How to Insert a Table in Microsoft Word

Whether you are organizing a schedule, comparing prices, or creating a neat list of names and addresses, formatting data using the spacebar and the Tab key is a nightmare. As soon as you add one extra word, the entire layout breaks.

The correct way to organize structured information in a document is by using a Table. Microsoft Word makes inserting and managing tables incredibly easy.

Method 1: The Quick Grid

If you only need a small, basic table (like 3 columns wide and 4 rows tall), this is the fastest method.

1. Place your cursor exactly where you want the table to appear in your document.
2. Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon menu.
3. Click the Table button. A drop-down menu will appear showing a grid of small squares.
4. Hover your mouse over the grid. As you move your mouse down and to the right, you will see the squares turn orange, and a live preview of the table will appear on your page.
5. When you have highlighted the correct size (e.g., 3×4 Table), click your mouse to drop the table onto the page.

Method 2: The Insert Table Dialog Box

The quick grid maxes out at 10 columns by 8 rows. If you need a massive table with 20 columns and 50 rows, dragging the mouse won’t work.

1. Go to the Insert tab and click the Table button.
2. Instead of using the grid, look below it and click Insert Table…
3. A small dialog box will appear. Type exactly how many Columns (vertical) and Rows (horizontal) you need.
4. Under the “AutoFit behavior” section, you can choose if you want the table to stretch across the whole page automatically, or tightly wrap around your text.
5. Click OK.

How to Add or Delete Rows Later

Don’t worry if you didn’t create enough rows when you first inserted the table. You can always add more data later.

To add a row: Click inside the very last cell of the table (the bottom right corner) and press the Tab key on your keyboard. A brand new row will instantly appear at the bottom.

To delete a row or column: Right-click inside the cell you want to get rid of, hover over Delete Cells…, and choose either “Delete entire row” or “Delete entire column”.