Adding rows and columns to an existing table in Word can be done in several quick and easy ways. Here are the main methods:
Use the Tab Key to Add Rows
- Put your cursor in the last cell of the last row of your table
- Press the Tab key to add a new row below
- Press Tab as many times as needed to add multiple rows
Pro Tip: Select multiple existing rows in your table before pressing Tab to add the same number of rows you selected. For example, select 3 rows then press Tab to instantly add 3 new rows.
Use the Ribbon Menu to Add Rows or Columns
- Click inside any cell of your table
- Go to the Table Layout tab > Rows & Columns section
- Click Insert Above/Below to add rows
- Click Insert Left/Right to add columns
Pro Tip: First select multiple rows or columns before using the ribbon menu to insert the same number you selected.
Use the Context Menu to Add or Remove
- Right-click any cell, row, or column
- Click Insert from the menu
- Choose where to insert rows or columns
- Also choose delete options from here
Pro Tip: Select multiple rows or columns first before right-clicking to insert or delete that same number.
Other Ways to Add or Subtract
- Draw a new row or column with the Draw Table tool
- Click the bottom-right Insert Control icon of tables
- Convert text separated by tabs into a table
- Delete rows and columns by clicking and pressing Backspace or Delete key
Pro Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts like Alt+I+R/L to insert columns or Alt+I+A/B to add rows without the mouse.
Formatting and Styling Tables
Once you have the rows and columns needed, formatting the overall style and appearance of your table is easy:
Use Built-In Table Styles
- Select any cell and use the Table Tools Design tab
- Choose one of the predefined Table Styles
Modify an Existing Style
- Select a style as above
- Click Modify Style to change specific elements
Add Borders and Shading
- Use the Design tab’s Borders and Shading menus
- Click and drag to draw borders manually
Adjust Row Height and Column Width
- Use Layout tab controls or drag the edges
- Double click the right border to auto-fit width
Change Text Alignment
- Select cells and use Home tab controls
Split and Merge Cells
- Merge cells to make them span rows or columns
- Split previously merged cells
Repeat Header Row on Each Page
For long tables spanning multiple pages, you can repeat the header row at the top of each new page to make reading easier:
- On the Layout tab check the Repeat Header Rows box
The header row will now be duplicated on every page of the table printout.
Converting Existing Text to Table
Already have text formatted with tabs or commas between values? Convert it to a table:
- Select the text
- On the Insert tab click Table > Convert Text to Table
- Choose the delimiter used like tabs or commas
The text will be neatly formatted into a table structure.
Insert a Microsoft Excel Table
Create detailed tables in Excel, then copy and paste them into Word while retaining all formatting. Use links to keep data connected between both programs so that changes made to the Excel table can update within the Word document.
Those are the essentials of adding and removing table rows and columns quickly in Word documents. With a little practice you’ll be able to insert and format complex tables for reports, presentations, invoices, and much more.
