How to Create a Table in MS Word

The table function in Microsoft Word enables you to organize text into uniform rows and columns. You have complete flexibility to create as many rows and columns as you need. The software also provides a formatting feature so you can specify the exact size of each row and column in the table.

Instructions

1

Open Microsoft Word. Start a new document. On the main menu, click "Table," then "Insert" and then "Table." A new window will appear in the center of the screen. Use this window to designate the table specifications.

2

Enter the desired number of columns and rows in the Table Size section and then click "OK." Your new table will appear on the screen. Microsoft Word automatically formats the cells to be the same size. You can change this later.

3

Input text; place the cursor in the desired field and type the text or cut and paste text from another Word document. The cell will automatically expand horizontally as you type.

4

Change the width of a column; place the cursor on the right border of the column (the cursor will change to a line with arrows). Click the mouse and drag the cursor to the right and stop when you reach the desired size. An alternate method is to place the cursor inside the desired column, click "Table" and then click "Table Properties." In the new window, select the Column tab. Enter the desired column width and then click "OK."

5

Insert a row; place the cursor anywhere in the field adjacent to where you want the new row. On the main menu, click "Table" and then "Insert." Select either "Rows Above" or "Rows Below."

6

Add a column; place the cursor anywhere in the field adjacent to where you want the new column. On the main menu, click "Table" and then "Insert." Select either "Columns to the Left" or "Columns to the Right."

7

Delete a row or column; place the cursor in the desired column or row. Click "Table," "Delete" and then either "Columns" or "Rows."