Creating tables in Microsoft Excel and Word are two different processes that yield different results. Depending on what type of table you need to create, one platform may be more suitable than the other. In this article, we will explore the differences in creating tables using Excel and Word, and which is more appropriate for specific tasks.
Excel Tables
Excel is primarily a data manipulation tool, and tables are one of its primary features. Excel tables are used to store large amounts of data in an organized manner. They are great for handling complex calculations, manipulations, and filtering data. Excel tables come with a variety of formatting options, such as changing the font, colors, border styles, and format of the cells. Additionally, users have the capability to create their own formatting styles, which can be saved and used at a later time.
Creating tables in Excel is a straightforward process. Simply select cell A1 on the worksheet, head over to the ‘Insert’ tab in the menu bar, and click ‘Table’. Then, the ‘Create Table’ dialogue box will appear where you can specify the range of data that you want to include in your table, whether the table has headers, and what style you want to apply to the table. There are also many pre-made table styles to choose from.
Word Tables
Although Word is not primarily a data manipulation tool, it still provides the capability to create tables. Word tables are best used for documents that require data or information to be organized into rows and columns. They are ideal for presenting information in a tabular format, and come with some key features such as the ability to merge cells, change borders, or resize tables. However, when it comes to complex calculations, data manipulation, and analysis, tables created by Word may not be as effective as tables created by Excel.
Creating tables in Word is a straightforward process as well. Simply head over to the ‘Insert’ tab on the menu bar, click on ‘Table’, and select the number of rows and columns you require or choose ‘Insert Table’, where a dialogue box appears where you can specify the table’s size and properties. Word also provides the capability to insert pre-made table styles, which can greatly enhance the appearance of the table.
Different Uses of Excel and Word Tables
The choice between using Excel and Word tables depends on the type of work you are trying to accomplish. Generally, Excel tables are best suited for data analysis, while Word tables are best suited for presenting data in a visually appealing manner.
Excel tables are perfect for in-depth analysis work where large amounts of data must be organized and manipulated. They are well-suited to handling mathematical and statistical calculations that require more advanced formulas to be plugged in. Excel tables are also perfect for those who need to manage large amounts of data on a regular basis. Because they have the ability to handle vast amounts of raw data, they provide more power and flexibility in data management than Word tables.
On the other hand, Word tables are perfect for creating visual representations of data or information. For example, they may be used to create a schedule or timetable table. Word tables are great for organizing texts, such as timelines, calendars, or checklists. Additionally, Word tables are perfect for creating tables for smaller works, such as resumes, letters, or small reports.
How to Convert Word Tables to Excel Tables
If you are working in Word and decide that you need to work with a table in Excel due to the differences described above, you can easily convert the table to an Excel file. Simply copy and paste the table from Word into Excel and then convert it to a table. This will maintain the formatting and data without losing any information in the process.
FAQ
How Many Rows and Columns Can Excel Tables Accommodate?
Excel tables can accommodate up to 16,384 columns and 1,048,576 rows. However, this amount of space may depend on the version of Excel you are using, and some older versions of Excel may have lower limits. Note that allowing a table to grow this large can negatively impact performance, so we always recommend filtering data you don’t need when working with large datasets.
How to Sort Tables Alphanumerically in Excel?
Sorting tables in Excel is quick and easy. You can either sort in ascending order, which arranges the data from smallest to largest or vice versa, or in descending order, which arranges the data from largest to smallest or vice versa. To sort alphanumerically in Excel, follow these steps:
- Select the entire column or columns you want to sort
- Click on the ‘Data’ tab in the menu bar
- Click on the ‘Sort Z to A’ or ‘Sort A to Z’ buttons, as needed
Conclusion
Excel and Word tables serve different purposes and excel over the other depending on what you need. Excel tables are ideal for data analysis and manipulation, while Word tables are ideal for presenting data in a visually appealing manner. When selecting which platform to use, consider what the table will be used for, and which features of each platform are important for the task at hand. Always remember to filter the data you don’t need and go through Formatting options to make your table attractive and eye-catching for the target audience.
