Lab report template

Quick answer

A lab report has a title block, an abstract, an introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, a conclusion, references and an appendix if needed. Write in past tense, put data in labeled tables and figures, and keep the methods clear enough for someone to repeat. This template includes every section with prompts.

Download Word

First time writing a lab report. Each section has a short prompt.

Download Word

Free. No sign-up. Updated October 2026.

Writing up a lab? Write it in Writing Studio, with table captions, figure numbers and citations handled. Sign up

Template preview

[Title: a specific description of the experiment, for example "Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Catalase Activity"]
[Your name]
[Lab partners, if any]
[Course and section]
[Instructor]
[Date performed]
[Date submitted]
Abstract
[One paragraph of 150 to 250 words, written last: the purpose, the method in one sentence, the main results with key numbers, and the main conclusion.]
Introduction
[Background: the scientific concept behind the experiment, with citations.]
[Purpose: the question the experiment answers.]
[Hypothesis: a testable statement, with a short reason for it.]
Materials and Methods
[Materials: list equipment, chemicals, organisms, and amounts or concentrations.]
[Procedure: describe what you did, in past tense and in order, with enough detail for someone to repeat it. State the independent, dependent, and controlled variables.]
Results
[Present your data in tables and figures. Number each (Table 1, Figure 1), add a caption, and refer to each in the text. Describe the main patterns and report numbers with units. Do not explain the causes here.]
Table 1. [Caption describing the table]
[Independent variable, units]
[Trial 1]
[Trial 2]
[Trial 3]
[Mean]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1. [Caption describing the figure. Label both axes with units.]
Discussion
[Interpret the results: did they support your hypothesis, and why?]
[Compare with published results or expected values, with citations.]
[Sources of error: what could have affected the data, and in which direction?]
[Improvements and next steps.]
Conclusion
[Two to four sentences stating what you found and what it means.]
References
[List all sources cited, in your course's citation style.]
Appendix
[If required: raw data, calculations, sample calculations.]
1

Before you submit

Starting from a blank document? Set it up yourself

In Microsoft Word

  1. Open a new document with 1 inch margins and a 12 pt font (Times New Roman or Arial).
  2. Add the title block, then the headings: Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References.
  3. For tables, go to Insert, Table. Put the caption above the table (Table 1. ...).
  4. For figures, go to Insert, Pictures. Put the caption below the figure (Figure 1. ...).

In Google Docs

  1. Open a new document with 1 inch margins and a 12 pt font.
  2. Add the title block, then the headings: Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References.
  3. For tables, go to Insert, Table. Put the caption above the table (Table 1. ...).
  4. For figures, go to Insert, Image. Put the caption below the figure (Figure 1. ...).

Filled-in example

Sample content for illustration. Do not cite.
Filled-in example with table and chart

a complete sample report with a data table and a chart (a catalase temperature experiment with invented data). Sample content only.

Download the example
Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Catalase Activity
Jordan Rivera
Lab partner: Sam Chen
BIOL 110, Section 03
Dr. Priya Nair
Performed: September 30, 2026
Submitted: October 7, 2026
Abstract
This experiment tested how temperature affects the activity of catalase, an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide. Liver extract was mixed with hydrogen peroxide at 5, 20, 37, and 60 degrees Celsius, and the height of the oxygen foam was measured after 60 seconds. Mean foam height was highest at 37 degrees Celsius (40 mm) and lowest at 60 degrees Celsius (5 mm). The results support the hypothesis that catalase works best near body temperature and loses activity at high temperatures.
Introduction
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in cells, and their activity depends on conditions such as temperature. Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, so the amount of foam produced can serve as a measure of enzyme activity. The purpose of this experiment was to find how temperature affects catalase activity. We hypothesized that activity would increase with temperature up to about 37 degrees Celsius and then decrease, because enzymes work best near their optimum temperature and denature at high temperatures.
Materials and Methods
Materials were liver extract, 3% hydrogen peroxide, test tubes, water baths at 5, 20, 37, and 60 degrees Celsius, a ruler, and a timer. The independent variable was temperature, the dependent variable was foam height, and the volumes of liver extract and hydrogen peroxide were held constant. Two milliliters of liver extract were warmed or cooled to each temperature for five minutes. Two milliliters of hydrogen peroxide at the same temperature were then added, and the height of the foam was measured after 60 seconds. Each temperature was tested three times.
Results
Mean foam height was greatest at 37 degrees Celsius and fell sharply at 60 degrees Celsius (Table 1, Figure 1).
Table 1. Foam height (mm) after 60 seconds at four temperatures
Temperature (°C)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Mean
5
8
9
7
8.0
20
22
24
23
23.0
37
41
39
40
40.0
60
6
5
4
5.0
Mean foam height by temperature
Figure 1. Mean foam height (mm) after 60 seconds at four temperatures. Error bars show the range of the three trials.
Discussion
The results support the hypothesis. Foam height rose from 8.0 mm at 5 degrees Celsius to 40.0 mm at 37 degrees Celsius, then fell to 5.0 mm at 60 degrees Celsius. The drop at 60 degrees Celsius is consistent with denaturation, in which heat changes the shape of the enzyme so that it can no longer work. Foam height was measured by eye, so small differences between trials may reflect measurement error rather than real differences in activity. Testing more temperatures between 37 and 60 degrees Celsius would show where activity begins to fall.
Conclusion
Catalase activity was highest at 37 degrees Celsius and lowest at 60 degrees Celsius, supporting the hypothesis that temperature affects enzyme activity in a peak-shaped pattern.
References
Northfield University Department of Biology. (2026). BIOL 110 laboratory manual: Enzyme activity. Northfield University.
Note: the data and the lab manual above are invented for illustration.
1

