How to Create a Table in Word (Microsoft 365)

To create a table in Word for Microsoft 365, click where you want it, go to Insert > Table, and drag across the grid to choose the number of columns and rows. Click to insert it. For larger tables, choose Insert Table in the same menu and type the exact numbers. Once the table exists, the Table Design and Table Layout tabs let you style it and add or remove rows and columns.

Quick Answer

Insert > Table > drag across the grid > click.

Insert a Table

1. Click where the table should go.
2. Click Insert > Table.
3. Move over the grid to pick the size (up to 10 columns by 8 rows) and click.
4. Type in the first cell and press Tab to move to the next. Pressing Tab in the last cell adds a new row.

Other Ways to Create a Table

Option	When to use it
Insert Table…	Exact sizes or more than 10 columns
Draw Table	Irregular layouts
Convert Text to Table	Text separated by tabs or commas
Quick Tables	Ready-made calendars and lists
Excel Spreadsheet	Tables that need formulas

Format and Edit

• Style: Table Design > Table Styles.
• Add rows/columns: Table Layout > Insert Above/Below/Left/Right, or hover between rows and click the +.
• Header row repeats: Table Layout > Repeat Header Rows.
• Size: See changing row height and shrinking a table.

Turn Existing Text Into a Table

If you’ve already typed your data with tabs or commas between the items, Word can convert it without retyping:

1. Select the lines of text. Each line becomes a row.
2. Click Insert > Table > Convert Text to Table.
3. Under Separate text at, choose Tabs, Commas, or another character that splits your columns. Word suggests the number of columns.
4. Click OK.

To go the other way, click inside a table and choose Table Layout > Convert to Text.

Insert Table Dialog Options

Option	What it does
Fixed column width	Columns stay the width you set, or Auto to split the page evenly
AutoFit to contents	Columns grow and shrink to fit what you type
AutoFit to window	The table always spans the full width between the margins
Remember dimensions for new tables	Uses the same rows and columns next time

Keyboard Shortcuts Inside a Table

• Tab moves to the next cell. Pressing Tab in the last cell adds a new row.
• Shift + Tab moves back one cell.
• Ctrl + Tab inserts a tab character inside a cell.
• When a table is at the very top of a document, put the cursor at the start of the first cell and press Enter to add a paragraph above it.

Add Totals With a Formula

Word tables can do simple sums. Click in the cell where the total should go, choose Table Layout > Formula, and accept or type =SUM(ABOVE) or =SUM(LEFT). Word doesn’t recalculate automatically; if numbers change, right-click the result and choose Update Field. For anything more complex, insert an Excel spreadsheet instead.

Make Your Table Accessible

• Keep Header Row checked on the Table Design tab so screen readers identify column headings.
• Turn on Repeat Header Rows for tables that span more than one page.
• Avoid merged and blank cells where possible, as they can confuse screen readers.
• Add a description in Table Properties > Alt Text, then run Review > Check Accessibility.

Need numbered rows? See how to insert sequential numbers in a Word table, and to tidy alignment, how to center text in a Word table.

Troubleshooting

• Table runs off the page: Table Layout > AutoFit > AutoFit Window.
• Can’t delete the table: Select it with the move handle (top left) and press Backspace.
• Need it centered? See aligning tables.

Related: Edit a table in Word.

Related: Make a quotation in Word.

Related: Add cells to a table in Word.

Related: Make a worksheet in Word.

Related: Make a certificate in Word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sort a Word table?

Yes. Table Layout > Sort.

Is this the same in Word for Mac or the web?

Yes, Insert > Table works the same way.

Summary

1. Insert > Table and drag the grid.
2. Use Insert Table for exact sizes.
3. Press Tab to move between cells.
4. Style with Table Design; edit with Table Layout.