How to Add a Column to a Table in Microsoft Word

If you have an existing table in MS Word and you need to add a column and reformat the table to account for the extra column, follow these directions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MS Word software
• MS Word document with existing table

1. 
    
   MS Word Document with Existing Table

   Open your MS Word document with the existing table.

2. 
    
   Ready to split merged cells

   Split any merged cells in the table by highlighting the merged cells, choosing Table/Split Cells.

3. 
    
   Splitting merged cells

   Enter the number of columns into which the merged cell should split (i.e., the number of columns in your existing table), and be sure that the Merge cells before split box is Unchecked.

4. 
    
   Split cells completed

   Click OK and your table should now look like this sample.

5. 
    
   Highlight column

   To add a column (we'll add a column to the right of the table), highlight the rightmost column in the table by holding the cursor over the column until it touches and turns into a downward-facing arrow. Click to highlight.

6. 
    
   Add column to right

   From the Table drop down, choose Insert/Columns to the Right...

7. 
    
   New column added

   The new column is now added. (NOTE: If you wanted to add two new columns to the right, you would have highlighted two columns in the table and two columns would have appeared.)

8. 
    
   Re-merge cells

   To re-merge the cells in the heading of the table, highlight the top row. Click on the Table drop down, and choose Merge Cells.

9. 
    
   Table complete and ready for data entry

   The row of cells is merged and you have successfully added a column. Type the column name in the proper cell, and your table is ready to go.

Tips & Warnings

• If your columns are different widths when you add your column, you can make them all one size by choosing Table/Auto Fit/Distribute Rows Evenly.
• If you want to add a column to the left or somewhere in the center of your table, make that adjustment in Step 5.

[kaytay]

on 3/20/2009 thanks for sharing. I have never known how to add a table or column

[Ladybugblue]

on 3/16/2009 Great instructions! 5*

[sonni57]

on 3/16/2009 Thanks for the directions on how to add a column in Word.

[Foxility]

on 3/16/2009 I've done this... great instructions.