Formatting Issues

How to Control Individual Table Row Heights in Microsoft Word

Jason Miller Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to adjust the height of specific rows in a Word table without shifting or resizing the adjacent rows or entire table borders.

How to Control Individual Table Row Heights in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a document that requires precise control over table layouts and individual row dimensions.
Observed behavior: When dragging a table border, adjacent rows change size unexpectedly. The goal is to keep one border fixed while modifying specific adjacent row heights.

Before you start

Ensure your document is in Print Layout view so you can accurately see table border changes as you adjust the row heights.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Row Height Using Table Properties

Use the Table Properties dialog for precise numerical control over individual row heights without dragging borders.

Dragging table borders directly with your mouse often causes adjacent rows to shift unexpectedly. Using the Table Properties menu gives you exact numerical control, allowing you to manually balance the heights.

Select the Row

Click inside the lower of the two rows you want to adjust to place your cursor inside it.

Open Table Properties

Right-click the selected row and choose 'Table Properties' from the context menu, then navigate to the 'Row' tab.

Set Precise Height

Check the 'Specify height' box, enter the desired smaller value, and set the 'Row height is' dropdown to 'Exactly'. Click OK.

Adjust Adjacent Row

Repeat the process for the upper row, increasing its height by the exact numerical amount you decreased the lower row to keep the overall table position unchanged.

Adjust Row Height Using Table Properties

Quick Access Alternative: You can also find the exact height adjustment tools directly in the Table Layout ribbon under the Cell Size group.

Solution 2

Create a Reusable Table Layout

If you frequently need tables with these specific row heights, save your adjusted table as a reusable building block.

Effortless Table Formatting

Easily Control Table Row Heights in WPS Office

WPS Office provides an intuitive Table Tools tab that lets you precisely adjust row heights, distribute rows evenly, and manage complex table layouts with ease.

1. Open Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document containing the table you need to modify.
2. Select the Target Row: Click inside the specific table row you want to resize to activate the context-sensitive Table Tools.
3. Use the Table Tools Ribbon: Navigate to the 'Table Tools' tab that appears on the top ribbon.
4. Adjust Row Height: In the 'Cell Size' group, type your specific numerical value directly into the Height box and press Enter to resize the row without dragging borders.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) table formatsPrecise numerical control over row and column dimensions without layout breakageFree and lightweight office suite for Windows, Mac, and LinuxFamiliar ribbon interface requires zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do adjacent rows move when I drag a table border in Word?

When you drag a border directly on the page, the word processor dynamically adjusts the adjacent cells to maintain the overall table dimensions, which can disrupt your layout. Using Table Properties prevents this by applying exact measurements.

Can I lock a table's overall size while changing row heights?

Yes. By decreasing one row's height and increasing the adjacent row's height by the exact same numerical value in the Table Properties dialog, the overall table height and layout remain completely unchanged.

How do I make all my table rows the exact same height?

Select the rows you want to equalize, navigate to the Table Layout ribbon, and click 'Distribute Rows' in the Cell Size group. This will instantly make all selected rows the identical height.

Document & File Issues