A method and apparatus for generating a single statically defined downlink reference MCS table consisting of transport block sizes (TBSs) computed for 29 MCSs for each of j PRBs where j=1, . . . , NRBDL. Three entries of the MCS table are reserved for implicit modulation order signaling (e.g. in the downlink) or implicit redundancy version signaling (e.g. in the uplink). Each MCS entry in the table is populated by a TBS and the table entries are accessed based on a 5-bit MCS index and resource allocation information, indicating the number of PRBs is signaled via a scheduling message which may be a grant or assignment message. A grant or assignment message may further include a 5-bit MCS field for each transport block which, along with the resource allocation information, enables the UE to determine the scheduled TBS.