Report section guide

How to Write a Lab Report Results Section

Present experimental evidence clearly using organized measurements, observations, calculations, tables, and graphs.

Purpose

What does the results section do?

The results section presents the evidence produced by the investigation. It records what was measured, observed, and calculated without turning the section into a full scientific interpretation.

Readers should be able to identify the major findings, examine the supporting data, and understand how the reported values were organized.

Core content

What to include in the results section

  1. Relevant raw measurements
  2. Qualitative observations
  3. Processed and calculated values
  4. Clearly labeled data tables
  5. Appropriate graphs and figures
  6. Measurement units
  7. Concise descriptions of major patterns

Observations

Separate qualitative and quantitative evidence

Quantitative data

Measured numerical values

  • Mass
  • Temperature
  • Time
  • Volume
  • Concentration

Qualitative data

Descriptive observations

  • Color change
  • Gas formation
  • Precipitate formation
  • Odor when safely observed
  • Texture or appearance

Data tables

Organize measurements into clear tables

  • Give each table a descriptive title.
  • Place variables in clearly labeled columns.
  • Include units in column headings.
  • Use consistent decimal places.
  • Keep repeated trials in a logical order.
  • Include averages when they are relevant.

Example headingTable 1. Reaction Time at Different Temperatures

Graphs

Choose a graph that matches the data

Graphs should make relationships and trends easier to identify. The independent variable normally appears on the horizontal axis, while the dependent variable appears on the vertical axis.

  • Use a descriptive graph title.
  • Label both axes with variable names and units.
  • Select a scale that uses the graph area effectively.
  • Plot points accurately.
  • Add a line or curve of best fit when appropriate.
  • Include a legend when multiple data series appear.

Calculations

Report processed values transparently

Calculated values may include averages, percentage error, percentage difference, density, molarity, or other quantities required by the investigation.

Show at least one representative calculation when the method is not obvious. Include the formula, substituted values, and final unit.

Calculation formatFormula → substituted values → calculated result with unit

Precision

Use consistent significant figures and units

  • Preserve appropriate precision from the measuring instrument.
  • Avoid reporting more decimal places than the data support.
  • Use the same unit consistently within a table.
  • Convert mixed units before comparing values.
  • Round final answers rather than intermediate values whenever practical.

Written summary

Describe important patterns briefly

After presenting tables or graphs, identify the most important trend, maximum, minimum, comparison, or unexpected result. Refer to the relevant table or figure.

Appropriate result statement

Describe the pattern

Reaction time decreased as solution temperature increased from 20°C to 50°C.

Discussion statement

Save interpretation for later

The reaction became faster because particles collided more frequently.

Common mistakes

Results-section problems to avoid

  • Presenting unlabeled tables or graphs.
  • Leaving measurement units out.
  • Repeating every table value in paragraph form.
  • Mixing results with detailed interpretation.
  • Reporting excessive decimal places.
  • Ignoring anomalous measurements.
  • Including irrelevant raw data.

Related guides

Review how evidence was collected in the Materials and Methods guide, or review the complete report sequence in the Lab Report Format guide.

Questions and answers

Lab report results FAQ

What belongs in a lab report results section?

The results section should include relevant measurements, observations, tables, graphs, calculated values, units, and concise descriptions of important patterns.

Should results be explained in this section?

The results section may identify patterns, but detailed scientific explanation and interpretation normally belong in the discussion section.

Should raw data be included?

Important raw measurements should be presented in organized tables. Large data sets may be placed in an appendix when assignment requirements allow.

How should tables and graphs be labeled?

Each table and graph should have a descriptive number or title, clearly labeled variables, and the correct measurement units.