Tables

 A table is an arrangement of data in rows and columns.  The Microsoft Word command to construct tables is Table, Insert, Table.

 Parts of a Table

A)    Columns are vertical.

B)     Rows are horizontal.

C)    The intersection of a row and column is called a cell.  Cells are the small boxes that developed when cells and rows intersect.

D)    One should press TAB to move from cell to cell within the table.  Other options are to use the mouse pointer or arrow keys on the keyboard.

 Main Title of Tables:  Usually in ALL CAPS.  The title is centered in the first row or placed above the title.

 Secondary Title:  Is usually set in capital and lowercase letters.  It is double spaced below the main title.

 Column heading:  Centered over the column.

 Body of table:  This is where data is entered.

 Source note:  At the bottom left of the table.

 Gridlines:   These are the vertical and horizontal lines within the table.  They are used to separate each cell.  May be hidden.

 Table Format Features

 Vertical placement:  A table may be centered vertically (equal top to bottom margins) or it may begin at 2 inches from the top edge of the page.

 Horizontal placement:  This is when tables are centered side to side on the page.

 Column width:  Column widths should be slightly wider than the longest data entry in the column.  Microsoft Word will automatically make the columns the same width, unless specified by the user.

 Row height:  All rows may be the same height.

 Vertical alignment:  Within the cells, data can be vertically aligned from the top, center, or bottom.  Most often, the center alignment will be used.

 Horizontal alignment:  Within columns, words may be left-aligned or center-aligned.  Whole numbers are right-aligned if a column total is shown.  Other figures may be center-aligned.