Cramér's V is the effect size for a chi-square test of independence on any table larger than 2 × 2. It runs from 0 (no association) to 1 (perfect association). APA 7 expects an effect size with every test, so V belongs in the same sentence as the χ² result.
What you need before you write a single word
- The chi-square result: χ², df, N and the exact p.
- Cramér's V.
- The smaller dimension of the table (rows or columns) minus 1, which sets the benchmarks.
- The percentages that show the pattern.
The APA 7 format template
There was a significant association between [variable 1] and [variable 2], χ²(df, N = XXX) = X.XX, p = .XXX, Cramér's V = .XX. [XX% of group A] [outcome], compared with [XX% of group B] and [XX% of group C].
All 53 templates, ready to paste with the italics set: the Rescue Vault, $27 →
Formatting rules reviewers actually check:
- No leading zero: V = .29.
- Italicize V (a Latin letter); χ² stays upright.
- Use φ for a 2 × 2 table (it equals V there) and V for anything larger.
A worked example
180 students from three majors (60 each) sat the same exam: 45 psychology students (75%), 30 biology students (50%) and 25 economics students (42%) passed. The test gives χ²(2, N = 180) = 14.62, p < .001, Cramér's V = .29. Written up in APA 7:
There was a significant association between major and passing the exam, χ²(2, N = 180) = 14.62, p < .001, Cramér's V = .29. Psychology students passed most often (75%), followed by biology (50%) and economics students (42%).
How big is it?
Cohen's benchmarks depend on the smaller table dimension minus 1 (df*):
| df* | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .10 | .30 | .50 |
| 2 | .07 | .21 | .35 |
| 3 | .06 | .17 | .29 |
In the example the table is 3 × 2, so df* = 1 and V = .29 is close to medium.
Mistakes reviewers catch
- No effect size. A significant χ² in a large sample can reflect a trivial association.
- Judging V with the wrong benchmarks. The thresholds fall as the table gets larger.
- A leading zero or reporting φ for a table larger than 2 × 2.
Let KyroStat do the write-up for you
KyroStat reports the chi-square test with the right effect size for your table and writes the percentages into the sentence.
Frequently asked questions
Phi or Cramér's V? φ for 2 × 2 tables, V for larger ones. For a 2 × 2 table they are equal.
How do I report the chi-square test itself? See how to report a chi-square test of independence.
What if expected counts are small? Use Fisher's exact test.