Insert a simple table in Google Docs for Android

Before you begin

A table helps compare information with consistent columns, such as tasks and responsible people. Plan the number of columns before entering data so information is not forced into a layout that is too narrow to read comfortably on a phone.

Check the document title and Google account before editing. A shared file may grant viewing, commenting or editing permission, which affects the controls available. For collaborative documents, agree on the intended change and avoid replacing another person's work without context. Review the result in the document itself, since the cursor's editing position does not always show the full page layout.

Follow these steps

Follow this sequence in the Android app.

1. Open the document with editing permission and place the cursor where the table belongs. Inspect the surrounding paragraphs so it is not accidentally inserted in the middle of an unfinished sentence.
2. Tap Add or Insert and choose Table. Select the required number of rows and columns, allowing a header row if you want to explain what each column represents.
3. Enter short, distinct column headings and add a few trial rows first. Check whether longer values or phrases remain readable before completing the entire table with all of the data.
4. Read across rows and down columns to verify that values are paired correctly. Use the available table controls when adding or removing a row, then inspect the complete result again.

Check the result

Not every desktop table feature is available on Android. Do not depend on computer-only sorting or pinned header controls. For a wide table, consider shorter headings or splitting the information so the document remains usable on a phone screen.