How to Create a Simple Table in Microsoft Word

Tables present complex information in an easy-to-read format. You can insert text, numbers and graphics in tables. These instructions work for Microsoft Word 97 or 98.

Instructions

1

Go to the Table menu and select Insert Table. The Insert Table window opens.

2

Select the number of rows and columns you want in your table.

3

Select the column width (up to 22 inches) or choose Auto to have the column width adjust automatically, making the table extend across the width of the page.

4

Select the AutoFormat button to select one of Word's preformatted table styles. The Table AutoFormat window opens.

5

Click one of the styles in the Formats box in the upper-left side of the window.

6

Preview each format, after selecting it, in the Preview box in the upper-right side of the window.

7

To customize a preselected format, select or deselect the borders, shading, font, color, heading rows, first column, last row and last column boxes.

8

Select AutoFit, and Word will automatically fit the table to your page.