How to Make A Table On Microsoft Word

1.
First decide on the purpose of the table. Are you making a chart to compare something, recording information, or separating tasks for a “to do” list? Once you have decided what the purpose is of the table you want to create you will need to decide how many columns and rows you will need. Now you are ready to learn where in Microsoft Word you need to go first and what you need to do.
2.
Open up Microsoft Word. A new page will appear. Click on the tab labeled “Tools.” A box labeled “Insert Table” will appear. Here is where you will select how many columns and rows you desire for your table. You can change this amount later after the table is created.
3.
After entering in the amount of desired columns and rows, click 'OK.' A table will appear on your page. Enter in the titles of the columns or if you desire the titles to be along the rows enter them into the rows. To adjust the width of the columns or rows place your cursor over the outer lines of the columns or rows and you will see an icon showing arrows going in opposite directions. With this you can pull the lines to whatever width you desire for your table. Fill in your table with your pertinent information.
4.
You may want to make your table different colors for creativity or just to separate the titles from the other information in your table. To do this take your cursor and either drag it across the area that you want to shade or click once outside the column or row that you want to add color to. This will highlight the area you are going to shade. Now right click and scroll down to click on borders and shading. You can also find this feature under the above button labeled “Format” and also clicking on the words borders and shading. By clicking borders and shading this will bring up a box with three tabs. Click on the one labeled “Shading.” Click on the color you desire for your table and click 'OK.' In this very same box you can choose a border if desired and it is the same procedure.
5. Once you have begun your table if you need it to have more rows all you need to do is tab over while in the last row and it will create a new row for you at the bottom of the table. If you need to insert a row you can right click outside of the desired row and choose “Insert Row.” You may also need to add another column. Place your cursor on top of a column and right click. Click on the word “Insert Column' and another column will be inserted. You can also delete columns and rows using this same procedure by clicking on 'Delete Column' or 'Delete Row' instead.
6. Keep in mind that one other feature that you will use often is the ability to move the table around your page. You may want to put words above the table or on the side of it. To move the table, place your cursor in the upper left side of the table. A small box resembling four arrows going in four different directions will appear. While holding the box down with your left cursor button on your mouse move it around to the desired location by moving your mouse.