(See also Chapter 9 "Abbreviations and Letter Symbols" and Chapter 14 "Leaderwork")
The object of a table is to present in a concise and orderly manner information that cannot be presented as clearly in any other way.
Tabular material should be kept as simple as possible, so that the meaning of the data can be easily grasped by the user.
Tables shall be set without down (vertical) rules when there is at least an em space between columns, except where: (1) In GPO's judgment down rules are required for clarity; or (2) the agency has indicated on the copy they are to be used. The mere presence of down rules in copy or enclosed sample is not considered a request that down rules be used. The publication dictates the type size used in setting tables. Tabular work in the Congressional Record is set 6 on 7. The balance of congressional tabular work sets 7 on 8.
To avoid burdening tabular text, commonly known abbreviations are used in tables. Metric and unit-of-measurement abbreviations are used with figures.
The names of months (except May, June, and July) when followed by the day are abbreviated.
The words street, avenue, place, road, square, boulevard, terrace, drive, court, and building, following name or number, are abbreviated. For numbered streets, avenues, etc., figures are used.
Abbreviate the words United States if preceding the word Government, the name of any Government organization, or as an adjective generally.
Use the abbreviations RR. and Ry. following a name, and SS, MS, etc., preceding a name.
Use lat. and long. with figures.
Abbreviate, when followed by figures, the various parts of publications, as article, part, section, etc.
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