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How to Insert and Format a Table in Microsoft Word

Follow these steps in order to build and format a table in Word.

  1. Insert a table

    Select "Insert > Table" and specify the number of rows and columns you want -- the table is created instantly.

  2. Add or remove rows and columns

    Right-click inside the table to bring up a menu for inserting or deleting rows and columns.

  3. Merge or split cells

    Select multiple cells and click "Merge Cells" to combine them into one, or use "Split Cells" to divide a cell back into several.

  4. Apply a table design

    The "Table Design" tab offers a range of color schemes and banded-row styles you can apply with a single click.

  5. Auto-fit column widths

    The "AutoFit" option automatically adjusts each column's width to match the length of its content.

Organize information clearly

Schedules, comparison charts, and itemized lists all become far easier to read once they are laid out as a table instead of running prose.

A table that spans multiple pages

If a table needs to flow across a page break, turn off the β€œDon’t allow row to break across pages” option in Table Properties so long tables continue naturally onto the next page instead of getting pushed there entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a table runs past the end of a page?

Turning off "Don't allow row to break across pages" in Table Properties lets the table flow naturally onto the following page instead of forcing the whole row down.

Can I paste an Excel table into Word?

Yes -- copying a table from Excel and pasting it into Word inserts it as an actual table, which you can then continue editing freely in Word.