A table arranges information in neat rows and columns — perfect for timetables, marks and lists. This chapter shows how to build and shape tables in Word.
1Inserting & filling a table
A table is a grid made of:
- Rows — go across (left to right).
- Columns — go down (top to bottom).
- Cell — one box where a row and column meet.
Inserting a table
Use Insert → Table, then choose the number of rows and columns (e.g. a 3×4 table = 3 columns, 4 rows). Click a cell to type, and press Tab to move to the next cell.
Key points
- A table is a grid: rows go across, columns go down, and a cell is where they meet.
- Insert a table with Insert → Table and choose the rows & columns.
- Click a cell to type; press Tab to move to the next cell.
2Changing the structure
You can reshape a table after making it:
| Action | Does |
|---|---|
| Insert row/column | Add a new row or column |
| Delete row/column | Remove a row or column |
| Column width | Make a column wider/narrower (drag its border) |
| Row height | Make a row taller/shorter |
Merge & split cells
- Merge — join several cells into ONE (e.g. a title across the top).
- Split — divide one cell into MORE cells.
Key points
- You can insert/delete rows and columns, and change column width & row height.
- Merge joins several cells into one; split divides one cell into more.
- Merge is handy for a title cell spanning the whole top row.
3Styling a table
Make a table look good with formatting:
- Table Styles — ready-made colour designs (apply with one click).
- Borders — choose the gridline style, thickness and colour.
- Shading — a background colour for chosen cells (e.g. shade the header row).
A clear table usually shades the header row a different colour and gives it bold text, so readers can tell headings from data at a glance.
Key points
- Table Styles apply a ready-made colour design in one click.
- Borders set the gridline style/thickness/colour; shading adds a background colour to cells.
- Shading and bolding the header row makes a table easy to read.
★ Practical: a timetable
In Word, build a weekly timetable that:
- Is a table with Day in the first column and periods across the top.
- Has a title cell merged across the whole top row.
- Shades the header row a colour and makes it bold.
- Adjusts a column's width so the text fits neatly.
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