Paste an Excel table into Word as an editable Word table, as a linked table that updates when the Excel data changes, as a picture, or as an embedded object.
Table of Contents
1. Paste as a Word table
Copy the cells in Excel, then in Word right-click and choose Keep Source Formatting under Paste Options. You get a normal Word table you can edit.
If it runs off the page, click in the table → Layout → AutoFit → AutoFit Window.
2. Paste as a linked table (updates)
Choose Link & Keep Source Formatting instead. When the Excel numbers change, right-click the table in Word → Update Link. Ideal for monthly reports.
Keep the Excel file in the same place, or the link breaks. To fix a moved file, use File → Info → Edit Links to Files.
3. Drag and drop
Arrange Excel and Word side by side, select the cells, then hold Ctrl and drag the selection border into Word.
4. Insert as an object
In Word: Insert → Object → Create from File → Browse, choose the workbook, and click OK. Double-click the object to edit it with Excel’s tools. Word shows the sheet that was active when the workbook was last saved.
Which one to use
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Keep Source Formatting | Editing the table in Word |
| Link | Reports that are updated regularly |
| Picture | A fixed snapshot that can’t be changed |
| Object | Keeping Excel formulas inside the document |