How to add a column to a table in Word

In this article, we would like to introduce you with 4 ways to quickly add multiple rows or columns to an existing Word table.

Every so often, we would find additional rows or columns are needed for an existing table. Certainly, there are a number of methods to realize it. And we here provide you 4 quick ways to do that.

Method 1: Add Multiple Rows with “Tab” Key

1. Firstly, put your cursor outside the end of the last row of a table.
2. Then press “Tab” key to get as many rows as you need.

Method 2: Add Multiple Rows or Columns with Contextual Menu

1. At first, select a number of rows or columns.
2. Next right click and choose “Insert”.
3. Then choose the right command as you need. The number of rows or columns is as the same as that of the rows or columns you selected at the very first.
   
   

Besides, there are also the shortcuts for inserting columns. Press “Alt”, “J”, “L”, and “L” can insert columns to the left of the selection. And press “Alt”, “J”, “L”, and “R” can insert columns to the right of the selection.

Method 3: Add Multiple Rows with “Insert Table” Option

1. To begin with, click “Layout” and check the column width in “Cell Size” group. And put cursor right at the head of the line below the last row of table.
   
2. Secondly, click “Insert” tab.
3. Then click “Table” icon.
4. Next, choose “Insert Table” option on the drop-down menu.
   
5. In “Insert Table” dialog box, enter the number of columns and rows. Remember the number of columns as the same as the existing table.
6. Then input the column width you get in step 1.
7. Click “OK”.
   

You will find 2 tables automatically merge into one.

Method 4: Add Multiple Rows or Columns with Macro

1. First off, select a row then press “Alt+ F11” to trigger the VBA editor.
2. Click “Normal” then “Insert”.
3. Next choose “Module”.
   
4. Double click on the new module to open the editing area.
5. Then paste the following codes:

1. Hit “Run”.
   
2. In the input box, enter the number of rows you want and click “OK”.
   

Now there will be 2 blank rows above the first row in the table. And if you want to add rows below a selected one, simply change the “InsertRowsAbove” to “InsertRowsbelow”.

Additionally, here is the macro to add columns:

You should first select a number of columns then run the macro with the steps above. You can then get new columns. The above macro adds columns to the left of the selection. To add columns to the right selection, you need to replace “InsertColumns” with “InseertColumnsRight”.

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In this tutorial we will discuss 2 methods for adding columns to an existing word table.

2 Ways to Add Columns to a Table in MS Word

• Using the Context Menu upon right-clicking.
• Using the Layout Tab under the Table Tools section.

Method 1:  Using the Context Menu upon right-clicking.

This method is the more convenient one out of the two to be outlined in this guide.

Step 1: Open Word document. 

Step 2: Right-click on the table and Insert

Right-click the cell where you want to add a column. 

A Vertical Menu will Popup. Locate Insert Button.

Click on Insert Button. You will see 2 options:

• Insert Columns to Left
• Insert Columns to Right.

Click either Insert Left or Insert Right, wherever you wish to place your new column.

Method 2:  Using the Layout tab under the Table Tools section.

This method takes a couple more clicks compared to the first one.  

Step 1: Open up your MS Word document. 

Step 2: Add Columns via Layout Tab.

Click the cell where you want to add the columns and go to the Layouts table located on the top bar.  

Under the Layout tab, you’ll see Insert Left and Insert Right buttons. 

Click either Insert Left or Insert Right, depending on which side you want to add a column.

Conclusion

You’ve finished the entire guide! We hope you’ve found this article helpful!