Great Tables Cheat Sheet
A Great Tables reference for turning data frames into publishable tables with titles, grouped headers, numeric formats, footnotes and layout checks.
What this reference covers
Great Tables organizes the path from an analysis data frame to a readable report table. It treats titles, grouped headers, column formats, footnotes, emphasis and output layout as one reading interface rather than as decoration added after the analysis.
Fix table meaning before styling
Confirm what each row and column represents and separate raw values, derived values, proportions and statistics. Then set the title, explanatory text and header hierarchy so units and grouping are understandable without opening the source code.
Format numbers and document the denominator
Apply precision, separators, percentages and missing-value displays according to column type. Use footnotes for abbreviations, denominators, statistical definitions, rounding and special symbols. Consistent units and precision make tables in one report easier to compare.
Export and maintenance note
Review long headings, wrapping, contrast, footnotes, pagination and key values at the final output width. Formatting does not repair duplicate records, wrong units or an incorrect statistical denominator. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
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Great Tables study guide
Confirm table meaning and column types first, then build the header hierarchy, format values, document the statistics and review the final export.
Before you start
- Prepare a PDF reader and a cleaned data frame with documented units.
- Decide whether the table is for a screen, report or print layout.
- List footnotes and statistical definitions that readers need without source code.
Quick start
- 01
Fix the table meaning
Define the row and column grain and distinguish raw values, derived values, proportions and statistics before doing layout work.
- 02
Build the header hierarchy
Set the title, explanatory text and grouped headers, then arrange columns so labels and units can be read in order.
- 03
Format and annotate
Apply decimal, percentage, date and missing-value rules by column type, and explain abbreviations, denominators and rounding in footnotes.
- 04
Review the export
Check width, wrapping, contrast, footnotes, pagination and values at the target size, and preserve the input, code and output version.
Usage tips
- Let formatting improve reading rather than imply differences that do not exist in the data.
- State sample sizes, denominators and missing-value handling in headers or notes.
- Use consistent units, precision and ordering across tables in the same report.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why are columns too narrow after export?
Remove unnecessary columns, shorten labels or adjust wrapping and page width while keeping units and key values intact.
Why do percentages and counts disagree?
Check denominators, missing records and rounding rules, and confirm the population represented by each percentage.
Frequently asked questions
What problem does Great Tables solve?
It helps turn structured data into report-ready tables with titles, grouped headers, value formats, footnotes, styles and export checks.
Why verify column units and types first?
Layout functions change display but cannot infer whether a value is money, a proportion, a date or a statistic; a unit error can still mislead readers.
What belongs in a table footnote?
Explain abbreviations, statistical definitions, denominators, missing-value handling, rounding and special symbols.
What should be checked before export?
Check header hierarchy, width, wrapping, units, precision, contrast, notes, pagination and consistency with the source data.