Using the data >

Reading statistical tables

Things to note when reading a table include:

• Title: Does it reflect the table's actual contents?
• Time Period: Is the period covered the actual period you require?
• Column Heading: Do you want the total or individual breakdowns? Does the table present various levels of geography?
• Units: Is it in hundreds, thousands or other?
• Value Indicator: Is it measured in dollars or volume units or as an index? Are the data seasonally adjusted? Are the data in constant or current dollars?
• Period, Subject Area Detail: Do you want a single figure, a subtotal or a total? Is it provided?
• Totals: Are they sums or averages?

Be certain you have the figures you want. Quite often, monthly figures are accompanied by year-to-date figures, in which case the December figures may be, in fact, annual totals. And, always check the column headings and the subtitles carefully to be sure you are clear on the units used (the numbers may be in thousands or millions).