Distributing Columns Evenly

Summary: When you want the horizontal space in a table to be divided evenly among the columns in the table, you'll love this tip. How you can accomplish this task is simple, but varies depending on the version of Word you are using. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

When it is time to format a table, you may find that your overall table width is set the way you want it, but the columns within the table are not "just right." For instance, you may want the columns to be the same width as each other without disturbing the overall width of the table. How you do this depends on the version of Word you are using:

If you are using Word 97, select the table and then choose Table | Distribute Columns Evenly.
If you are using Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003, select the table and then choose Table | AutoFit | Distribute Columns Evenly.
If you are using Word 2007, position the insertion point within the table. (This makes the Design and Layout tabs of the ruler accessible for the table.) On the ruler's Layout tab, click the Distribute Columns command in the Cell Size group.

Word dutifully adjusts individual column widths without affecting the overall width of your table.

Tip #1752 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Distributing Columns Evenly