Digital information and data come in different types and proportions. Organizing them takes a special skill.
Good organization of web content and copy brings more impact to the users. Readers can scan through loads of information and understand it with ease.
Using data tables is a great way to organize data, especially large sets of information.
Data tables are good UI design elements that provide structure to loads of web data. This allows users to scan, filter, analyze, and take action on important information.
To give more ideas on how to utilize data tables on websites, here are some great examples of data tables. There are also tips on how to design one.
Common Uses of Data Tables
A data table has many functions, but it is commonly used to:
- Organize data to make it easier to read and pleasing to look at.
- Sort different types and amounts of information including fixed and dynamic data.
- Make comparisons, due to its chart-like layout. Often used for comparing products and services, and even pricing plans.
Tips on Designing Data Tables
Make a table with multiple functions.
A data table should help users to scan and understand information. It should also enable them to analyze, compare, and take corresponding actions.
Anchor contextual content when scrolling.
This is useful when sorting large sets of data and viewing them on smaller screens. It helps users understand the data they’re reading.
Prioritize common actions.
A data table should help users save time and effort. It does this by enabling them to finish common actions and repetitive tasks without navigating to another web page.
Enable data filters.
Allowing users to manipulate and filter data helps them find needed information. They also learn new insights and can compare data.
Use a horizontal scrolling option for large sets of data.
Horizontal scrolling works well on data tables with lots of information and columns. Users can also have an option to anchor certain columns for better data comparison.
Put pagination for long tables.
Avoid long data tables by dividing them into multiple pages with a fixed number of rows and pagination. Enable users to also customize the number of rows to show on each page.
Putting pagination indicates which page they are on for easy navigation.
Make table rows expandable.
Another design solution for tables containing bulk data is making table rows expandable. Expandable or collapsible rows allow users to read additional information while maintaining table context.
Use customizable columns.
These allow users to manipulate web content and select specific columns of data they need for a task. It also enhances the user experience.
Users should also have an option to create and save a preset of columns for future use.
14 Great Examples of Data Table UI Design
Adaptive Pricing Table
This data table has a clean and modern design. It is perfect for presenting pricing plans for subscriptions.
This CSS3 table is free and easy to use. It is also customizable.
Users can alter the text and color to enhance the overall appearance.
DataTables JSON sample using Material Design
This material data table is an ideal design for creating an office database. It contains pagination and search controls, and has an option to add more profiles.
The data table also enables users to arrange and sort data in ascending and descending order.
Fixed table header
This CSS data table by Nikhil Krishnan features a fixed header, borderless columns, and a vertical scrolling control.
The table has a clean outer border and an anchored header. This allows users to look at the variables while scrolling down the table.
Nutrition Facts Table in HTML and CSS
The next one of these data table examples shows a CSS data table presenting the nutrition facts of a food item. The appearance is similar to that of a product label.
Users can customize the data table according to the nutritional content of the food item. However, this could take some time to fill in.
Responsive Table
Designed by Geoff Yuen, this data table example has a modern design and a customizable color scheme.
The HTML table has expandable rows and columns. So data can fit in each table cell when the window is either compressed or stretched.
Crisp table
This CSS3 data table features a hover effect that highlights the row the user points at. The rows have alternating colors to enhance readability.
It also has a simple design and clean layout with white column borders making it easy to look at a certain table element if you want to.
Style the scroll (flipped headers)
This is a great example of a data table with a horizontal scrolling option.
Unlike other data tables, its header is anchored on the first column. This helps users to avoid losing context when scrolling through data columns.
The data table has a very simple design and aside from texts, it also accepts input like emojis.
< Table > Responsive
This responsive data table design by Pablo Garcia features a 3D hover effect when the user points at a table cell. It also highlights the row of the hovered table cell.
The rows have alternating colors for better readability. The data table has a dark color scheme with pink accents which makes it ideal for futuristic web themes.
Fade and Blur on Hover Data Table
This JavaScript data table by Jack Rugile features a fade and blur on hover effect when users point on a row.
The effect highlights and provides more focus on the hovered row. It does this by blurring out the remaining rows.
The data table has a simple layout and a grey color scheme.
Responsive & Accessible Data Table
The next one of these data table examples has a very simple layout and a clean design that helps the data stand out.
Its table rows have alternating white and grey colors for better readability. The header and borders have a distinct green color.
Tablexeperementation
The example shows a race timetable that features a zoom on hover effect. The row scales up when users hover over the row and returns to its original form when the pointer moves away.
The CSS data table has borderless columns for wider data space. It also has alternating row colors for readability.
