What is a Table?

A table is a collection of items aligned in row and column format. Put another way “tabular format” refers to the alignment of data in rows and columns. Microsoft Word offers three methods to organize data in a tabular format.

The first is to set tab stops using the ruler
- Using the Ruler in Word 2001 or earlier
- Using the Ruler in Word X or Word XP
The second is to set tab stops using the Tab Dialog Box
- Using the Tab Dialog Box in Word 2001 or earlier
- Using the Tab Dialog Box in Word X or Word XP
and the third is to use the Table Command
- Using the Table Command in Word 2001 or earlier
- Using the Table Command in Word X or Word XP

Tabs or Table Command?

When do you use tabs to create a table and when do use the table command? Although it can be argued that it does not matter, use whichever you are comfortable with, here is a simple rule of thumb:

If you have short bits of text, bullet points if you will, use tabs.
If some of the items in your table contain longer amounts of text, then use the Table Command. This is the easiest way to get text to wrap in a column.

Intercollegiate Intramural male 187 154 female 212 107 Intercollegiate Intramural male Men on our campus can compete in football, basketball and baseball. Men on our cam pus can be involved in over 35 different intramural activities. female Women on our campus can compete in basketball, softball, and volleyball. Women on our campus can be involved in over 37 different intramural activities. Simple enough for tabs Best done with the Table Command

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