When you insert or paste data into a Word table, row heights often end up mismatched. One row might stretch tall to fit text while the next stays compressed. This uneven look makes your document appear unprofessional and hard to read. The Distribute Rows command forces all selected rows to share the same height instantly. This article explains how to use that command, what it affects, and what to do when it does not work as expected.
Key Takeaways: Even Row Heights in Word Tables
- Layout tab > Distribute Rows: Makes selected rows equal height in one click.
- Right-click > Distribute Rows Evenly: Alternative method if the ribbon is hidden.
- Table Properties > Row > Specify height: Manual override when Distribute Rows gives unexpected results.
How the Distribute Rows Command Works in Word
The Distribute Rows command adjusts the height of each selected row so that every row becomes the same size. Word calculates the total height of the selection and divides it evenly among the rows. This command does not change the overall height of the table — it only redistributes the existing space.
No special prerequisites are needed. The table can contain text, numbers, images, or empty cells. The command works on tables inside the main document body, headers, footers, text boxes, and tables nested inside other tables.
There are two important limits. First, Distribute Rows cannot make a row shorter than the tallest single line of text or the tallest object in that row. If one cell contains a three-line paragraph, all rows in the selection will be at least that tall. Second, the command does not adjust column widths — use Distribute Columns for that.
Steps to Distribute Rows Evenly in a Word Table
You can use either the ribbon or the right-click menu. Both methods produce the same result.
Method 1: Using the Layout Tab on the Ribbon
- Select the rows you want to even out
Click and drag across the left margin of the table to highlight entire rows. To select all rows, click the table move handle (the four-arrow icon at the top-left corner of the table). - Open the Table Layout tab
On the ribbon, click the Layout tab that appears under Table Tools. This tab is only visible when the cursor is inside a table. - Click Distribute Rows
In the Cell Size group, click the Distribute Rows button. It shows an icon of multiple rows with arrows pointing up and down. Word instantly adjusts the row heights.
Method 2: Using the Right-Click Menu
- Select the target rows
Highlight the rows you want to equalize. You can select a single cell, but the command will affect all rows in the table unless you select specific rows first. - Right-click inside the selection
A context menu appears with table-specific options. - Choose Distribute Rows Evenly
Hover over or click Distribute Rows Evenly from the menu. The row heights update immediately.
Method 3: Using a Keyboard Shortcut
Word does not have a default keyboard shortcut for Distribute Rows. You can create one by adding the command to the Quick Access Toolbar and then assigning a shortcut via File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts > Customize. Search for DistributeRows in the All Commands list.
Common Issues When Distributing Rows Evenly
Rows Do Not Change Height After Clicking Distribute Rows
If the selected rows already have the same height, Word will not change them. Check the row heights by selecting the rows and looking at the Height box in the Cell Size group on the Layout tab. If every row shows the same value, the command has nothing to adjust.
Another cause is that the table is set to AutoFit to Contents. In that mode, Word shrinks rows as much as possible. Switch to AutoFit to Window or Fixed Column Width by right-clicking the table, choosing AutoFit, and selecting the desired option. Then try Distribute Rows again.
Distribute Rows Makes Some Rows Too Tall
This happens when one row contains a large object like an image, a long paragraph, or merged cells. Word must make every row at least as tall as the tallest content in any selected row. To fix this, exclude the row with the oversized content from the selection. Distribute only the rows that have similar content.
If you cannot exclude that row, consider resizing the large object. Right-click an image and choose Size and Position to reduce its height. For text, shorten the content or change the font size.
Distribute Rows Does Not Affect the Last Row
Word tables often have a blank row at the bottom that appears shorter than others. This row is often set to a minimum height that Word will not reduce. Select that row, open Table Properties (right-click > Table Properties), go to the Row tab, uncheck Specify height, and click OK. Then apply Distribute Rows to the entire table.
Distribute Rows vs Manual Row Height Adjustment
| Item | Distribute Rows | Manual Row Height (Specify Height) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | One click for all selected rows | Must set each row individually |
| Precision | Divides total space evenly | Set exact measurement in inches or points |
| Content awareness | Cannot shrink below tallest content | Can force a smaller height, but content may be clipped |
| Best use case | Quick cleanup of uneven rows | Tables that must fit a fixed page height |
Manual height adjustment is available in Table Properties > Row > Specify height. Use it when Distribute Rows cannot produce the exact look you need. For most tables, Distribute Rows is faster and keeps content visible.
You can now use Distribute Rows to fix uneven row heights in any Word table. Start by selecting only the rows that need adjustment to avoid stretching rows with large content. For tables that still look unbalanced, switch to manual height setting in Table Properties. An advanced tip: after distributing rows, use Distribute Columns to also even out column widths for a perfectly grid-aligned table.