Whether you’re managing a project, organizing tasks or keeping track of inventory, Excel is probably your go-to tool. But if you’re still working in basic rows and columns, you’re missing one of its most helpful features—tables.
Benefits of Excel tables
- Automatic formatting: Tables apply a consistent style with filter buttons for each column.
- Dynamic formulas: Formulas auto-fill down the column, saving time and reducing errors.
- Expandable ranges: Add rows or columns and the table expands—keeping formatting and formulas intact.
- Easier filtering and sorting: Each column header includes quick sort and filter options.
- Named ranges: Tables create structured references like
=Table1[Amount]that are easier to manage.
Creating a table
- Select any cell in your data range.
- Press Ctrl + T or go to the Insert tab and click Table.
- Confirm the range and check the box if your data has headers.
To learn more, see Microsoft’s Create and Format Tables tutorial.
