The process of placing classified data into tabular form is known as tabulation. A table is a symmetric arrangement of statistical data in rows and columns. Rows are horizontal arrangements whereas columns are vertical arrangements. It may be simple, double or complex depending upon the type of classification.

Types of Tabulation:

(1) Simple Tabulation or One-way Tabulation:
          When the data are tabulated to one characteristic, it is said to be simple tabulation or one-way tabulation.
For Example: Tabulation of data on population of world classified by one characteristic like Religion is example of simple tabulation.

(2) Double Tabulation or Two-way Tabulation:
          When the data are tabulated according to two characteristics at a time. It is said to be double tabulation or two-way tabulation.
For Example: Tabulation of data on population of world classified by two characteristics like Religion and Sex is example of double tabulation.

(3) Complex Tabulation:
          When the data are tabulated according to many characteristics, it is said to be complex tabulation.
For Example: Tabulation of data on population of world classified by two characteristics like Religion, Sex and Literacy etc…is example of complex tabulation.