How to Write a Lab/Engineering Report in LaTeX
By Shihab Shahriar Antor · Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
A LaTeX lab report uses \documentclass{article} with sections for aim/objective, apparatus, method, results (tables and figures), discussion, and references. Add a title block with your name, course, and date, present data in booktabs tables and labelled figures, and cite sources from a .bib file. Copy the template below and replace each section with your experiment.
Standard lab report structure
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aim / Objective | What the experiment tests |
| Apparatus / Materials | Equipment and setup |
| Method | Procedure, reproducible |
| Results | Data in tables and figures |
| Discussion | Interpretation, error analysis |
| Conclusion | What was found |
| References | Sources cited |
A lab report template
\documentclass[11pt]{article}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{booktabs}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{siunitx} % \SI{9.81}{m/s^2}
\title{Experiment 3: Measuring g}
\author{Your Name \\ PHYS-101}
\date{\today}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
\section{Aim}
To measure gravitational acceleration $g$.
\section{Method}
Describe the procedure clearly enough to repeat.
\section{Results}
\begin{table}[h]
\centering
\begin{tabular}{cc}
\toprule
Trial & $g$ (\si{m/s^2}) \\
\midrule
1 & 9.79 \\
2 & 9.83 \\
\bottomrule
\end{tabular}
\caption{Measured values of $g$.}
\end{table}
\section{Discussion}
Compare with $g = \SI{9.81}{m/s^2}$; analyze error.
\section{Conclusion}
State the measured result with uncertainty.
\end{document}The siunitx package formats units and quantities correctly: use \SI{9.81}{m/s^2} so spacing and notation are consistent across the report.
Report checklist
- Every table and figure has a
\captionand\label, referenced in the text. - Units formatted with
siunitx; significant figures consistent. - Method is reproducible by another student.
- Error/uncertainty discussed in the Discussion section.
Need data tables and figures? See how to make tables and how to insert images. Or start from a ready lab report template in the gallery.
Open a lab report template and compile, free.
Browse Report TemplatesFrequently asked questions
What document class should I use for a lab report?
Use \documentclass{article} for most lab and engineering reports. Add graphicx for figures, booktabs for clean tables, and siunitx for correctly formatted units and quantities.
How do I format units in a LaTeX report?
Use the siunitx package: \SI{9.81}{m/s^2} prints the value and unit with correct spacing, and \si{m/s^2} prints a unit alone. This keeps notation consistent across the report.
How do I present experimental data in LaTeX?
Put measurements in a booktabs table (\toprule, \midrule, \bottomrule) and plots in a figure with \includegraphics. Give each a \caption and \label and reference them in the text.
Is there a ready lab report template?
Yes. LetX includes a lab report template in the assignments category. Open it, replace the sections with your experiment, and compile to PDF in the browser.
Related
Written by Shihab Shahriar Antor , AI Engineer & Founder of Shahriar Labs. Builder of LetX (collaborative LaTeX) and offSchool (SSC science and maths, learned through simulations).