Resizing a table with a mouse can be imprecise and slow, especially when you need exact column widths or row heights. Word does not provide a dedicated ribbon button for keyboard-based table resizing, but you can achieve full control using the Table Properties dialog and specific keystrokes. This article shows you how to resize every part of a table using only the keyboard, including columns, rows, and the entire table.
Key Takeaways: Resize Tables With the Keyboard in Word
- Alt+J+L to open Table Properties: The fastest way to reach column width and row height settings without touching a mouse.
- Alt+J+L then press R for Row tab: Lets you set exact row height in inches or as a percentage.
- Alt+J+L then press U for Column tab: Lets you set precise column width in inches.
- Tab and arrow keys to navigate cells: Select cells before resizing so the dialog affects the correct area.
- Alt+J+L then press T for Table tab: Lets you set overall table width and alignment.
How the Table Properties Dialog Works for Keyboard Resizing
Word’s Table Properties dialog contains all the numeric controls for resizing columns, rows, and the entire table. You can open this dialog entirely with the keyboard using the Alt key shortcuts. Once the dialog is open, you can tab between fields, enter exact measurements, and apply changes without ever clicking a mouse. The dialog also includes options for cell margins, cell spacing, and text wrapping that affect how the table fits on the page.
Before you begin resizing, you must place the insertion point inside the table. Click into any cell using the keyboard by pressing Tab to move forward through cells or Shift+Tab to move backward. You do not need to select the entire table for the dialog to work on the whole table. However, if you want to resize only a specific column or row, you must select the cells in that column or row first. To select a column, press Alt+J+L, then press U for the Column tab, and the dialog will apply the width to the current column only.
Steps to Resize a Table With the Keyboard
Follow these steps to resize a table using only the keyboard. The steps assume you have a table already inserted in your document.
- Place the cursor inside the table
Press Tab or Shift+Tab to move the insertion point into any cell. If the table is empty, press the Down Arrow key from the paragraph above the table to enter the first cell. - Open Table Properties
Press Alt+J+L. This opens the Layout tab under Table Tools and then selects Properties. The Table Properties dialog appears with the Table tab active. - Set the overall table width
With the Table tab active, press Alt+W to check the Preferred width box. Then press Tab to move to the measurement field. Type a number such as 6.5 for a width in inches. Press Tab to move to the Measure in dropdown and use the Up or Down Arrow keys to select Inches or Percent. Press Enter to apply the change and close the dialog. - Resize a specific column
First, click into any cell in the column you want to resize. Press Alt+J+L to open Table Properties again. Then press U to switch to the Column tab. Press Alt+W to check the Preferred width box. Tab to the measurement field, type the desired width in inches such as 2.5. Press Enter to apply. - Resize a specific row
Click into any cell in the row you want to resize. Press Alt+J+L, then press R to switch to the Row tab. Press Alt+H to check the Specify height box. Tab to the height field, type a number such as 0.5. Tab to the Row height is dropdown and use the Up or Down Arrow keys to select At least or Exactly. Press Enter to apply. - Resize multiple columns or rows at once
To resize every column equally, select the entire table first. Press Alt+J+L, then press U. Check Preferred width and type a value. Press Alt+ to open the dropdown and select Distribute columns. Press Enter. For rows, use the Row tab and set a height, then press Alt+ to select Distribute rows.
Common Mistakes and Limitations When Resizing Tables With the Keyboard
The Table Properties dialog does not open
If pressing Alt+J+L does nothing, the cursor is not inside a table. Press Tab or use the arrow keys to move the cursor into a table cell. You can also press F8 to extend a selection, but the simplest method is to press Tab repeatedly until the cursor lands in the table.
Column width changes affect the entire table width
When you set a column width in the Column tab, Word adjusts the other columns to maintain the overall table width. To avoid this, set the overall table width first on the Table tab, then set each column width. Word will then keep the table width fixed and shrink or expand columns as needed.
Row height set to Exactly cuts off text
If you set row height to Exactly and the text is taller than the height, Word clips the text. Use At least instead to let the row grow as needed. To change this, open the Row tab again, press Alt+H to check Specify height, then use the dropdown to select At least.
Cannot resize a table that is part of a nested table
Nested tables inside a cell of another table do not respond to the Table Properties dialog for the outer table. You must click inside the inner table first and use the same Alt+J+L shortcut to resize that nested table independently.
Table Resizing Methods: Keyboard vs Mouse vs Ribbon
| Item | Keyboard (Alt+J+L) | Mouse (drag handles) | Ribbon (Layout tab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed for exact measurements | Fast once shortcuts are memorized | Slow due to trial and error | Moderate, requires mouse clicks |
| Precision | High, enter exact numbers | Low, depends on steady hand | High, same numeric fields |
| Accessibility | Full keyboard access, no mouse needed | Requires mouse or touch | Requires mouse or touch |
| Resize multiple rows or columns | Yes, via Distribute options | Yes, drag borders | Yes, Distribute Rows or Columns buttons |
| Set row height to Exactly | Yes, in Row tab | No direct method | Yes, in Table Properties or Row Height field |
You can now resize any table in Word using only the keyboard by opening the Table Properties dialog with Alt+J+L and entering exact measurements. Practice the shortcut sequence until it becomes automatic. For even faster resizing, learn the Alt+J+L, then U or R to jump directly to the column or row tab. If you work with many tables, consider setting default table properties in the Table Properties dialog so every new table matches your preferred dimensions.