Tables allow you to display data in a grid, similar to a spreadsheet but with the advantage of powerful text-formatting capabilities for tabular data. Use spreadsheets to organize numerical data that requires calculations; use tables to display other types of content, such as text.

Creating tables is easy

To add a table to a word-processing document:

• Choose Insert Table from the Table menu.
• Enter the number of rows and columns desired
  
  

You can easily insert and delete table cells individually, in ranges, or in entire rows and columns. You can customize the appearance of table elements such as lines and line segments, cells, rows, and columns. Within each table cell you can apply the full range of text-formatting options.

To customizable table appearance: Select Table Properties in the "Table" menu!

• Cells can span multiple rows or columns. When you type in a cell, it will expand downward to accommodate the text.
  
• Cells can be Merged or Subdivided.
  
• Each cell has a Vertical Alignment command to control the placement of text.
  
• There are varying Line Styles available -- even a Diagonal Line can be added!
  
  

Ideas for using tables:

• verb conjugations,
• guided notes (social studies sample in PDF)
• vocabulary lists
• flash cards, games etc.
• incorporate data tables in class notes, labs and worksheets

Created and submitted by Ranger Advisors, Oct. 2003

Revised for Microsoft Word 2004, Aug. 2006

Charlene Chausis, Adlai E. Stevenson High School