How to use this template

  1. Download the Word file or choose Copy to Google Docs to get your own editable copy.

  2. Write the Materials and Methods and Results first, while the experiment is fresh. Keep your raw data in a table.

  3. Write the Introduction, stating the concept, purpose and hypothesis.

  4. Write the Discussion by comparing your results with the hypothesis, then address errors.

  5. Write the Conclusion and then the Abstract last.

  6. Add captions to every table and figure, and cite each in the text.

  7. Check units, significant figures and the lab manual’s requirements before submitting.

Rules at a glance

Section

What it does

Tense and voice

Abstract

Summarizes the whole report

Mostly past tense

Introduction

Background, purpose, hypothesis

Present for established facts, past for earlier studies

Materials and Methods

What you did, so it can be repeated

Past tense

Results

What you found, with data

Past tense; no interpretation

Discussion

What it means, errors, comparison

Past for your results, present for general conclusions

Conclusion

Short statement of the outcome

Past and present

Tables and figures

Table captions go above, figure captions go below (APA and most science styles)

Numbered in order

Note: conventions differ by course and discipline. Check the lab manual and the citation style the course uses.

Common mistakes

  • Putting explanation in the Results. Results report what happened; the Discussion says why.

  • Writing methods as a list of commands. Use past tense and report what was done.

  • Vague hypotheses. State what you expect to happen and why, in a form that can be tested.

  • Missing units, captions or axis labels on tables and figures.

  • Blaming “human error” without being specific. Name the error and say how it could affect results.

  • Writing the abstract first. Write it last so it matches the report.

  • Ignoring the lab manual. Its format overrides any general template.

Frequently asked questions

What are the parts of a lab report?

The usual sections are title, abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references and appendices. Some courses combine or omit sections, so check the lab manual.

What is the difference between results and discussion?

Results present your data and describe patterns without interpreting them. The discussion explains what the data mean, whether they support the hypothesis, and what could have affected them.

Should a lab report be written in past tense?

The methods and results are usually written in past tense because they describe what you did and found. General facts and conclusions can use present tense. Your instructor may have a preference.

How long should a lab report be?

Typically three to ten pages without appendices, depending on the course. Follow the length your instructor sets.

Do I use first person in a lab report?

It depends on the course. Some instructors want passive voice, and many now accept “we” for clarity. Use the convention in your lab manual.

What citation style should I use?

Use the style your course specifies. Biology often uses CSE or APA, chemistry often uses ACS, and psychology uses APA. See the APA format template for the layout of an APA reference list.

Related templates

Literature review template

An outline and a synthesis matrix for your sources.

Research paper outline template

Sentence or topic outline for a research paper.

APA format template (7th edition)

APA 7th edition paper in Word and Google Docs.

Section structure follows the standard IMRaD format described by university writing centers (for example the UNC Writing Center and the Purdue OWL). Last reviewed October 2026.

Write your lab report in Writing Studio

Add tables with numbered captions, make charts from your tables, and number figures and equations for you. Cite in your course’s style and export to Word when you’re done.

Sign up

The template download stays free. You do not need an account for it.