Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Distributing Columns Evenly.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 29, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
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:
Word dutifully adjusts individual column widths without affecting the overall width of your table.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1752) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Distributing Columns Evenly.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Need to adjust the width of a bunch of table columns according to what is in the columns? Word provides a tool to do ...
Discover MoreWord's table editor allows you to modify the structure of tables in a wide variety of ways. If you want to add columns to ...
Discover MoreYou can enlarge a table by adding cells where they are needed. Just pick where you want the cells inserted, then use the ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2018-11-24 13:25:45
Steve Rawcliffe
Thanks for this Allen.
Have spent much time dragging column boundaries.
Must get new specs, as in Word 2016 this feature is really visible, right in the middle of the Table Layout tab!
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments