Copying a table in Word takes two clicks once you know where the table’s move handle is. This guide shows how to copy a whole table, part of a table, or just its text, how to duplicate a table in the same document, move tables between Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and choose the right paste option so formatting comes out the way you want.
Quick Answer
Hover over the table and click the four-arrow move handle at its top-left corner to select it. Press Ctrl + C, click where you want the copy, and press Ctrl + V.
Copy a Whole Table
- Hover over the table until the ✥ move handle appears just outside the top-left corner.
- Click the handle to select the entire table. (Or click in the table and go to Table Layout > Select > Select Table.)
- Press Ctrl + C, or right-click and choose Copy.
- Click where you want the copy and press Ctrl + V.
Add an empty paragraph before pasting if the new table merges into another table next to it.
Duplicate a Table by Dragging
Hold Ctrl, then drag the move handle to a new spot. Release the mouse before Ctrl to drop a copy; dragging without Ctrl moves the table instead.
Copy Part of a Table
- Rows: point just left of a row until the arrow appears, then click; drag down for more rows.
- Columns: point at the top border of a column until a black down arrow appears, then click.
- Cells: drag across the cells.
Copy and paste. Pasting rows into another table adds them to it.
Choose a Paste Option
After pasting, click the Paste Options button, or right-click where you’ll paste:
| Option | Result |
|---|---|
| Keep Source Formatting | Keeps the original table style |
| Use Destination Styles | Adopts the destination document’s styles |
| Nest Table | Puts the table inside a cell of another table |
| Merge Table | Adds rows to an adjacent table |
| Insert as New Rows / Overwrite Cells | When pasting into an existing table |
| Keep Text Only | Pastes plain text separated by tabs |
Copy Between Word and Other Apps
- Word to Excel: copy the table and paste into a cell; each Word cell becomes an Excel cell. Use Match Destination Formatting to drop Word styles.
- Excel to Word: copy the range and paste. Use Paste Special > Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object to embed, or Link & Keep Source Formatting to update when the Excel file changes.
- Word to PowerPoint or Outlook: copy and paste; the table stays editable.
- Word to Google Docs: copy and paste; most formatting carries over.
Copy a Table as a Picture
Select the table, copy it, then use Home > Paste > Paste Special > Picture (Enhanced Metafile) or Picture (PNG). The result can’t be edited, but it keeps its look everywhere.
Save a Table for Reuse
Select the table, go to Insert > Table > Quick Tables > Save Selection to Quick Tables Gallery. It will appear in the Quick Tables list in every document.
Word for Mac and the Web
- Mac: click the move handle and press Command + C, then Command + V.
- Web: click the move handle (or select all cells) and copy; paste options are more limited.
Related: Drag and drop a Word document.
Related: Add cells to a table in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see the move handle?
Switch to Print Layout view (View > Print Layout) and hover over the table.
The pasted table is too wide. What do I do?
Click in it and choose Table Layout > AutoFit > AutoFit Window.
Summary
- Click the move handle to select the table.
- Press Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V.
- Ctrl + drag the handle to duplicate it.
- Use Paste Options to control formatting.
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.