How to Tabulate Survey Results

Conducting a survey can be a relatively easy and inexpensive way to get meaningful information that can help with decision-making and future planning. If the survey is conducted online the results will be automatically tabulated, but paper surveys need to be tabulated in order to analyze the data. Even if are running your own small business, you might be faced with the responsibility of tabulating survey results. While the process can be done manually, using a computer spreadsheet is less time consuming.

Manual Tabulation

  1. Use a ruler to create a chart with columns and rows.
  2. Number the rows so each one is reserved for the answers given by each survey respondent.
  3. Number the columns so each one will represent each question asked on the survey.
  4. Create additional columns if necessary for questions that might have multiple answers. For example, questions that allow for more than one answer require a column for each possible response.
  5. Stack the completed questionnaires and sort them based on a specific characteristic indicated on the survey. For example, if gender was recorded, sort the questionnaires into three piles: one answered by females, one for males and the last for those who did not answer or whose answer is unclear.
  6. Count the number of questionnaires in each pile and record the number on the chart. For example, if 67 out of 100 questionnaires indicate the respondents were female, 30 indicate male and the rest did not indicate gender, record these numbers in the designated column.
  7. Maintain these three gender piles and sub-divide each pile according to the responses given to the next question. Count the number of questionnaires in each new pile and record the numbers on your chart.
  8. Repeat Step 7 for the remaining questions on the survey.

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