How do I include and cite a table or graph in my paper in Chicago Style?
Answer
If you are inserting a table or graph that you did not create into your paper, you will give it a caption describing it in your paper and include the source of the image in your reference list.
Each chart/graph should contain:
- A label numbered sequentially
- A short caption describing the image
You will put this information directly underneath the image.
Chicago Style offers two ways to label images.
- Any images that are not tables, including charts, graphs, pictures, etc. should be labeled as figures.
- Tables should be labeled as tables.
You’ll follow the same citation format for both figures and tables.
Each figure and/or table will follow this format:
Figure 1. Brief description of image/figure
OR
Table 1. Brief description of table
In your bibliography entry, cite the figure or table from the source you got it from, such as a website, journal article, or book. If you need help, refer to the FAQ “How do I cite information from a table or graph in Chicago Style?”
Example:
Table 1: Number of U.S. Households Owning Dogs Versus Cats in 2024
Footnote
1 American Veterinary Medical Association, “U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics”, 2024, avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics.
Shortened Footnote: American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. Pet Ownership.
Bibliography
American Veterinary Medical Association. “U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics.” 2024. avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics.
To learn more about how to properly format figures and tables, visit the Purdue Owl Chicago Style page on general formatting.
If you need further help, contact a librarian.