How to Make a Table in Word

To make a table in MS Word, go to Insert ▸ Table and drag to pick the number of rows and columns, or choose Insert Table to type exact numbers. Word draws the grid, and you type into each cell, pressing Tab to move to the next one. Tables are perfect for timetables, price lists, comparisons and any data that fits neatly into rows and columns.

Insert a table

1. Click where you want the table.
2. Go to the Insert tab ▸ Table.
3. Drag over the grid to choose the size (say 3 columns × 4 rows), or click Insert Table and type the exact numbers.
4. The table appears; click a cell and start typing.

Press Tab to move to the next cell. Pressing Tab in the last cell adds a new row automatically.

Add or delete rows and columns

Click inside the table, and two new tabs appear: Table Design and Layout.

• Add a row: Layout ▸ Insert Above / Insert Below.
• Add a column: Layout ▸ Insert Left / Insert Right.
• Delete: Layout ▸ Delete ▸ Rows / Columns / Table.

You can also right-click a cell to insert or delete quickly.

Merge and split cells

• Merge: select two or more cells ▸ Layout ▸ Merge Cells (good for a heading across the top).
• Split: click a cell ▸ Layout ▸ Split Cells to divide it.

Style the table

On the Table Design tab:

• Pick a Table Style for instant colours and borders.
• Turn Header Row on to emphasise the top row.
• Adjust Borders and Shading manually if you prefer.

Keep it simple: a shaded header row and light borders read best.

Resize and align

• Drag the column border to change its width, or use Layout ▸ AutoFit ▸ AutoFit Contents.
• Align text in cells with the alignment buttons on the Layout tab (top-left, centre, etc.).

Worked example (a class timetable)

You make a weekly timetable:

1. Insert a table 6 columns (Time + Mon–Fri) × 6 rows.
2. Type the periods and subjects.
3. Merge the top-left cell and type "Time / Day".
4. Turn on Header Row and pick a light table style.
5. AutoFit contents so columns fit the text.

A clear, printable timetable in a couple of minutes.

Pro tips

• Press Tab at the end of the last cell to add a new row instantly.
• Use AutoFit Contents so columns size themselves to the text.
• For long data, a table in Excel may be easier, then paste it into Word.

Common mistakes

• Using spaces or tabs to fake a table. Text shifts on other computers. Use a real table.
• Too many borders and colours. A simple header row and thin borders look cleaner.
• Forgetting the Layout tab. Adding/deleting rows and columns lives there; it only shows when the cursor is in the table.

Key takeaways

• Insert ▸ Table, then drag or type the size.
• Press Tab to move between cells and to add rows.
• Use the Layout tab to add, delete, merge and split cells.
• Style with the Table Design tab; keep it simple and readable.

Practice task

Make a 4-column price list (Item, Quantity, Rate, Amount) with five rows. Turn on the header row, apply a light table style, and AutoFit the columns to the contents.

Learn every MS Word skill for office jobs in the Basic Computer Course (BCC) at HCI.