Formatting Issues

How to Center Number Columns in Microsoft Lists Using JSON

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to centrally align the content of number columns in Microsoft Lists using JSON formatting without needing prior programming knowledge.

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the display format of data columns in a list to improve readability and visual alignment.
Observed behavior: Number columns use a default alignment and need to be custom-centered using standard JSON formatting.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary list editing permissions to modify column settings and apply custom JSON formatting in your Microsoft List environment.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply JSON Code to Center Column Content

Use a provided JSON script in the column settings to center the numeric values instantly.

Microsoft Lists allows you to customize how data is displayed using JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). You do not need programming experience for this; simply copying and pasting the provided schema will centrally align your numbers.

Open Column Settings

Navigate to your Microsoft List, click on the header of the number column you wish to center, select 'Column settings', and then click 'Format this column'.

Access Advanced Mode

At the bottom of the format pane on the right side of the screen, click on 'Advanced mode' to allow custom JSON input.

Paste the JSON Formatting Code

Delete any existing code and paste the following JSON exactly as written: {"$schema":"https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/column-formatting.schema.json","elmType":"div","style":{"display":"table","width":"80%"},"children":[{"elmType":"div","txtContent":"@currentField","style":{"display":"table-cell","text-align":"center","vertical-align":"middle"}}]}.

Save and Verify

Click the 'Save' button at the bottom of the pane. Look at your list to verify that the number columns are now successfully centered.

Formatting Applied: Your column should now display the numeric data perfectly centered, improving the overall readability of the list.

Solution 2

Adjust JSON Properties for Custom Spacing

Modify the alignment and spacing properties within the JSON code if the default centering requires further adjustments.

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1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet or dataset.
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3. Apply Centered Alignment: Navigate to the 'Home' tab and click the 'Center' alignment icon. Your data is instantly formatted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need programming skills to format Microsoft Lists?

No. While JSON is a programming data format, Microsoft provides standard formatting templates. You only need to copy and paste the provided JSON snippet into the Advanced mode box to apply the formatting.

Why is my JSON formatting not applying to the column?

This usually happens due to a syntax error. Ensure that you have copied the entire JSON string including all curly braces and quotes. Also, verify that you pasted it in the 'Advanced mode' section of the Column settings.

Can I use this same JSON snippet to center text columns?

Yes, this specific JSON snippet dynamically calls '@currentField', which means it can be used to center text, dates, and other standard column types in Microsoft Lists.

How do I remove the JSON formatting and restore the default look?

To revert to the default formatting, open the column settings, navigate to 'Format this column', click 'Advanced mode', delete all the JSON code inside the text box, and click 'Save'.

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