How to Fix a Table in Word That is Off the Page
Ever opened a Word document to find your carefully crafted table is awkwardly hanging off the page? Don’t worry! Fixing it is easier than you think. You just need to adjust the table’s size, margins, or alignment. Here’s a quick guide: select your table, navigate to the ‘Layout’ or ‘Table Tools’ tab, and use the ‘AutoFit’ options or manually resize the table. Voilà! Your table should now fit perfectly on the page.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Fix a Table in Word That is Off the Page
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your table back on the page. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a table-fixing pro in no time!
Step 1: Select Your Table
First, select the table that is off the page.
Click anywhere inside the table, and you should see a little box with a cross at the top-left corner. Click that box to select the entire table.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Layout’ or ‘Table Tools’ Tab
Navigate to the ‘Layout’ or ‘Table Tools’ tab that appears when the table is selected.
This tab contains all the tools you need to adjust the table. It’s like a command center for fixing your off-page table issues.
Step 3: Use the ‘AutoFit’ Options
Click on the ‘AutoFit’ button found in the ‘Layout’ tab.
You have two options: ‘AutoFit Contents’ and ‘AutoFit Window.’ Usually, ‘AutoFit Window’ will do the trick, resizing the table to fit within the page margins.
Step 4: Manually Resize the Table if Needed
If ‘AutoFit’ doesn’t work perfectly, manually adjust the table size by dragging the table borders.
Hover over the edges of your table until the cursor changes to a double-sided arrow. Click and drag to resize the table until it fits within the page.
Step 5: Adjust Page Margins
If resizing the table doesn’t solve the problem, adjust your document’s page margins.
Go to the ‘Layout’ tab in the Word ribbon, click ‘Margins,’ and choose a narrower margin setting to give your table more room.
Step 6: Check Table Alignment
Lastly, ensure that your table is correctly aligned on the page.
Go to the ‘Layout’ tab, find the ‘Alignment’ group, and choose ‘Center’ or ‘Left’ to better position your table within the document margins.
After completing these steps, your table should fit perfectly within the page margins, eliminating any overflow issues.
Tips for Fixing a Table in Word That is Off the Page
- AutoFit is Your Friend: Use the ‘AutoFit Window’ option for quick resizing.
- Keep an Eye on Margins: Adjust page margins to create more space for your table.
- Manual Resizing: Sometimes you need to manually drag the table borders to the correct size.
- Alignment Matters: Properly align your table to ensure it fits well within the document.
- Consistent Formatting: Make sure the text size and cell padding are consistent to avoid unexpected table expansions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my table keep going off the page?
Tables can exceed page margins if they’re not correctly sized or if the text within the cells is too large. Adjusting the table size or the document margins usually solves this problem.
What is the quickest way to fix a table that is off the page?
Using the ‘AutoFit Window’ option in the ‘Layout’ tab is generally the quickest fix.
Can I manually adjust the table size?
Yes, you can manually resize your table by clicking and dragging the table borders.
How do I adjust page margins?
Go to the ‘Layout’ tab, click ‘Margins,’ and choose a narrower margin setting to allow more room for your table.
What if my table still doesn’t fit?
If your table still doesn’t fit after these adjustments, consider breaking it into smaller tables or adjusting the cell content.
Summary
- Select Your Table
- Go to the ‘Layout’ or ‘Table Tools’ Tab
- Use the ‘AutoFit’ Options
- Manually Resize the Table if Needed
- Adjust Page Margins
- Check Table Alignment
Conclusion
And there you have it! Fixing a table in Word that is off the page is not as daunting as it seems. With a few tweaks here and there, your table can look well-organized and professional. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business report, or just a personal document, these steps can save you a lot of headaches. Remember, tools like ‘AutoFit’ and options for adjusting margins and alignment are your best friends in Word.
It’s always a good idea to keep experimenting with these tools to get a feel for how they work. Mastering them can make your document editing process a breeze. So go ahead and give it a try—your perfectly formatted table awaits!

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.