Presenting figures.
WHY IT MATTERS
Numbers carry decisions, and confusion about them is costly.
WHAT TO STATE ALWAYS
The unit The currency The period The basis
WHAT BASIS MEANS
Whether figures include tax, discounts, or particular costs.
WHY
It is the commonest cause of dispute.
WHAT TO AVOID
Mixing units in one comparison Percentages without the base Precision that implies false accuracy
WHAT FALSE PRECISION LOOKS LIKE
An estimate given to several decimal places.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Round, and say it is approximate.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PERCENTAGES
State what of.
WHAT EXAMPLE SHOWS IT
A rise of a given percentage, from what to what.
WHY
Percentage changes without absolutes mislead.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Percentage points against percentages.
WHAT TO PRESENT IN A TABLE
Comparable figures.
WHAT TO PRESENT IN PROSE
A single figure with its meaning.
WHAT TO PUT IN A CHART
Trends and comparisons.
WHAT TO AVOID IN CHARTS
Axes not starting at zero, for bar comparisons Too many series Decoration obscuring the data
WHAT TO STATE WITH ANY FIGURE
Where it came from.
WHY
It is the first question, and its absence undermines trust.
