TablesTables

Microsoft WordMicrosoft Word

TablesTables

A A table table is a grid of rows and columns is a grid of rows and columns that intersect to form cells.that intersect to form cells.

Using Word’s table feature, you can Using Word’s table feature, you can create a table and insert text, create a table and insert text, pictures, or another table into the pictures, or another table into the table’s cells.table’s cells.

Why tables?Why tables?

Visual representing a spectrum of Visual representing a spectrum of informationinformation

Easier to read than text in paragraph Easier to read than text in paragraph formform

Easy to manipulate dataEasy to manipulate data Easy to compare data when based on Easy to compare data when based on

time, styletime, style Tables can be easily incorporated into Tables can be easily incorporated into

research papers, PowerPoint research papers, PowerPoint presentations, overheadspresentations, overheads

Creating a TableCreating a Table There are two ways to create a tableThere are two ways to create a table

1.1. Insert Table dialog box or the Insert Table Insert Table dialog box or the Insert Table buttonbutton

2.2. Draw a table using the Tables and Boarders Draw a table using the Tables and Boarders toolbartoolbar

ColumnsColumns

Columns run vertically (up and Columns run vertically (up and down)down)

Width can be changed several waysWidth can be changed several ways Columns need titlesColumns need titles

RowsRows

Rows run horizontally (across the Rows run horizontally (across the page)page)

Most rows will need titles in the left Most rows will need titles in the left column of the table. column of the table.

Row height can be adjusted several Row height can be adjusted several ways.ways.

Merging CellsMerging Cells

Merging cells is to join two or more cells Merging cells is to join two or more cells togethertogether

Done many times when title of table is to Done many times when title of table is to be centered on row 1be centered on row 1

Merging of cells can be done anywhere in Merging of cells can be done anywhere in tabletable

Split CellsSplit Cells Cells can be split Cells can be split

(divided into two or (divided into two or more parts)more parts)

Splitting can be done Splitting can be done several waysseveral ways

It can be done in one It can be done in one or more cells at the or more cells at the same timesame time

Useful when one Useful when one column can serve with column can serve with two titles (i.e. two titles (i.e. men/women)men/women)

SortingSorting Useful tool when comparing dataUseful tool when comparing data NOTE: Be careful to include all data to NOTE: Be careful to include all data to

be included in the sort.be included in the sort. Examples of sorts: alphabetic, numeric, Examples of sorts: alphabetic, numeric,

date, totalsdate, totals

TitlesTitles

Titles are needed to inform readers Titles are needed to inform readers of data presentedof data presented

Titles will ALWAYS be in each Titles will ALWAYS be in each columncolumn

They will NOT always be on each They will NOT always be on each rowrow

Examples of titles: Name, date, Examples of titles: Name, date, total, position, addresstotal, position, address

Formatting a TableFormatting a Table

Under format/table properties tables can Under format/table properties tables can be centered, left aligned, etc.be centered, left aligned, etc.

Tables can be unlocked so that text can Tables can be unlocked so that text can be written around, above or below databe written around, above or below data

Editing Table StructuresEditing Table Structures

Wrapping Up TablesWrapping Up Tables

Tables have the purpose of putting Tables have the purpose of putting text information into a visual format.text information into a visual format.

Merging, splitting cells aid in the Merging, splitting cells aid in the reading of tables.reading of tables.

Sorting data allows for manipulation Sorting data allows for manipulation of data for ease of reading.of data for ease of reading.

Tables can be converted to a variety Tables can be converted to a variety of other software mediums.of other software mediums.