Table:
Information presented in a grid or tabular structure. Label tables sequentially as Table 1, Table 2, etc. When referencing a table within the text, use lowercase (e.g., table 1, table 2).
Figure:
Data displayed in a graphical or visual format, including images, graphs, diagrams, maps, charts, and videos—anything that is not a table, equation, or musical score. Label figures as Fig. 1 or Figure 1. When referring to a figure in the text, use lowercase (e.g., figure 1, fig. 1).
Photographs, artwork, maps, graphs, charts, etc. should be labeled Figure (usually abbreviated as Fig.), given a number (start at '1' and continue), and a caption.
Captions can be short, in which case you would add a full citation to your Works Cited list. However, if the caption includes complete bibliographical information about the source, and the source is not cited elsewhere in your text, you do not have to create an entry in your Works Cited list. Capitalize captions as you would any title in MLA style -- do not use 'all caps'!
Labels and captions for figures are usually:
In the example below, because all the citation components are provided, an entry in the Works Cited list would not be needed. An alternative is to give a shorter caption: Fig 1. Iain Macmillan's "Abbey Road." This shorter caption would need a full citation in the Works Cited list.
Example:
Fig. 1. Iain Macmillan. Abbey Road. 1969, Forbes, https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/5d8799916de3150009a4bca3/The-famous-cover-photo-of-the-Beatles--1969-album--Abbey-Road---taken-by-Iain/960x0.jpg?format=jpg&width=1440. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Source: “LibGuides: MLA Citation Guide: Images (Figures) and Tables.” HPU Libraries, guides.highpoint.edu/c.php?g=542687&p=7179215. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
When using tables, figures, graphs, and equations, they should ALWAYS be introduced within the body of the paper before you show the actual table / figure / graph / equation.
You might refer to it like this:
"As can be seen in figure 1...."
OR
"Some readers found Harry’s final battle with Voldemort a disappointment, and recently, the podcast, MuggleCast debated the subject (see fig. 2)."
Note: Position your figures or tables as close as possible to the text to which they relate.
Tables include columns of text and/or numbers. Tables are labeled as 'Table' and given a number, followed by a short title.
In this case, the bibliographic information is added below the table, starting with the word 'Source:'
Example:
Table 1
Social Media Use Over Time (2013-2019) a
Source: "Social Media Fact Sheet: Social Media use Over Time." Pew Research Center, 12 June 2019, www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2020.
Source: “LibGuides: MLA Citation Guide: Images (Figures) and Tables.” HPU Libraries, guides.highpoint.edu/c.php?g=542687&p=7179215. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
If you have made your own tables, figures, or images, you can cite yourself.
Create a title and caption as you normally would, and then cite yourself like this (Source: author) or (Source: author's own work) or (Source: Candidate's own work)