Tables Microsoft Word

Tables A table is a grid of rows and columns that intersect to form cells. A table is a grid of rows and columns that intersect to form cells. Using Word’s table feature, you can create a table and insert text, pictures, or another table into the table’s cells. Using Word’s table feature, you can create a table and insert text, pictures, or another table into the table’s cells.

Why tables? Visual representing a spectrum of information Visual representing a spectrum of information Easier to read than text in paragraph form Easier to read than text in paragraph form Easy to manipulate data Easy to manipulate data Easy to compare data when based on time, style Easy to compare data when based on time, style Tables can be easily incorporated into research papers, PowerPoint presentations, overheads Tables can be easily incorporated into research papers, PowerPoint presentations, overheads

Creating a Table There are two ways to create a table There are two ways to create a table 1. Insert Table dialog box or the Insert Table button 2. Draw a table using the Tables and Boarders toolbar

Columns Columns run vertically (up and down) Columns run vertically (up and down) Width can be changed several ways Width can be changed several ways Columns need titles Columns need titles

Rows Rows run horizontally (across the page) Rows run horizontally (across the page) Most rows will need titles in the left column of the table. Most rows will need titles in the left column of the table. Row height can be adjusted several ways. Row height can be adjusted several ways.

Merging Cells Merging cells is to join two or more cells together Merging cells is to join two or more cells together Done many times when title of table is to be centered on row 1 Done many times when title of table is to be centered on row 1 Merging of cells can be done anywhere in table Merging of cells can be done anywhere in table

Split Cells Cells can be split (divided into two or more parts) Cells can be split (divided into two or more parts) Splitting can be done several ways Splitting can be done several ways It can be done in one or more cells at the same time It can be done in one or more cells at the same time Useful when one column can serve with two titles (i.e. men/women) Useful when one column can serve with two titles (i.e. men/women)

Sorting Useful tool when comparing data Useful tool when comparing data NOTE: Be careful to include all data to be included in the sort. NOTE: Be careful to include all data to be included in the sort. Examples of sorts: alphabetic, numeric, date, totals Examples of sorts: alphabetic, numeric, date, totals

Titles Titles are needed to inform readers of data presented Titles are needed to inform readers of data presented Titles will ALWAYS be in each column Titles will ALWAYS be in each column They will NOT always be on each row They will NOT always be on each row Examples of titles: Name, date, total, position, address Examples of titles: Name, date, total, position, address

Formatting a Table Under format/table properties tables can be centered, left aligned, etc. Under format/table properties tables can be centered, left aligned, etc. Tables can be unlocked so that text can be written around, above or below data Tables can be unlocked so that text can be written around, above or below data

Editing Table Structures

Wrapping Up Tables Tables have the purpose of putting text information into a visual format. Tables have the purpose of putting text information into a visual format. Merging, splitting cells aid in the reading of tables. Merging, splitting cells aid in the reading of tables. Sorting data allows for manipulation of data for ease of reading. Sorting data allows for manipulation of data for ease of reading. Tables can be converted to a variety of other software mediums. Tables can be converted to a variety of other software mediums.