Complex tables
One report table, before and after. Same numbers.
Two header rows, with “Q1” merged across two columns
This is what we write. It looks right.
| Program | Q1 | Q2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referrals | Completed | Referrals | Completed | |
| Prevention | 412 | 388 | 455 | 401 |
| Recovery support | 203 | 191 | 228 | 210 |
| Youth outreach | 156 | 140 | 173 | 158 |
the 388 cell, read aloudReferrals, Completed, 388. Which quarter?
One header row. The quarter moves into the header text.
No merges. Two minutes in Word.
| Program | Q1 referrals | Q1 completed | Q2 referrals | Q2 completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention | 412 | 388 | 455 | 401 |
| Recovery support | 203 | 191 | 228 | 210 |
| Youth outreach | 156 | 140 | 173 | 158 |
the same cellPrevention, Q1 completed, 388
The real files
Open them. Word flags the merges before you ever export.
The rules
- No merged cells. That's most of it.
- One header row. Put the qualifier in the header text.
- Split before you get clever. Several simple tables beat one complex one.
- Crosses a page? Table Properties, Row, Repeat as header row.
- Never a picture of a table.
- Won't simplify? Ship the Excel alongside, or call DCP.