How to Insert a Table in Outlook Email (2026)
A table keeps figures and schedules aligned in a way plain text can’t. Outlook’s compose window has a built-in table tool, and you can also paste a formatted table directly from Excel.
1. Insert a Table (Classic Outlook for Windows)
- Start a New Email and click in the message body.
- Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
- Click Table and drag across the grid to choose the number of rows and columns, then click to insert.
For a larger table, click Insert Table below the grid and type exact dimensions.
2. Insert a Table (New Outlook & Web)
- Click New mail and place your cursor in the body.
- Click the Insert menu (the + or paperclip area depending on layout), then choose Table.
- Drag across the grid to set rows and columns, or enter a custom size.
If the toolbar is collapsed, click the … (more options) to find Insert table.
3. Paste a Table From Excel or Word
Often the cleanest route is to build the table elsewhere and paste it.
- Select and copy the range in Excel or the table in Word.
- Click in the Outlook message body.
- Paste (Ctrl+V). Use Paste Special > Keep Source Formatting if the layout shifts.
Pasting from Excel preserves cell borders and number formatting as a static table.
4. Format the Table
After inserting, click inside the table to reveal formatting tools.
- Classic Outlook: the Table Design and Layout tabs appear — set borders, shading, and add or delete rows.
- New Outlook / web: a floating toolbar lets you add/remove rows and columns and toggle borders.
- Drag a column border to resize, or right-click a cell for insert/delete options.
5. Troubleshooting
The Table option is missing
You’re likely composing in Plain Text. Switch the message to HTML: in classic Outlook, Format Text tab > HTML. In new Outlook/web, rich formatting is on by default.
The table looks broken for recipients
Some email clients render HTML tables differently. Keep tables simple, avoid merged cells, and set explicit column widths for the most consistent results.
I can’t add a row at the bottom
Click in the last cell and press Tab — it adds a new row automatically.
Related Outlook guides: How to add a hyperlink in Outlook · How to add a signature in Outlook · How to create an email template in Outlook · How to set a default font in Outlook · How to schedule an email in Outlook
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