Are you struggling to place two tables side by side in your Word document? You’re not alone.
When you want to compare data or create a clean layout, having tables next to each other makes your work look sharp and professional. But Word doesn’t always make this easy. You’ll discover simple, step-by-step methods to position two tables side by side quickly.
By the end, you’ll save time and make your documents more organized and visually appealing. Keep reading, because mastering this trick will change how you work with tables forever.
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Prepare Your Document
Before placing two tables side by side in Word, prepare your document carefully. This step helps you organize space properly. It also ensures the tables fit well without overlapping or breaking the page layout.
Set Page Layout
Open your Word document. Click the “Layout” tab on the ribbon. Choose “Orientation” and select “Landscape” for wider space. This view allows more room across the page.
Next, click “Size” to confirm the paper size. Usually, “Letter” or “A4” works best. Setting the right layout helps tables sit side by side smoothly.
Adjust Margins
Click “Margins” under the Layout tab. Select “Custom Margins” at the bottom of the dropdown. Reduce the left and right margins to create extra space.
Try margins around 0.5 inches or less. Narrow margins give your tables room to align next to each other. Avoid too small margins to keep the text readable.
Create The First Table
Creating the first table is the first step to place two tables side by side in Word. This table acts as the foundation for your layout. It helps organize content clearly and neatly. Follow simple steps to insert and design your table.
Insert Table
Go to the Insert tab on the Word ribbon. Click the Table button. A grid will appear to select the number of rows and columns. Drag your cursor to choose the size you want. Click to insert the table into your document. The table appears with default settings, ready for customization.
Customize Table Design
Click inside the table to activate the Table Tools. Choose the Design tab to see style options. Pick a style that fits your document’s look. Adjust colors, borders, and shading to make the table clear. Use simple colors for better readability. You can also change the font size and alignment inside the cells. This makes your table neat and easy to read.
Insert The Second Table
Inserting the second table is a key step to place two tables side by side in Word. You must create or insert a new table that will sit next to the first one. This section guides you through adding the second table smoothly and matching its style with the first.
Add Another Table
Click where you want the second table to appear. Usually, this is right after the first table or inside a text box or column. Go to the Insert tab and click on Table. Choose the number of rows and columns needed. The new table will appear on the page. You can move it closer to the first table by adjusting spacing or using columns.
Match Table Styles
Make sure the second table looks similar to the first. Select the second table, then go to the Design tab under Table Tools. Pick the same style or color as the first table. Consistent styles create a neat, professional look. Adjust border thickness and shading if needed. This step helps both tables appear as one cohesive unit side by side.
Position Tables Side By Side
Positioning two tables side by side in Word can improve your document’s layout. It helps compare data or create a neat, organized look. There are simple ways to place tables next to each other without complex steps. Follow easy methods to align your tables perfectly.
Use Columns Feature
The Columns feature divides the page into vertical sections. Insert your tables in separate columns. First, select the text or area where you want the columns. Then, go to the Layout tab and click Columns. Choose two columns. Place each table in its own column. This method keeps tables side by side and aligned.
Apply Table Wrapping
Table wrapping allows text and tables to flow around each other. Click on a table, then open Table Properties. Find the Text Wrapping option and select Around. Adjust the table position by dragging it left or right. Repeat for the second table. This approach places tables side by side smoothly.
Adjust Table Widths
Set each table’s width to fit side by side on the page. Click a table, then drag the edges to resize. Make sure combined widths do not exceed page width. Smaller tables fit better next to each other. Resize tables before positioning to avoid overlap or breaks.
Fine-tune Alignment
Fine-tuning the alignment of two tables side by side in Word makes your document look neat. It improves readability and gives a professional touch. Small adjustments help tables line up perfectly. This section shows how to align tables vertically and use positioning options for precise placement.
Align Tables Vertically
To align tables vertically, select both tables first. Then go to the Layout tab under Table Tools. Click on the Align button. Choose Align Top to line up the top edges of both tables. You can also select Align Middle or Align Bottom to match the middle or bottom edges. This keeps the tables balanced and tidy on the page.
Use Table Positioning Options
Right-click a table and select Table Properties. In the Table tab, click Positioning. Here, adjust the horizontal and vertical position of the table. Set exact measurements from the margin or page edge. Use these options to fine-tune spacing between the two tables. Check the “Move with text” box to keep tables aligned when adding text.
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Alternative Methods
Putting two tables side by side in Word can be done in more ways than one. These alternative methods offer flexibility and control. They help arrange your content neatly without much hassle.
Use Text Boxes
Text boxes let you place tables anywhere on the page. First, insert a text box from the Insert menu. Then, add a table inside the text box. Repeat for the second table using another text box. Move and resize the boxes to align tables side by side. Text boxes keep tables separate and easy to adjust.
Insert Tables In A Single Table
Create one large table with two columns. Insert your smaller tables inside each column. This method locks tables side by side within one frame. It keeps everything together and aligned. Adjust column width to balance the tables. This technique works well for simple side-by-side layouts.
Common Issues And Fixes
Working with tables side by side in Word can sometimes cause issues. These problems often make your document look messy or hard to read. Understanding common issues helps you fix them quickly. This section covers two frequent problems and how to solve them.
Tables Overlapping
Tables overlap when they are too wide for the page. Word tries to fit both tables but they cover each other. To fix this, reduce the width of each table. Click on the table edge and drag to make it smaller. You can also adjust the page margins to create more space. Another way is to change the layout to landscape mode. This gives more room for tables side by side. Make sure the tables do not have extra spacing inside cells. Check the cell padding settings and lower the values.
Tables Not Aligning Properly
Tables may not line up evenly side by side. This makes the page look unbalanced and unprofessional. To fix alignment, use the table alignment options in Word. Select each table, then choose left or right alignment as needed. Use the ruler or gridlines to position tables evenly. You can also use a two-column layout to place tables in separate columns. Check the table properties for text wrapping settings. Setting wrap to “none” or “around” affects how tables sit next to each other. Adjust these to get the right alignment.
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Tips For Better Layout
Creating a neat layout with two tables side by side in Word needs care. Simple tips can help you keep the tables aligned and clear. These small tricks improve the look and make your document easier to read.
Consistent Table Sizes
Make both tables the same size. This helps keep balance on the page. Use the table properties to set width and height. Avoid changing one table’s size more than the other. It looks cleaner and more professional.
Use Gridlines For Guidance
Turn on gridlines in Word to see table borders clearly. Gridlines help you place tables exactly where you want. They show the edges, so you can align tables easily. This makes sure tables do not overlap or leave big gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Align Two Tables Side By Side In Word?
To place two tables side by side, insert them into separate columns or use a single table with two columns. Adjust column widths to fit both tables neatly without overlap or excessive space.
Can I Resize Tables To Fit Side By Side In Word?
Yes, you can resize tables by dragging their borders or adjusting table properties. Make sure both tables fit within the page margins to display side by side clearly.
What Word Version Supports Side-by-side Table Placement?
Most modern Word versions, including Word 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365, support side-by-side tables using columns or table formatting features. Older versions may have limited layout options.
Is It Possible To Edit Two Tables Independently Side By Side?
Yes, each table remains fully editable when placed side by side. You can modify text, rows, and columns in each table without affecting the other.
Conclusion
Putting two tables side by side in Word is simple and quick. You can arrange data clearly and save space on your page. Just follow the steps carefully, and you will get neat results every time. Practice a few times to feel confident with the process.
This skill helps with reports, presentations, and many other documents. Keep experimenting to find the best layout for your needs. Now, organizing tables side by side won’t be a problem anymore. Give it a try today!
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