How to create a table in a Word document

There are a few ways you can insert a table into a Word document. Which option you use will depend on your needs, but they all require you to first navigate to the Insert menu on the Menu Ribbon.

Option 1: Select the number of rows and columns

  1. Place your cursor at the location where you want the grid to appear.
  2. Click Table on the Insert menu ribbon.
  3. Move your cursor over the open squares to select the number of columns and rows. Your selection will highlight the square in yellow and above the selection will display the grid size (4x3 Table in the screenshot below).

  1. Right-click your mouse on the square representing your desired grid dimensions. The grid will then be inserted at your cursor location.
  2. Fill out your table.

Table settings, such as column width, text and cell color, and much more can be modified. See the MS KB article Format a Table.

Option 2: Select a Predesigned Table

Predesigned tables, or Quick Tables, are formatted and contain a preset number of columns and rows, as well as sample data. All of that can be modified afterward (Format a Table)

  1. Place your cursor where you want to the table to appear.
  2. Click Table in the Insert menu ribbon and select Quick Tables at the bottom of the list
  3. Scroll through the options and click on the desired table format. The table will insert at your cursor location.
  4. Modify the columns headers and cells as needed (Format a Table)

Option 3: Fill out a new table form

  1. Place your cursor where you want the table to appear
  2. Click Table on the Insert menu ribbon and select Insert Table

  1. Fill out the form in the dialog window that opens

  1. Click OK. Your table will be inserted at the cursor location.
  2. Modify the columns headers and cells as needed (Format a Table)
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