2) 129 (3,6)
13-18 (n=25) 172 (5,1) 131 (3,9)
19-25 (n=25) 182 (5,6) 142 (4,5)

Note. Age cohorts are defined based on the classification of Statistics Sweden. Adapted from "Reading and understanding," by A. Andersen and B. Bailey, 2019, Journal of Reading, 5, p.39. Copyright 2019 by Literature publishers. Used with permission.


Example of your own figure:

Figure