Excel - Tables

Tags Excel Table

Background Information

Many Excel users find themselves managing large amounts of information. There is often a need to filter, sort, or perform calculations on this information. One of the simplest and most effective, ways to do this is with an Excel table. This Job Aide outlines the steps for creating an Excel table.

Create an Excel Table

  1. Type a series of column headings in adjacent rows.
  2. Type at least one row of data below these column headings.
  3. Select the cells that contain this information.
  4. From the Home tab, Styles section, click the Format as Table button.
  5. Choose the desired Table style (this can be changed at any time).
  6. Verify the correct data is selected in the Format as Table dialog box.
  7. Verify that the My Table has Headers option is checked.
  8. Click OK.

Sort and Filter Data

In a table, each header cell has a drop-down arrow along the right of the cell. Each drop-down gives sorting and filtering options.

  1. Click in the drop-down arrow that corresponds with the header information
    to be sorted/filtered.
  2. Choose the desired sort/filter option.
    1. Sort
    2. Apply Number Filters
    3. Uncheck Select All. Select only values to display in the table.
  3. Click OK.

Notes & Tips:

  • Filtered columns will display a funnel in the row heading.
  • Filters can be removed by choosing the Clear Filter option from the drop-down list.

Create a Summary Row

  1. Click a cell in the table.
  2. From the Table Tools Design Tab, check the Total Row checkbox.
  3. Click the cell in the Total row that corresponds with the column you are summarizing.
  4. Click the desired calculation from the drop-down list.

Add Information to the End of a Table

  1. Click in the row immediately below the bottom of the existing table.
  2. Enter the new information. The new row becomes the last row of the table.

Add Information to the Middle of a Table

  1. Click in the row immediately below where the new row should be added.
  2. From the Home Tab, click the Insert button and choose Insert Table Rows Above.

Convert a Table to a Range

  1. Click anywhere in the existing table.
  2. From the Table Tools Design Tab, click the Convert to Range button.

NOTE: Information that was previously filtered will be restored when this option is chosen.

 

To review images or save/download/print a copy of this Job Aide, please select the pdf attachment.

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