TABLE FORMATTING

Parts of a Table

1. Tables consist of vertical columns and horizontal rows. Where a column and row meet is called a cell. Information is typed in the cells.
2. Tables may be formatted with lines (a boxed table) or without lines (an open table).
3. When a table appears on a page by itself, it should be vertically and horizontally centered.
4. Align text columns at the left; align number columns at the right.

Column Widths And Table Position

When you create a table, the table is horizontally centered between the margins and extends from the left margin to the right margin. All columns are the same width. If a column contains long entries or short entries, you may want to change the width of the columns to make the table more readable or more attractive.

Once you change the column widths, the table will no longer be horizontally centered. Therefore, you must reposition the table so that it is centered horizontally.

Column Headings

Column Headings describe the data in each column of a table.

To format column headings:

1. Type the column headings in initial caps and bold.
2. Align column headings at the left over text columns, at the right over number columns, or centered over all columns.
3. If a column heading is much wider that the data in the column, you may want to let it wrap to the next line or break the heading into two lines by pressing ENTER at an appropriate point.

Number Columns

To format numbers in table columns:

1. Align the numbers at the right.
2. Align column headings over number columns at the right, except when all column headings are centered.
3. If necessary, adjust the width of narrow number columns to balance them with the remaining columns in the table.

Tables With Titles and Subtitles

Most tables have titles to identify what is in the table and column headings to identify what is in the columns. Tables may also have subtitles that further describe the information in the table. Titles and subtitles are typed in the first row of the table. To format a table with a title and a subtitle:

1. Join the cells in the first row of the table.
2. Center and type the title in all caps and bold.
3. Press ENTER 1 time.
4. Center and type the subtitle in initial caps (no bold).
5. Press ENTER 1 time to leave a blank line.

Braced Column Headings

Braced column headings are headings that apply to more than on column of a table.

To create a braced heading:

1. Determine which cells need to be joined.
2. Select the cells and join them.
3. Because braced headings apply to more than one column, they should always be centered.