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.
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
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.
Practical Application
Put data-source attribution with the notes below the table, using the document’s required citation system. Keep source attribution separate from explanatory notes about how to interpret the values.
Reader Check
Can a reader distinguish where the data came from from any note that explains abbreviations, exceptions, or methodology?
Worked Example
Example: place “Source: Annual survey, 2026” below the table as attribution, and use a separate note to explain that percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding.
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.
- 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
- 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