How to Cite a Graph, Chart, or Figure

Graphs and charts communicate data efficiently—but using someone else's visual requires proper citation. Whether you're reproducing a figure, adapting data, or referencing a graph in discussion, attribution matters.

Three Scenarios

How you handle graph citation depends on what you're doing:

• Reproducing: Copying a graph exactly as it appeared in the source.
• Adapting: Modifying a graph (new colors, simplified elements, combined data).
• Creating from data: Making your own graph using data from a cited source.

Each requires different attribution approaches.

Reproducing a Graph Exactly

When you copy a graph directly from another source:

• Get permission from the copyright holder (often required for publication)
• Include a figure number and caption
• Add a source note with full citation
• Include "Reprinted from" or "From" to indicate it's reproduced

APA format:

MLA format:

Adapting a Graph

When you modify a graph (changing colors, combining elements, simplifying):

Use "Adapted from" instead of "From" or "Reprinted from":

Describe your modifications if they're significant:

Creating Your Own Graph From Published Data

When you make your own visualization using data from another source:

You don't need "Reprinted" or "Adapted"—you cite the data source:

Or in the caption:

This is the most common scenario for student papers.

Figure Numbering and Placement

Figures are numbered sequentially: Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.

Placement varies by style:

• APA: Figures can appear in text or at the end
• MLA: Figures typically appear in text near first mention
• Chicago: Depends on publication requirements

Reference figures in your text: "As shown in Figure 1..." or "(see Figure 2)."

Citing Graphs You Only Discuss

If you're referencing a graph without reproducing it:

Or:

You don't need special figure formatting if you're not including the actual graph.

Tables vs. Figures

Most styles distinguish tables (rows and columns of data) from figures (graphs, charts, images).

• Tables: Labeled "Table 1," "Table 2," etc. Source note often goes below.
• Figures: Labeled "Figure 1," "Figure 2," etc. (or "Fig." in some styles).

Check your style guide—formatting conventions differ.

Copyright and Permission

For class papers, reproducing graphs is usually covered by educational fair use.

For publication, you typically need permission to reproduce copyrighted figures exactly—even with citation.

Permission often required for:

• Journal articles
• Publishing thesis/dissertation
• Commercial publication

May not need permission for:

• Class assignments
• Graphs you create from data
• Heavily adapted visualizations
• Government publications (usually public domain)

When in doubt, contact the copyright holder or publisher.

Multiple Graphs From Same Source

If using several graphs from one source:

Or cite each individually if they need separate notes.

Screenshots of Data Visualizations

Screenshots of interactive visualizations or dashboards:

Note that interactive elements won't be captured.

Graphs From Datasets

When graphing data from a published dataset:

Credit the dataset, not an article about the data (unless you're citing the article's analysis).

The exact formatting for figure citations depends on your required citation style. Check the specific guide for your discipline below.