Microsoft Office WORD - TABLES

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

Table Information Columns, rows Merge, split cells Sort Titles Format on page or in document Tables vs. charts

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

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

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

Split Cells Cells can be split (divided into two or more parts) Splitting can be done several ways 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)

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

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

Formatting a Table 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 and Charts Charts can be made from tables Tables in Excel are easily converted to graphs/charts Tables in WORD can be put into text

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