caixinyu2017-star/xixi/latex-tables

LaTeX Tables

Purpose

This skill creates clean, publication-ready tables in LaTeX for regression results and summary statistics, using standard academic formatting.

When to Use

• Converting model output into LaTeX tables
• Standardizing table style across a paper
• Adding notes, significance stars, and labels

Instructions

Follow these steps to complete the task:

Step 1: Understand the Context

Before generating any code, ask the user:

• What type of table is needed (regression, summary stats, balance)?
• What software produced the results (Stata, R, Python)?
• Which formatting style is required (journal-specific, AEA, etc.)?

Step 2: Generate the Output

Based on the context, generate LaTeX code that:

1. Uses `booktabs` for clean horizontal rules
2. Includes labels and captions for referencing in the paper
3. Adds notes for standard errors and significance
4. Aligns numeric columns for readability

Step 3: Verify and Explain

After generating output:

• Explain how to compile the table
• Highlight any assumptions in the formatting
• Suggest refinements for journal submission

Example Prompts

• "Create a regression table with three models in LaTeX"
• "Format summary statistics with mean and sd columns"
• "Add significance stars and standard error notes"

Example Output

% ============================================
% Regression Table
% ============================================
\begin{table}[htbp]\centering
\caption{Effect of Treatment on Outcome}
\label{tab:main_results}
\begin{tabular}{lccc}
\toprule
 & (1) & (2) & (3) \\
\midrule
Treatment & 0.125*** & 0.118*** & 0.102** \\
 & (0.041) & (0.039) & (0.046) \\
Controls & No & Yes & Yes \\
Fixed Effects & No & Yes & Yes \\
\midrule
Observations & 2,145 & 2,145 & 2,145 \\
R-squared & 0.18 & 0.24 & 0.31 \\
\bottomrule
\end{tabular}
\begin{tablenotes}
\small
\item Notes: Standard errors in parentheses. * p<0.10, ** p<0.05, *** p<0.01.
\end{tablenotes}
\end{table}

Requirements

Software

• LaTeX distribution (TeX Live or MikTeX)

Packages

• booktabs
• threeparttable (optional for notes)

Best Practices

1. Keep tables compact and readable
2. Use consistent notation for standard errors and stars
3. Provide clear captions and labels

Common Pitfalls

• Overly wide tables that do not fit the page
• Missing notes for standard errors
• Inconsistent labeling across tables

References

• LaTeX booktabs documentation
• AEA Author Guidelines

Changelog

v1.0.0

• Initial release