How to Unformat a Table in Excel

Are you tired of trying to unformat a table in Excel and not getting the results you want? Thankfully, Microsoft Excel provides us with many tools to ensure we can work with our data as efficiently as possible. One of those tools is the ability to unformat a table in Excel. Unformatting a table can save you time and energy, especially if you’ve accidentally applied a format that’s not consistent with the rest of your sheet. In this blog post, we will walk you through how to unformat a table in Excel so that you can get the most out of your data.

Why Unformatting a Table is Important

The formatting of a table in Excel can help us make sense of data by highlighting important information and separating it from other information. However, if not used correctly, formatting can quickly become confusing, making it difficult to navigate through our data. Unformatting a table helps us to unify the look and feel of our data and ensures that the information is easy to read and understand.

Step by Step Guide on How to Unformat a Table in Excel

Step 1: Click on the Table

Start by clicking on the table you want to unformat. This will ensure that the table is selected before you start any changes.

Step 2: Go to the “Table Tools” Tab

Once you’ve selected the table, go to the “Table Tools” tab on the top of your screen. If this tab is not present, it means you have not selected the table.

Step 3: Click on “Design” Tab

On the Table Tools tab, select the “Design” tab. This tab has a set of tools that allow you to format the table to fit your needs.

Step 4: Click on “Convert to Range” Button

To unformat a table, you will need to convert it back to a range of cells. On the “Design” tab, click the “Convert to Range” button to convert it back to a standard Excel range.

Step 5: Confirm the Conversion

When you click the “Convert to Range” button, Excel will prompt you to confirm your decision. Click “Yes” to confirm the conversion. Your table will now be unformatted.

Final Thoughts

Unformatting a table in Excel can be a quick and straightforward process that helps keep your data consistent and easy to read. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly unformat any table and move on to more important matters, like analyzing your data.

Unformatting a Table Does Not Delete Data

When you unformat a table in Excel, it does not delete the data in the table. Instead, it removes the table’s formatting, making it appear as if the data has reverted to a set of cells. However, the underlying data is still present and can be accessed and edited just like any other data in Excel.

Unformatting a Table May Affect Formulas and Charts

When you unformat a table in Excel, it may affect the formulas and charts associated with the table. Since the formatting of the table can impact how Excel interprets data, changing the format can affect the results of calculations and visualizations. It is essential to double-check any formulas or charts associated with the table after unformatting to ensure that your data is still accurate.

Consider Using a “Quick Style” Instead

If you want to tweak the formatting of a table in Excel without unformatting it altogether, consider using a “Quick Style.” Quick Styles are pre-set formatting options that you can apply to a table with just a few clicks. These styles can help you format your table consistently with minimal effort and no need to unformat, convert, and reformat your data. To apply a “Quick Style” in Excel, select the table you want to format, go to the “Table Tools” tab, and select a style from the “Quick Styles” gallery.

Conclusion

Unformatting a table in Excel is a simple process that can help keep your data consistent, easy to read, and ready for analysis. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly unformat any table in Excel. Additionally, keeping in mind the other tips we’ve mentioned, such as checking formulas and using “Quick Styles,” can help you work with your data more efficiently and effectively.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about unformatting tables in Excel.

Can I unformat a table without losing my data?

Yes, you can unformat a table without losing the underlying data. Unformatting removes only the formatting of the table but leaves the data intact.

What happens to formulas and charts when I unformat a table?

Unformatting a table can affect formulas and charts associated with the table since the formatting can impact how Excel interprets data. Double-check any formulas or charts associated with the table after unformatting to ensure your data is still accurate.

How do I convert a table back into a range?

To convert a table back to a range in Excel, go to the “Table Tools” tab and select the “Design” tab. Then click the “Convert to Range” button to convert the table back to a standard Excel range.

Can I apply a certain format to multiple tables at once?

Yes, to apply a certain format to multiple tables at once, hold the “Ctrl” key and select the tables you wish to format. Then go to the “Table Tools” tab and select the “Design” tab. Make your format adjustments, and they will apply to all selected tables.

What is a “Quick Style” in Excel?

A “Quick Style” in Excel is a pre-set formatting option that you can apply to a table with just a few clicks. These styles can help you format your table consistently with minimal effort and no need to unformat and reformat your data.