Writing & StyleStyle guide

Table Source Notes

Put the source attribution for reproduced or adapted table data in a source note below the table, using the citation system required by the document.

Quick answer

Place a table’s data-source attribution in a note below the table rather than putting the source in the title or caption.

Key details

Core Issuesource attribution below a table
Registerstructured, professional, and digital writing

Important caveats

Boundary

A source note answers where the data came from; explanatory table notes answer how to interpret the data.

Further guidance

Attribution

Use the document’s chosen referencing system and include permission or copyright information where necessary.

Placement

Source information belongs with the notes below the table.

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.

  1. Tables — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Table notes, data-source notes, alignment, numbering, titles, and in-text table references
  2. Documentary–note — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Source attribution for tables and figures in notes below the item rather than in captions/titles

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