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empty cells in data tables

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From: Trafford, Logan
Date: Feb 14, 2013 1:42PM

What is the generally accepted best practice for dealing with large blocks of empty data cells in tables (i.e. if there is actually no data for that appropriate cell, based on properly labelled header etc.)

For example, suppose you have a report with 5 columns and 50 rows (each row represents a different building location for example). Now under one column, perhaps only 5 of the 50 buildings have a value associated with that category, while the other 45 do not.


Should the cell(s) be left blank, or should some kind of value be put in (like “nil”, “n/a” etc.)?


Logan Trafford



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