Authoring a PhD

Put data in a numerical progression
– a key principle for presenting
tables and charts. Numbers and bars should be arranged in clear
descending or ascending sequences wherever feasible. Numerical data
in tables should never be presented in a way that creates a jumbled
appearance down rows or across columns. Bar charts should have rows
or columns arranged in a sequence which gives an up or down numer-
ical progression. Never use data arranged in an alphabetical, geographic,
random, official or customary sequence where a numerical progression
is feasible. Only over-time data, some categorical data and a few other
specialized uses are exempt from this rule. [pp. 168–9 and 181–2]