A data report, here, is a report containing lots of data in the form of tables, charts, and graphs. The technical writer:

  1. starts with source that contains mostly tables.
  2. creates charts and graphs that more vividly depict the data in those tables.
  3. adds explanatory cross-references to state key trends and conclusions in the tabular data.

The results of the technical writer's work would be a data report that is much much easier to skim and pick up the key points.

Data reports are used in every industry and branch of government:

Be sure to check out the examples.

Anatomy of a Data Report

Like humans, data reports come in all shapes and sizes. Presented here is one framework that you can use as-is or modify.

If you are creating a data report, see Create Data Report

I would appreciate your thoughts, reactions, criticism regarding this chapter: your responseDavid McMurrey.