A table is a grid made of rows and columns. It helps organize text or numbers. In Word, you can insert a table or convert text into a table. You can also customize tables with different styles and layouts.

*Download our practice document.

Inserting a Blank Table

  1. Place the cursor where you want the table.
  2. Click the Insert tab, then select Table.

  3. A drop-down menu will appear with a grid.

  4. Hover over the grid to choose the number of rows and columns.
  5. Click the grid to insert the table.

To enter text, click inside any cell and start typing. Use the Tab key to move between cells. If you press Tab in the last cell, a new row will be added.

Converting Text to a Table

You can turn existing text into a table. Word will use spaces or tabs to separate the text into columns.

  1. Select the text you want to convert.

  2. Click the Insert tab and then the Table command.
  3. Select Convert Text to Table from the menu.

  4. A box will appear. Choose how the text should be separated.

  5. Click OK to convert the text into a table.

Modifying a Table

You can edit tables by adding rows, columns, and changing styles.

Adding a Row or Column

  • Hover outside the table where you want a row or column.

  • Click the + sign to add it.

  • You can also right-click the table, select Insert, and choose an option.

Deleting a Row or Column

  • Click inside the row or column you want to delete.
  • Right-click and select Delete Cells.

  • Choose Delete entire row or Delete entire column, then click OK.

Changing Table Styles

Table styles change the color, font, and borders.

  1. Click anywhere in the table.

  2. Click the Design tab.

  3. In the Table Styles section, click the More arrow.

  4. Choose a style from the list.

Modifying Table Style Options

You can customize the table style by turning on or off:


  • Header Row
  • Total Row
  • Banded Rows
  • First Column
  • Last Column
  • Banded Columns

Click anywhere in the table, go to the Design tab, and check or uncheck the style options.

Adding Borders

  1. Select the cells you want to add a border to.

  2. Click the Design tab and choose Line Style, Line Weight, and Pen Color.

  3. Click the Borders drop-down arrow and select a border type.

  4. The border will be applied to the selected cells.


Using the Layout Tab

The Layout tab appears when you select a table. It allows you to adjust the table’s size, alignment, and structure.

Tables help organize content neatly. With Word, you can create, customize, and modify tables easily.


You can manually enter a desired row height or column width for your cells. You can also use the AutoFit command, which will automatically adjust the column widths based on the text inside.


You can manually enter a desired row height or column width for your cells. You can also use the AutoFit command, which will automatically adjust the column widths based on the text inside.


Use these commands to quickly insert or delete rows and columns. This can be especially useful if you need to add something to the middle of your table.


Some tables require a layout that doesn't conform to the standard grid. In these cases, you may want to merge multiple cells (i.e., combine them into one) or split a cell in two.


By changing the alignment of your cells, you can control exactly where the text is located. In the example below, the text has been aligned to the center.


You can easily change the direction of your text from horizontal to vertical. Making your text vertical can add style to your table; it also allows you to fit more columns in your table.