Figure Numbering
Figure numbers help readers identify and cross-reference images in structured documents. Whether numbering is required depends on the publication format and house style.
Number figures when a structured or long document needs stable identifiers for cross-references. Keep the number in the title consistent with references in the text, and do not add numbers where the format does not need them.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
Numbering is a document-structure choice, not a universal requirement for every standalone digital image; ONS, for example, distinguishes publications that require “Figure X:” titles from digital articles where figure numbers are generally unnecessary.
Further guidance
Consistency
Keep the figure number attached to the figure title and use the same identifier in in-text references.
When To Number
Number figure titles in long documents when readers need to identify, list, or cross-reference specific figures.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Alt text, captions and titles for images (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Distinct purposes of image/figure titles, captions and alt text; figure numbering in long-form content; caption/alt accessibility boundaries
- Chart details: Chart text — ONS Service Manual (opens in a new tab)Office for National Statistics · Chart titles, subtitles, alternative text, figure numbering, data sources, axis titles and axis number labels