Formatting Issues

How to Left- and Right-Align Text in a Word Table Cell

Elise Williams Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to simultaneously align a currency symbol to the left and a numerical amount to the right within the same table cell.

How to Left- and Right-Align Text in a Word Table Cell

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting financial or numerical data inside a document table for a clean, professional layout.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Tab key inside a table cell moves the cursor to the next cell instead of inserting spacing, making it difficult to split text alignment natively.

Before you start

Ensure your document's ruler is visible (View > Ruler), as it will help you accurately set tab stops for precise text alignment within your table cells.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Two Separate Columns and Hide Borders

The most reliable method for splitting alignment (like currency symbols and amounts) is dividing the content into two adjacent columns and making the dividing border invisible.

By utilizing two separate columns, you avoid the complexity of dealing with invisible tab characters. This method ensures your layout remains perfectly intact even if you resize the table or change the font size later.

Create two columns

Insert a table with a narrow column for the currency symbol and a wider adjacent column for the numeric amounts.

Enter and align your text

Type the currency symbol in the left column (keep it left-aligned) and the amount in the right column (set the alignment to right-aligned).

Select the cells

Highlight both the left and right cells that you wish to blend together visually.

Hide the middle border

Go to the Table Design tab, click on 'Borders', and deselect the 'Inside Vertical Border' (or 'Right Border' of the first cell) so the line separating the two columns disappears.

Use Two Separate Columns and Hide Borders

Alignment Tip: For numbers with decimal points, you can also apply a Decimal Tab Stop to the right column so the decimals align perfectly vertically.

Solution 2

Use a Right-Aligned Tab Stop with Ctrl+Tab

Use a specific keyboard shortcut alongside a custom tab stop to push text to the right side of a single cell.

Seamless Word Document Editing

Align Text in Tables Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides an intuitive interface for formatting tables, adjusting borders, and setting custom tab stops. You can easily left- and right-align content in the same cell using WPS Office.

1. Insert your table: Open your document in WPS Writer, navigate to the Insert tab, and create your table.
2. Add a Right Tab Stop: Select your cell, click the tab selector on the left of the ruler to choose Right Tab, and click on the ruler to place it.
3. Use the shortcut: Enter your currency symbol on the left, press Ctrl + Tab, and enter your amount to send it to the right side of the cell.
4. Alternative border removal: If you use the two-column method, navigate to Table Tools and use the Eraser tool to quickly remove the border between the columns.

Free and lightweight word processing applicationFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) formatsIntuitive table design and border adjustment toolsPrecise ruler controls for decimal and right tab stops

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does pressing Tab in a Word table cell move to the next cell instead of adding space?

In document tables, the Tab key is programmed as the default shortcut to navigate forward to the next cell. To insert an actual tab character (spacing) within a single cell, you must press Ctrl + Tab.

How do I align numbers by their decimal points in a Word table?

Select the table column, click the tab selector on the left side of the ruler until it shows the Decimal Tab icon (an upside-down T with a dot), and click on the ruler to place it. Your numbers will automatically align along their decimal points regardless of their length.

Can I split an existing table cell into two to format the left and right sides separately?

Yes. Right-click the specific cell and select 'Split Cells'. Enter '2' for columns and '1' for rows. You can then left-align the first newly created cell, right-align the second, and remove the middle border using the Borders menu to make it look like a single cell.

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