How to Make a Table in Excel: from a blank sheet to a proper table

“Table” means two things in Excel: a tidy grid of data, and the Table feature that gives that grid superpowers. This lesson does both, from empty.

Step 1: headings

In row 1 type one heading per column: Item, Qty, Price, Total. One word each if you can, no blank headings.

Step 2: data

One record per row under the headings. No blank rows, no merged cells, no totals typed in the middle.

Step 3: make it a Table

1. Click any cell in the data.
2. Press Ctrl + T. Tick My table has headers. OK.

Stripes and filter arrows appear.

Step 4: a formula column

In the first Total cell type =[@Qty]*[@Price], Enter. Excel fills the whole column and keeps doing so for new rows.

Step 5: total row

Table Design › Total Row. Click the Total cell at the bottom › choose Sum.

Step 6: style

Table Design › Table Styles › pick one. Untick Filter Button if you don’t want the arrows.

Check it worked

Type a new row directly under the table. It joins the table — stripes, formula and total all update.

Sort and filter

Click a heading arrow › Sort A to Z, or untick values to filter. Lessons: sort, filter.

Print it

Ctrl + P › Fit Sheet on One Page. Repeat headings on every page via Page Layout › Print Titles.