Material Design – Responsive Table
This CSS3 data table has a simple layout and a clean white design. These complement the color highlight on hover effect.
It has a table constructor feature. This enables users to customize the color of the row highlight, enable the hover effect, and show table borders.
Few columns, many rows
This is a data table with a simple design that works on both text and numerical data. The columns are borderless and the table rows have alternating colors.
Those structuring data into a list may benefit from this design.
Responstable 2.0: a responsive table solution
This data table example features a column of select buttons that can be used for creating forms.
The columns have equal width and the rows have alternating white and light blue colors. The header has a distinct teal color to highlight variables.
FAQ about data tables
What is a DataTable?
What are the different types of DataTables?
There are two types of data tables: simple and multi-dimensional.
Simple table:
Multi-dimensional table:
What are statistical tables?
A table is a data arrangement in rows and columns or a complex structure. Tables are usually used in communication, research, and data analysis. We created an article on statistical tables a while back. Check it out.
FAQ on data tables on websites
What is a data table and what’s its purpose?
Oh, I remember when I first learned about data tables! They’re basically a way to present data in a structured and organized manner on a website.
You know, rows, columns, and cells filled with data. The main idea is to make it easier for people to understand the information being presented, especially when you have a lot of data to show.
They’re super helpful when it comes to comparing or analyzing stuff.
How do I create a data table for my website?
Creating a data table is a piece of cake! There are several ways to do it, but one of the most common methods is using HTML.
You’ll need to write some code using the <table> tag, along with <tr> for rows and <td> for cells.
But hey, if you’re not comfortable with code, there are many online tools and plugins that can help you create data tables without any coding knowledge. Just choose the one that fits your needs and you’re good to go!
Can I make my data table responsive for different devices?
Absolutely! Responsiveness is crucial these days, isn’t it? You can make your data table responsive by using CSS techniques or JavaScript libraries.
For instance, you might want to hide certain columns on smaller screens or create a horizontal scroll to maintain the table’s readability.
Another approach is to use a responsive table plugin that does the job for you. Just make sure you test it on different devices to ensure it looks great everywhere!
How can I style my data table?
Oh, the fun part! Styling a data table is all about making it visually appealing and in line with your website’s design.
You can use CSS to customize the look of your table, like changing the font, colors, borders, and even adding hover effects.
The sky’s the limit! Just make sure you don’t go overboard and keep the table’s readability in mind. After all, the main goal is to present data clearly, right?
Can I sort or filter the data in my table?
You bet! Sorting and filtering are two super useful features that can help users find the information they’re looking for more easily.
To add these functionalities, you can either write some JavaScript code or use a plugin or library that does the heavy lifting for you.
There are plenty of options out there, so just choose the one that best fits your needs and enjoy the enhanced user experience.
What about accessibility? How do I make my data table accessible?
Great question! Accessibility is essential, as it ensures that everyone can use and understand your data table, including people with disabilities.
To make your table accessible, you’ll need to use appropriate HTML tags, like <th> for header cells, and add scope attributes to define their relationship with data cells.
Also, consider adding a caption to your table and use ARIA roles and properties to improve screen reader support. Remember, an accessible table is a friendly table!
Can I add interactive features to my data table?
Oh, sure! Interactive features can make your data table even more engaging and user-friendly.
You can add things like buttons or dropdown menus that allow users to perform actions, like editing or deleting rows, right within the table. You’ll need some JavaScript skills to implement these features or use a library or plugin that provides them.
The more interactive your table is, the better the user experience.
Is there a way to export data from my table?
Of course! Exporting data can be a handy feature, especially if users need to work with the data offline or in another application.
You can add functionality to export the table data to formats like CSV, Excel, or PDF using JavaScript libraries or plugins. Just make sure you provide clear instructions on how to use the export feature and give users options to choose the file format they prefer.
This way, they can easily download the data and work with it in the most convenient way for them. Remember, it’s all about making things as user-friendly as possible!
Ending thoughts on these great examples of data tables
Using a data table is a great way to organize a bulk of web content. It doesn’t only improve the visual design and layout of a web page but also enhances the user experience.
Data tables allow users to scan through information and help them create an analysis.
When designing a data table, it is important to provide users with control over the content. Allowing them to manipulate and filter data according to their needs makes the table more useful.
The examples of data tables show an array of design ideas. These will help you to create a data table for your website.
If you liked this article about examples of data tables, you should check out this article about how to publish an Excel spreadsheet on the web.
There are also similar articles discussing how to make a data table, pricing table examples, statistical tables, and weather tables.
And let’s not forget about articles on comparison tables, product comparisons, table UI design, and WordPress Excel spreadsheet plugin.
