How to Insert a Table in Gmail

    SujataBy Gmail 5 Mins Read

    Many of you might have sent tables in Gmail, attaching a Google doc or an Excel sheet. But did you know that you can also insert a table directly into the email?

    Unlike Word and Excel, you cannot draw a table directly in the compose window. However, you can create a table using applications like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel and then paste it into your mail.

    Using Google Docs

    Since Google Docs is integrated into Gmail, it’s quite easier to use if you want to insert a table in any email that you compose. Follow the steps to learn how:

    Step 1: Create the table

    1. Open Google Docs.
    2. Click on Blank to start a new document.
      Click on Blank
    3. On the toolbar, select Insert. 
      Glide over the toolbar and select Insert
    4. Tap on the Table option.
      Tap on the Table option
    5. Move your cursor over the boxes and select the number of rows and columns that you want in your table.
      select the number of rows and columns
    6. Click and release the mouse. Now you have your table.
      Now you have your table
    7. To edit the table, go to the Format tab on the toolbar and click on the arrow on the Table section.
      go to the Format tab on the toolbar and click on the arrow on the Table section
    8. Select Table Properties to edit the width, alignment, and color of cells, rows, columns, or the entire table itself.
      Select-Table-Properties

    Step 2: Insert the table

    1. Go to your Gmail and click on Compose bubble on the top left. It opens a compose dialog.
      click-on-Compose-bubble-on-the-top-left
    2. Copy the table that you created on Google Docs and Paste it into the body of the email you’ve composed.
      Copy-the-table-that-you-created-on-Google-Docs-and-Paste
    3. Edit the contents of the table as you like. But know that the properties of a table cannot be edited at this stage.
      Edit-the-contents-of-the-table-as-you-like
    4. Compose the remaining body of the email, add the subject and recipient’s email address, and press Send.
      Compose the remaining body of the email, add the subject and recipient’s email address, and press Send

    Using Google Sheets

    If you are a data analyst, you might require much more than the limited options of tables on Google Docs to showcase your data. Google Sheets is a better option for inserting formulas and formatting a varied range of data. And similar to Google Docs, it is also an integrated app in Gmail.

    1. Open your browser and log into your Gmail account.
    2. Click on the App Launcher on the top right and open a Google Sheets in another tab.
      Click on the App Launcher on the top right and open a Google Sheets
    3. Select the Blank option to start a new spreadsheet.
      Select the Blank option
    4. Select the cells with the exact number of required rows/columns. You can edit the size/width and number of rows and columns.
      Select the cells with the exact number of required rows or columns
    5. Copy the cells you’ve created and go back to the Gmail tab.
      Copy the cells
    6. Tap on the Compose button and paste selected cell ranges on the body of your email.
      Tap on the Compose button and paste selected cell ranges
    7. Fill in the data in the table. 
      Fill in the data in the table
    8. Compose the remaining contents of your email. 
      Compose the remaining contents of your email
    9. Type the Recipient’s email address, write your email’s Subject, and hit the Send button.
      Type the Recipient's email address, write your email's Subject, and hit the Send button
    NOTE: You can edit only the contents or data input after inserting the table in the email.

    Using Microsoft Word

    If you are a regular Microsoft Word user, you can also use it to create a table and insert it in Gmail. 

    Here’s how to do that:

    Step 1: Create the table

    1. Go to the Microsoft Word application on your device.
    2. Create a blank document.
      Create a blank document
    3. Hover over the toolbar and select Insert.
      select Insert
    4. Click on the drop-down menu in the Table option.
      Click on the drop-down menu in the Table option
    5. Select the boxes according to the number of rows and columns required on your table. And press Enter to create a table.
      Select the boxes according to the number of rows and columns
    6. Select the Table Design tab to format your table. You can pick a Table Style and edit the table’s Shading, Alignment, Border, Rows, and Columns.
      Select the Table Design tab to format your table

    Step 2: Insert it into Gmail

    1. Open your Gmail account. 
    2. Click on Compose bubble on the top left.
      Click on Compose bubble
    3. Select and Copy the table you’ve created on Microsoft Word.
      Select-and-Copy-the-table
    4. Paste it into your email’s body in the compose window.
      Paste-it-into-your-email’s-body
    5. Add the Subject, Recipient’s email address, compose the email and hit the Send button.
      Add the Subject, Recipient’s email address, compose the email and hit the Send button
    NOTE: Gmail doesn’t allow you to format the table, but you can edit the contents inside the table.

    Using Microsoft Excel

    You can always use Microsoft Excel to create a table to present your data and send it directly to your email without attaching the file. This approach is even more convenient for daily Excel users. You can even save the format of the table and copy-paste it on Gmail whenever required.

    1. Open Microsoft Excel on your device.
    2. Click on Blank workbook to open a new blank Excel sheet.
      Click on Blank workbook
    3. Select the cells for an exact number of rows and columns. You have created a table.
      Select the cells for an exact number of rows and columns
    4. Glide over the Home tab and click on Format as Table to pick any style.
      click on Format as Table
    5. Go to your Gmail.
      Go to your Gmail
    6. Click on Compose button on the top left.
      Click on Compose button on the top left
    7. Copy the table in Excel and paste it on your compose dialog. 
      Copy the table in Excel and paste it on your compose dialog
    8. Compose the remaining email, add the Subject and Recipient’s email address, and hit the Send button.
      Compose the remaining email, add the Subject and Recipient’s email address, and hit the Send button

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can You Insert a Table in Gmail on Your Mobile Phone?

    Yes, of course. The process of inserting a table in Gmail on your mobile phone is similar to adding it on your PC. You have to download the Google Docs and Google Sheets app directly and switch between them and Gmail.

    Can I Put Multiple Tables in an Email Directly?

    You can put as many tables as you want in your email, but the catch is you have to format it in Google Docs or Sheets and copy-paste it into your mail.

    As a creative content creator, Sujata has authored several technical content specializing in Gmail. Her journey into this realm began during her high school years when she first used email as a means to communicate with peers and tutors. Throughout the years, she has authored numerous how-to guides on Gmail, covering basic to advanced Gmail features. Sujata possesses an innate talent for simplifying complex subjects into user-friendly guides tailored for diverse audiences. In addition to her expertise in Gmail, she also covers various other topics, including MS Office applications and Google Drive, among others. When not writing, you will find her exploring new places and trying out new cuisines.

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