Tables

Tables sort data to make that data easier to read, perform calculations using formulas, and make your work look great with a minimum of effort.  Let's get started:

1.  Click INSERT, TABLE, and choose what size you want your table.  Don't worry if your size is incorrect. It's super easy to add or delete rows and columns.  Go to your LAYOUT tab and add rows and columns above and below or delete above or below.

2.  You will notice that when your table is active (you have clicked anywhere in it or clicked the blue four-sided arrow in the upper-left corner of your table), two other tabs named DESIGN and LAYOUT will appear in Word under TABLE TOOLS.  These two tabs will allow you to really dress up your table.

3.  To move to the next cell in a table, press TAB.  Press SHIFT+TAB to move back a cell.  Pressing the ENTER key will only add a line to the cell you are currently in.

4.  Remember that numbers are right-aligned in tables.  This is easy to do.  Highlight your numbers, press the LAYOUT tab, and choose one of the align right options.

5.  To adjust table column width, hover your cursor between the two columns until you get a double-sided arrow and double click.  The width will automatically adjust.

6.  To perform calculations in a Word table, type in your numbers and click LAYOUT and FORMULA (on right side of screen).  You can use positional words such as LEFT, RIGHT, ABOVE, and BELOW with AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, MIN, PRODUCT, SUM functions.  Examples:  =SUM(ABOVE) or =AVERAGE(BELOW).  These will perform functions on your rows or columns.

7.  Dressing these tables up is also really easy.  You just click the DESIGN tab and choose a design you like. You can also customize a design to fit a specific look you need on a table.

Tables are a real time-saver and make your work look polished and professional.  The more you practice with them, the more you realize how much you can do with them.