How to Write a Lab Report: Format, Tips, & Example

A lab report is quite a serious piece of paper that has a massive value in your research. And don’t be deceived by the name as the lab report is not a form you just need to fill in. There is an impressive list of components you need to describe to produce a decent paper. Long story short, it includes a presentation of everything you have done, learned, and its significance. If you study in the field of engineering, you should be familiar with this type of writing. In any case, the following article by Custom-Writing experts guides you through the process of creating the lab report with all the details explained!

1. 🔖 Lab Report Format

Let’s begin with getting to know the most critical parts of the paper you should include.

• Abstract. After mentioning a title, of course, you should take care of an abstract. Basically, it’s a quick overview of the content.
• Introduction. Apart from introducing the topic or the problem of the experiment, it needs to give some background. Don’t forget that the objectives should be presented clearly.
• Methods. Here, you write about all the materials and equipment you used, as well as the process of collecting data, in case you were doing it.
• Results and analysis. It’s better to show the results of the experiment using graphics or tables. You should describe the analysis process, as well.
• Discussion. In this section, you would need to compare the key findings to the aims you stated at the beginning. If you mention any limitations, you can briefly discuss the best ways to overcome them.
• Conclusion. In conclusion, you need to restate your main objectives, sum up the findings, and highlight the experiment’s significance by identifying the implications.
• References. Don’t forget to mention all the sources you were using while writing this report. They should be placed in this section with all the publication details. Check out your writing requirements to find out which referencing style to use.
• Appendices. Here, you put all the additional information that is too detailed to include in the lab report’s main body.

2. 📃 How to Write a Lab Report Title Page

Four main pieces of information must be present on the title page:

A title page might also include a contact number, a security classification, or a copy number, depending on the nature of the report you are writing. Make your titles informative, straightforward, and moderately short.

3. 📓 How to Write a Lab Report Abstract

First thing first, a lab report abstract should be written last. There is no point in trying to guess what will be in your paper before you actually write it! And since this part is basically an overview of your experiment, it should also contain the essential findings and conclusions.

Another thing to remember is that the abstract needs to be brief! So try not to include any irrelevant information. Just stick to the main points. Also, make it as straightforward and coherent as possible since some readers might not be familiar with your research. They should be able to get the idea without reading the whole report first.

Example of a Lab Report Abstract

As you can see from the example below, the abstract resembles the general format of the report. Note which main parts are included.

4. 🚦 How to Write a Lab Report Introduction

In the introduction, you need to start with some background that you think would be useful for the reader. For instance, describe the latest research and theories in the field of your experiment. If there are any equations or laws that also seem relevant, include them as well.

And again, clearly state your aims and objectives in the form of a thesis statement.

Also, try not to confuse the tenses while writing the lab report. If you have already finished the experiment, mention it in the past tense. However, all the theories and equipment that still exist need to be addressed in the present tense.

Example of a Lab Report Introduction

In the following example, you can find all the parts pointed out with the description of their role.

5. 🔬 How to Write a Lab Report Methods Section

It is the place where you finally get to explain what you did during the experiment. No matter what the plan was, you should describe how it actually went. Usually, the procedure would include the following details:

• A comment about how you set up the equipment (perhaps add a diagram);
• A record of all the materials you got to use;
• A detailed description of what you did to collect the data;
• And a few words about complications you faced and how they resolved.

If something may have caused an error in the results, don’t forget to mention it here!

6. 📊 How to Write a Lab Report Results Section

It’s true that in the lab report results section, there are loads of figures and tables. However, you should always remember to interpret all the findings in the verbal form! Moreover, some fundamental analyses, such as calculations and error analysis, may be presented here. You should still stick to the relevant information and drop the extra stuff like raw data in the appendix.

Then, when you introduce a graph, try to highlight the results in a couple of sentences so that the reader knows what to focus on when looking at it. Besides, there are a few rules to remember if you want your graphs to be a success.

First of all, they need to be easy to read and well-labeled. Even when you deal with a relatively complicated topic, try to make it at least look simple. So don’t add any unnecessary stuff like decorations or 3D effects. Moreover, never exaggerate or distort the data! It’s essential that your graphs reflect the truth correctly. Sometimes, it may happen by accident. In that case, ask some experts in the field to double-check their quality. Also, try not to overuse graphs! There is no need to insert one if there is only a small amount of data to display.

7. 👨‍🎓️ How to Write a Lab Report Discussion Section

Some people say that this part of the lab report is the most important because it shows what you have taken from the experiment beyond the results. Here, you would need to try and interpret your findings from your perspective. Highlight the significance, or maybe, discuss the problems that occurred and explain them. Here are some strategies that might help you.

• Compare your expectations and results;
• Analyze the error;
• Address the findings from the theoretical perspective;
• Make a connection between the results and the initial objectives;
• Compare and contrast your work with similar experiments;
• Talk about the limitations and strengths of your strategy.

8. 🏁 How to Write a Lab Report Conclusion

The conclusion is the last part of your report writing. Sum up the main points and refer to any underlying theme. If any questions or issues remain unresolved, mention them here. Write in a brief, concise manner because your readers are already familiar with your points.

Before writing your conclusion, make a draft. Go over your report and underline all the vital information to be repeated. Your conclusion has to stress the importance of the research.

9. 🖇️ How to Write Lab Report References

Since it’s a report, you have most likely used some literature while working on a theoretical part of it. Therefore, the need to list all the sources arises. Not only do you have to take care of the proper in-text citations, but also you need to correctly organize the reference section at the end of the paper.

However, it doesn’t mean you have to struggle with it! As soon as you find out which referencing style you are required to use, go to our guides, and follow the detailed instructions. Just like that, your paper is ready with no hassle at all!

10. 📈 How to Write Lab Report Appendices

Your appendices should include data tables, background calculations, specification lists for equipment used, details of experimental configuration, and any other information that doesn’t quite fit in the main body.

Put each item into a separate appendix.

11. 👀 Lab Report Example

Below you’ll find a downloadable example of a lab report. You can also check out Nature Journal Report Sample (MLA.)

🔗 References

1. Writing a Science lab report – Research & Learning Online
2. The Lab Report | Writing Advice (University of Toronto)
3. How to Write a Lab Report – Steps and Template – ThoughtCo
4. Sample Lab Report (Baylor University)
5. Scientific Reports – UNC Writing Center
6. Laboratory Report (Duke)
7. Parts of a lab report – Chemistry Lab Resources, Purdue
8. Tips on Writing Lab Reports, UCLA
9. Lab Report | University of Michigan – Michigan Health Lab
10. Laboratory reports and lab books – The University of Nottingham