Excel to Word: paste a table that looks right (and stays linked)

Ctrl + V from Excel into Word usually works, but the result depends on which paste you choose.

Way 1: a Word table (editable in Word)

1. In Excel, select the cells. Ctrl + C.
2. In Word, click where it goes. Ctrl + V.
3. Click the small Paste Options button that appears › Use Destination Styles so it matches the document’s fonts.

Now it is a Word table: resize columns, change text, no link to Excel.

Way 2: a picture (nothing moves)

Paste Options › Picture. Looks exactly like Excel, cannot be edited, never reflows. Good for charts and complex layouts.

Way 3: linked (updates when Excel changes)

1. Copy in Excel. In Word: Home › Paste ▾ › Paste Special.
2. Choose Paste link › Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object › OK.

Change the numbers in Excel, save, and in Word right-click the table › Update Link. Keep both files in the same folder.

Fit a wide table on the page

Click the table › Layout › AutoFit › AutoFit Window. Or switch the page to Landscape.

A whole sheet

Insert › Object › Create from File › pick the workbook. It embeds the file; double-click it in Word to edit in Excel.

Check it worked

Numbers line up right-aligned, headings bold, table fits the margins.

Common mistake

Pasting 40 columns as a table — it spills off the page. Paste as a picture, or split it.