7th Grade Computers
MS Word Tables Vocabulary
Table: A block of text formatted in aligned rows and columns
Cell:
The intersection of a row and column
Row:
A series of cells arranged horizontally within a table
Column: A series of cells arranged vertically within a table
A table is made up of rows and columns. The size of a table is determined by
the number of rows and columns.
A 3 by 4 table has 3 rows and 4 columns. Like in math, 3 by 4 is written 3x4.
The total number of cells in a table is the PRODUCT of rows and columns: 3x4 =
12 cells!
(rows is written first (columns last) in this notation)
Creating a table in Microsoft Word
1. Click Table on the menu bar
2. Click Insert then Table
3. Fill in the number of columns and rows that are needed.
You can shrink and stretch your table by putting the mouse OVER the table and
clicking the handle, small box in the bottom right corner, and dragging to the
new size.
You can customize your table by going to Format  Borders and Shading. You
need to highlight the cell, cells, rows, columns, or entire table before doing so.
Be sure that the “Apply to” section says the right thing (such as cell) before
clicking ok.
You can group a range of cells together to be used as a title by using a feature
called Merge Cells. It will join all the selected cells so they act as one cell, with
no borders in between. Text that is entered into a merged cell will span across
all the columns/rows selected. To Merge Cells:
1. Highlight a range of cells
2. Right click
3. Choose Merge Cells
Remember, if you make a mistake go to Edit  Undo!