How to Copy From Word to Excel
When the need arises to copy a table or set of data from Microsoft Word to Microsoft Excel, it is really quite simple and well integrated. If you need to manipulate the data in any way, there are also ways you can quickly change a lot of data all at once.
To turn a vertical list of data in Word into a horizontal list, or headers, across a row of cells in Excel, the data must be transposed after being copied.
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Instructions
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Copy a Table from Word to Excel
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1
Select the columns and rows of the table to copy. If the entire table is to be copied, click on "Table," "Select," "Table." This will select the entire table.
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2
Click on the "Copy" button on the tool bar or right-click and select "Copy" to copy the table.
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3
Switch to Excel and select the first cell of the table where you would like to place the copied table. Right-click in this cell and click "Paste." Each cell of the table should now have its own cell in Excel.
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4
Adjust any formatting by clicking on the "Paste Options" icon next to the data. Choose "Match Destination Formatting" to adjust the pasted cells to any previously formatted cells in Excel. Choose "Keep Source Formatting" to keep the formatting the cells had in the Word document. (REFERENCE 1)
Copy List of Data from Word to Excel
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5
Highlight the list that is to be copied. Click on the "Copy" button on the tool bar or right-click on the highlighted data and click "Copy."
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6
Switch to Excel and select the cell where the list of data is to begin. Right-click in the cell and click "Paste." Excel will use the hard returns ("enter" key) as dividers for the cells. Each line of the list will be in a different cell.
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Adjust any formatting by clicking on the "Paste Options" icon next to the data and choosing from "Match Destination Formatting" or "Keep Source Formatting." (REFERENCE 1)
Transposing Data from Word to Excel
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Highlight and copy the data in Word.
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Select a starting cell in Excel for your vertical row. Choose a different starting cell than where you want the horizontal row to start, since the starting cell for your horizontal row cannot already include the data you are copying. Right-click and click "Paste" to paste your vertical row of data.
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10
Highlight the same data in Excel. Right-click and click "Copy." Select the cell where the transposed data is to be pasted.
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Right-click and select "Paste Special." From the dialog box, check the "Transpose" box and click "OK." The data will now be transposed into a horizontal row.
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12
Go back and delete the original pasted data.
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Tips & Warnings
If you encounter errors while copying and pasting data to Excel, use the "Paste Special" option when you right-click on the cell to paste the data. This will give you multiple options, including HTML, Unicode Text, Text and Picture options. Often, using the "Text" option will remove any hidden code Word has attached to the cell and allow it to be pasted without error.
You cannot use the "Ctrl+X" or "Cut" function when using the "Paste Special" or transposing data. Therefore, you must go back and delete the original data.
