To make managing and analyzing a group of related data easier, you can turn a range of cells into tables in Excel (previously known as an Excel list).
How to Use Tables in Excel
Using Excel Tables
A table typically contains related data in a series of worksheet rows and columns that have been formatted as a table. By using the table features, you can then manage the data in the table rows and columns independently from the data in other rows and columns on the worksheet.
*Note: Excel tables should not be confused with the data tables (data table: A range of cells that shows the results of substituting different values in one or more formulas. There are two types of data tables: one-input tables and two-input tables.) that are part of a suite of what-if analysis commands.
To Apply a Table:
- Click inside the data range.
- From the Home Tab in the Styles Group click on Format as Table.
- Click on one of the preformatted options.
- Use the Table Tools to make changes to the Table.
Sorting and filtering
Filter drop-down lists are automatically added in the header row of a table. You can sort tables in ascending or descending order or by color, or you can create a custom sort order.
You can filter tables to show only the data that meets the criteria that you specify, or you can filter by color.
(Drop-down list box: A control on a menu, toolbar, or dialog box that displays a list of options when you click the small arrow next to the list box.)
Formatting table data
You can quickly format table data by applying a predefined or custom table style.
You can also choose Table Styles options to display a table with or without a header or a totals row, to apply row or column banding to make a table easier to read, or to distinguish between the first or last columns and other columns in the table.
Remove a Table
If you chose to remove the Table features from a range of data you can do so by:
- Select the table
- From the Design tab in the Tools Group, click on Convert to Range.
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