How to Add a Row to a Table in Word

Tables in Microsoft Word rarely stay the same size. You add a new line item to an invoice, another name to a sign-up sheet, or one more step to a checklist. Word gives you at least five ways to add a row, from a single keystroke to inserting several rows at once.

This guide covers each method, explains how to add multiple rows, and solves the common problems, like when Tab jumps to the next cell instead of adding a row.

How to Add a Row to a Table in Word

Method 1: Press Tab in the last cell

Click in the bottom-right cell of the table and press Tab. Word adds a new row at the bottom with the same formatting as the row above. This is the fastest way to keep adding rows while you type.

Method 2: Use the plus sign

Hover your mouse just outside the left edge of the table, between two rows. A small circle with a plus sign appears. Click it to insert a row in that spot. This insert control is available in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2016 and later on Windows.

Method 3: Right-click and choose Insert

1. Click in a cell next to where you want the new row.
2. Right-click and choose Insert.
3. Choose Insert Rows Above or Insert Rows Below.

Method 4: Use the Layout tab

Click inside the table. The Table Layout tab (called Layout in some versions) appears on the ribbon. In the Rows & Columns group, click Insert Above or Insert Below. Microsoft covers this and the other options in its guide to adding a cell, row or column to a table.

Method 5: Press Enter at the end of a row

Click just to the right of the last cell in a row, outside the table border, so the cursor sits next to the end-of-row marker. Press Enter and Word inserts a new row below. Turn on Show/Hide ¶ on the Home tab to see the markers.

How to Add Multiple Rows at Once

Select as many existing rows as you want to add. For example, to add three rows, select three rows by dragging down the left edge of the table. Then choose Insert Above or Insert Below from the Table Layout tab or the right-click menu. Word inserts the same number of rows you selected.

You can also press F4 (or Ctrl + Y) right after inserting a row to repeat the action and add another one.

Add a Row in Word for Mac, Web and Mobile

• Word for Mac: Tab in the last cell works the same way. You can also Control-click a cell and choose Insert > Rows Above or Rows Below, or use the Table Layout tab.
• Word for the web: click in the table, open the Table Layout tab, and choose Insert Above or Insert Below.
• Word on iPhone, iPad and Android: tap a cell, tap the Table tab that appears, then tap Insert and choose above or below.

Delete a Row You Don’t Need

Click in the row, go to Table Layout > Delete > Delete Rows, or right-click and choose Delete Cells > Delete entire row. Pressing the Delete key only clears the text, leaving an empty row behind.

Troubleshooting

• Tab moves to the next cell instead of adding a row. You’re not in the last cell of the table. Click the bottom-right cell first.
• The plus sign doesn’t appear. You may be using an older version of Word or Word for the web. Use the right-click menu or Table Layout tab instead.
• The Insert options are greyed out. The document may be protected or restricted for editing. Check Review > Restrict Editing. If the “table” was pasted as a picture, it isn’t a real table and can’t be edited.
• The new row has the wrong formatting. Word copies the formatting of the row you inserted from. Insert from a regular body row rather than the header row, or use Format Painter to fix it.
• The table breaks across pages oddly. In Table Properties > Row, clear Allow row to break across pages, and turn on Repeat as header row for the first row.

Tips

• Turn on View > Gridlines under Table Layout to see the table structure even when borders are hidden.
• Use Repeat Header Rows on long tables so the headings show on every page.
• For tables with calculations, consider building them in Excel and pasting them into Word.
• Once your rows are in place, you can sort a table in Word alphabetically or by number.
• To move a whole table around the page, see how to move tables in Word.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add a row at the top of a table?

Click in the first row and choose Insert Above from the Table Layout tab or the right-click menu.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to add a row?

Press Tab in the last cell to add a row at the bottom. Elsewhere, use Alt key tips on the Table Layout tab (press Alt, then follow the letters shown) or assign your own shortcut under File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard shortcuts.

How do I add a row without changing the formatting?

Insert the row next to a row that already has the formatting you want. The new row copies it automatically.

Can I undo adding a row?

Yes. Press Ctrl + Z immediately after inserting it.

Wrapping Up

Press Tab in the last cell for a quick row at the bottom, click the plus sign between rows on newer Word versions, or use Insert Above and Insert Below on the Table Layout tab. Select several rows first when you need to add more than one at a time.