Format an Excel table

Formatting an Excel table can make your data easier to read and look more professional. Here are some common ways to format a table in Excel:

1. Convert a range of cells into an Excel Table

• Select the cells containing your data.
• Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
• Click Table.
• Confirm the range and whether your table has headers.
• Click OK.

This automatically applies filtering, banded rows, and easy styling.

2. Apply a Table Style

• Once your data is a table, click anywhere inside it.
• The Table Design (or Table Tools) tab appears.
• Choose a style from the gallery — colors, banded rows, header formatting, etc.

3. Manually format cells

• Select the cells or the whole table.
• Use options in the Home tab:
  • Font: Change font type, size, color, bold, italic.
  • Fill Color: Add background color to cells.
  • Borders: Add or customize borders.
  • Number Format: Set currency, date, percentage, etc.

4. Adjust column width and row height

• Drag the boundary between column letters or row numbers.
• Or, select columns/rows → Right-click → Column Width / Row Height → enter a number.

5. Freeze Panes for easier scrolling

• Select a cell below the header row.
• Go to View tab → click Freeze Panes → select Freeze Top Row (or custom option).

6. Sort and Filter

• Use the dropdown arrows in the header row to sort or filter your data.\