Fiducia TogetherInterpreting data tables
Reading numbers in rows and columns, and spotting what they show.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
A results table records the independent variable, repeat readings of the dependent variable, and usually a mean.
Where it applies
All three sciences, geography and maths.
How it works
Tables are designed to be read down a column: the pattern in the dependent variable as the independent one changes.
Anomalies stand out against the repeats, which is what the repeats are for.
How to use it in your work
Head every column with the quantity AND the unit — that is a mark when you draw one.
Quote figures when describing a trend. 'It increases' scores less than 'it doubles between 20 and 40 degrees'.
Exclude anomalies from the mean and say that you have.
Where to get help
Your teacher and your board's specification and mark scheme.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.