How to Format a Technical Report

When doing any type of study, a technical report is often needed to help explain the topic you intend to report about in addition to the purpose for the study you’ve completed. As with any report, the key to writing a good technical report is to organize it, provide as much detail as possible and format it to be well-read and cohesive. Even if you’ve never written a technical report before, as long as you provide a well-written account of your study the report will turn out well.

Present the information in a way everyone can understand, even someone who is unfamiliar with the topic you are writing about. Add enough facts to back up what you are saying. Nevertheless, don’t saturate the paper with uninteresting facts or figures just to take up space in the report.

Start off each section with a header to make sure it is easily read and organized. Headings may break up the report so the reader easily transitions between information and keeps the reader interested.

Add graphics or graphs to illustrate your report. Graphics also give the reader a chance to visualize your information and help make it more understood. Diagrams or photos are also essential so those who have a hard time visualizing what you are saying have an easier time understanding.

Back up everything you state with sources or documentation, just as you would with any other report. Whenever you mention other information from different sources, you must cite where you found your information. Using other sources may also help you back up your report or findings and make them more credible.

Format the report with double-spacing. Since you start off the report with an introduction, be sure to finish the paper off with a conclusion. Although there is often no maximum page requirement, try to keep the paper concise and to the point.