To add a column to a table in Word for Office 365 (Microsoft 365), click a cell next to where you want the new column, open the Layout tab that appears next to Table Design, and click Insert Left or Insert Right. You can also right-click a cell and choose Insert > Insert Columns to the Left or Insert Columns to the Right. Or hover over the top border of the table between two columns and click the + sign that appears.
These steps also work in Word 2016, 2019, and 2021. Below you’ll learn how to add several columns at once, add a column at the end, fix column widths, and add columns in Word for the web and on a Mac.
Method 1: Use the Layout tab
- Click inside a cell in the column next to where you want the new one.
- Click the Layout tab at the far right of the ribbon. It only appears when your cursor is in a table. (Don’t confuse it with the page Layout tab near References.)
- In the Rows & Columns group, click Insert Left or Insert Right.
Method 2: Right-click the table
- Right-click a cell in the table.
- Point to Insert.
- Choose Insert Columns to the Left or Insert Columns to the Right.
The mini toolbar that appears when you right-click also has an Insert button with the same options.
Method 3: Click the plus sign
- Move your pointer to the top edge of the table, right above the line between two columns.
- When a small + in a circle appears, click it.
A new column appears at that spot. This is the fastest method, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not hovering exactly over a border.
How to add multiple columns at once
- Select as many existing columns as you want to add. For example, drag across three column headers to add three columns.
- Click Layout > Insert Left or Insert Right.
Word inserts the same number of columns you selected.
How to add a column at the end of a table
Click any cell in the last column, then click Layout > Insert Right. The new column is added on the right edge of the table.
How to fix column widths after adding a column
New columns often squeeze the others or push the table past the margin. To fix it:
- Make all columns equal: Select the table, then click Layout > Distribute Columns.
- Fit the table to the page: Click Layout > AutoFit > AutoFit Window.
- Fit the content: Click Layout > AutoFit > AutoFit Contents.
- Set an exact width: Type a size in the Width box in the Cell Size group.
Word for the web and Mac
- Word for the web: Click a cell, open the Table Layout tab (sometimes shown as Table), and choose Insert Left or Insert Right. Or right-click and choose Insert.
- Word for Mac: Click a cell, open the Layout tab next to Table Design, and click Insert Left or Insert Right. Or Control-click and choose Insert > Columns to the Left or Columns to the Right.
How to delete a column
Click a cell in the column, then click Layout > Delete > Delete Columns. Pressing the Delete key only clears the text, not the column.
For page columns rather than table columns, see making two columns in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see the Layout tab?
Your cursor isn’t inside a table. Click any cell and the Table Design and Layout tabs appear.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to add a column?
There’s no default one-key shortcut. On Windows, press Alt, then J, L, then L (Insert Left) or R (Insert Right). Key tips can vary by version, so watch the letters that appear on the ribbon.
How many columns can a Word table have?
Up to 63.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.