How to Split a Cell in Word: 2 Easy Methods

To split a cell in Word, right-click the cell, choose Split Cells, enter the number of columns and rows you want, and select OK. The same command is on the Table Layout tab. If you have not built your table yet, start with how to make a table in Word.

In this guide, you’ll learn both ways to split a cell, how to make two cells side by side, two stacked cells or a four-cell grid, and how to make the new cells even. The steps are for Word in Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019 and Word 2016 for Windows.

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What Splitting a Cell Does

Splitting divides one table cell into smaller cells without changing the rest of the table. It is the opposite of merging cells, and it is useful when one part of a table needs more detail than the rest.

• Add two sub-headings under one heading cell.
• Make room for a value and its unit in one column.
• Create a small grid inside a larger form or timetable.

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Method 1: Split a Cell in Word With the Right-Click Menu

Use this method for a quick split while you are working in the table.

Steps

1. Click inside the cell you want to split.
2. Right-click and choose Split Cells.

3. In Number of columns, type 2. Leave Number of rows at 1.
4. Select OK.

👉 The cell becomes two cells side by side.

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Method 2: Split a Cell From the Table Layout Tab

Use this method when the right-click menu is crowded, or to split several selected cells at once.

Steps

1. Click inside the cell you want to split.
2. Select the Table Layout tab, then Split Cells in the Merge group.

3. Set Number of columns to 1 and Number of rows to 2, then select OK.

👉 The cell is split into two stacked cells.

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Make a Four-Cell Grid

Enter numbers for both columns and rows to split a cell both ways at once.

1. Click inside the cell, then open Split Cells with either method.
2. Set Number of columns to 2 and Number of rows to 2, then select OK.

👉 One cell becomes a grid of four.

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Make the New Cells Even

Splitting a cell into rows can leave the new cells at different heights. Distribute them to make every cell the same size.

Even Out Stacked Cells

1. Click and drag across the new stacked cells to select them.
2. Select the Table Layout tab, then Distribute Rows in the Cell Size group.

👉 The stacked cells are now the same height.

Even Out a Four-Cell Grid

1. Click and drag across all four cells of the grid.
2. On the Table Layout tab, select Distribute Rows, then Distribute Columns.

👉 All four cells are now the same height and width.

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Which Method Should You Use?

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Quick Tips

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FAQs

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Conclusion

To split a cell in Word, right-click it and choose Split Cells, or use Split Cells on the Table Layout tab, then set the columns and rows. Microsoft covers both commands in merge or split cells in a table.

Need fewer columns after splitting? See how to remove a column from a table in Word.

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Related Tutorials

• How to Merge Cells in Word: 3 Easy Methods
• How to Make a Table in Word: 3 Easy Methods
• How to Remove a Column from a Table in Word: 3 Easy Methods