How to Insert a Table in a Microsoft Word Document

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 Tested

A good table in your document can help make your data stand out to your readers, and adding a table in Word is a snap. You have a variety of options for customizing your table’s look at functionality, and you can even choose from existing templates to make inserting tables completely painless. Follow this guide to learn how.

Steps

1
Open Word or the document where you wish to put a table. You can insert tables into any version of Word.
2
Position the cursor on the area where you want the table to be inserted. Click the “Table” button that is located under the “Insert” tab. In Word 2003, click the “Insert” menu and then select “Table”.
- For best formatting results, place the table between paragraphs or on its own line.
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3
Choose your method of inserting your table. In Word 2007, 2010, and 2013, you have a few different choices when it comes to inserting a table into your document. A dialog box appears when you click the “Insert” button which allows you select from the following methods:
- Use the Grid to make a table. You may insert the table by using the grid where the squares represent the number of rows or columns you can have on your table. Simply drag your mouse over the grid and click after highlighting the number of squares needed.
- Open the “Insert Table” menu. This menu allows you to specify the number of rows and columns that you want your table to have, as well as the width of the columns. You can set the width to AutoFit to your cell’s contents or have a fixed width. Click “OK” to insert the table.
- Insert an Excel spreadsheet. Click on Excel Spreadsheet if you want to insert a table which allows you to manipulate data like Excel (for example: formulas and filters). Click outside the table if you want to work on the document itself.
- Use prebuilt table templates. On newer versions of Word you can click “Quick Table” if you want to use built-in table templates. Simply replace the sample data with your own.

Community Q&A

Question

Why do I need bullets and numbering?

Community Answer

To simplify points and paragraphs, bullets are used. If you are writing a long passage, numbering comes in handy. They are also used to make a document look neat.
Question

What is the use of table?

Community Answer

Mainly to display data in a neat, organized way. You may or may not have any personal use for a table, but they are often used in scientific papers or business documents to list a set of data.
Question

How do I change the size of the columns?

Community Answer

Hover your mouse over the bars separating columns, and your mouse cursor should change into a double arrow symbol (↔) or similar. Click on the bar, and drag it to the left or right. You can also right-click on the same, and select "Table Properties" from the menu that comes up. You should be able to change the size of the columns in the new window that comes up.