Custom Tables
Up to now, you have focused on analyzing data and understanding statistical results.
In real-world environments, analysis is only valuable if it can be clearly communicated.
Custom Tables in SPSS allow you to create professional, flexible, and presentation-ready tables tailored to business and research needs.
What Are Custom Tables?
Custom Tables are advanced summary tables that go beyond basic frequencies and crosstabs.
They allow you to:
- Combine multiple statistics in one table
- Control rows, columns, and layers
- Format tables for reporting
Custom Tables are commonly used in reports and dashboards.
Why Use Custom Tables?
Standard SPSS tables are limited. Custom Tables provide:
- More control over table structure
- Cleaner presentation for decision-makers
- Ability to show multiple variables together
They reduce the need for external tools like Excel.
Example Business Scenario
A company wants a summary table showing:
- Average salary by department
- Employee count
- Gender breakdown
Instead of creating multiple tables, a single custom table can present all this information clearly.
Creating Custom Tables (Menu)
To create a Custom Table in SPSS:
- Go to Analyze → Tables → Custom Tables
- Drag variables into Rows and Columns
- Select summary statistics (Mean, Count, %)
- Preview and adjust layout
- Click OK
SPSS generates a clean, structured table in the Output Viewer.
Key Customization Options
Custom Tables allow you to:
- Reorder rows and columns
- Hide unnecessary statistics
- Control decimal places
- Apply labels and titles
This makes tables easier to interpret for non-technical audiences.
Best Practices
When using Custom Tables:
- Keep tables simple and focused
- Avoid overcrowding with too many statistics
- Use meaningful variable labels
- Align tables with reporting goals
Well-designed tables improve decision-making.
Common Mistakes
Common issues include:
- Including too many variables
- Using unclear labels
- Overformatting tables
Clarity should always come before complexity.
Quiz 1
What is the main purpose of Custom Tables?
To create flexible, presentation-ready summary tables.
Quiz 2
Which menu path opens Custom Tables?
Analyze → Tables → Custom Tables.
Quiz 3
Can multiple statistics be shown in one Custom Table?
Yes.
Quiz 4
Why are Custom Tables preferred in reports?
They improve clarity and presentation.
Quiz 5
Should Custom Tables be overloaded with data?
No.
Mini Practice
Create a Custom Table that shows:
- Employee count by department
- Average salary
Format the table so it is suitable for a management report.
Use Analyze → Tables → Custom Tables and select appropriate summary statistics.
What’s Next
You have completed the Intermediate Level.
Next, you will move into Advanced SPSS topics, starting with Factor Analysis.