Table Block

The Table block presents information in rows and columns, making relationships between data easy to scan and understand. It’s the right choice whenever you need to compare values, list specifications, or organize structured data side by side.

Why use the table block

Use the Table block when you want to present structured data that benefits from a grid of rows and columns.

It’s ideal for:

  • Comparing values across categories (plans, features, specifications)
  • Listing data where relationships between rows and columns matter
  • Presenting reference information like schedules, rates, or requirements
  • Organizing content that readers will scan rather than read top to bottom

Tables work best when each cell relates meaningfully to its row and column. When used intentionally, they help readers find and compare information quickly, while keeping your content accessible and clear

If you’re reaching for a table to create a multi-column layout, consider the Columns block instead — it’s built for layout, while tables are built for data.

How to use the block

Start by adding the Table block to the page. Learn how to add blocks.

When you first add the block, you’ll be asked to set up the table:

  • Choose the number of columns and rows
  • Click Create Table

Don’t worry about getting the counts exactly right — you can add or remove rows and columns at any time using the Edit Table toolbar option.

Once the table is created, editors typically:

  • Enter content directly into each cell
  • Add or remove rows and columns as the content grows
  • Apply light formatting (bold, italics, links) within cells
  • Adjust settings and styles to support readability

Note: Tables are not completely responsive on mobile devices. On smaller screens, a wide table will extend beyond the screen width, and readers can scroll horizontally to see the rest. Keep this behavior in mind when building tables with many columns.

Block toolbar

The block toolbar appears above the Table block when it’s selected.

Available options

  • Column alignment: Align the contents of a column left, center, or right. Select a cell in the column you want to adjust, then choose an alignment.
  • Table caption: Add or remove a caption for the table. Captions sit with the table and can include bold, italic, or link formatting.
  • Block width: Control how wide the table appears within the layout.
  • Bold / Italic: Apply emphasis to selected text within a cell.
  • Link: Turn selected text within a cell into a link.

Edit Table

The Edit Table option is one of the most useful controls in the toolbar. It lets you manage the structure of your table after it’s been created.

From here you can:

  • Insert row before or Insert row after the selected cell
  • Delete row
  • Insert column before or Insert column after the selected cell
  • Delete column

To use these options, select a cell first — the action applies relative to that cell’s position.

Block settings

Block settings appear in the right sidebar while the Table block is selected.

Fixed-width table cells

Makes every column an equal width, rather than sizing each column to fit its content.

  • Enabled: All columns share the same width.
  • Disabled: Columns adjust to the content inside them.

Use fixed-width cells when you want a clean, even grid. Disable it when some columns hold much more content than others and need room to breathe.

Header section

Adds a header row to the top of the table.

Header cells are important for accessibility — screen readers use them to announce the context of each column as users move through the data. Enable the header section whenever your table has column titles.

Footer section

Adds a footer row to the bottom of the table.

This is useful for summary information, such as totals or closing notes that apply to the columns above.

Block styles

In Block Settings, the Styles tab includes additional controls to adjust the appearance of the Table block.

Styles

  • Default: A plain background with borders around each cell. Your default style appearance may be customized to match your design system.
  • Stripes: Alternating background colors on each row, which can make wide or dense tables easier to read across.

Color

Changes the text color for the entire table.

  • Choose from available color options to maintain contrast and visual consistency.
  • Always ensure sufficient contrast between the text color and the background for readability.

Typography

Includes a Letter case control, which lets you adjust how text in the table is capitalized without retyping it.

Dimensions

  • Padding: Adds space inside the table cells, around the content.
  • Margin: Controls the space above and below the table.

Use spacing settings to give the table room within the surrounding layout.

Accessibility and content structure

Tables carry meaning through the relationship between rows, columns, and headers. A few practices keep that meaning clear for everyone, including screen reader users.

Use tables for data only

Use tables strictly to show relationships between data in rows and columns — never to control page layout. For layout needs, use the Columns block instead.

Enable headers

Turn on the Header section in block settings whenever your table has column titles. Screen readers rely on header cells to announce context as users navigate the data, so headers are essential for accessibility.

Split large tables

Break large data sets into multiple smaller, clearly labeled tables rather than building one massive grid. Smaller tables are easier to scan and easier for assistive technology to interpret.

Fill in blank cells

Avoid leaving cells empty. Enter “No data” or “N/A” so assistive technology users don’t mistake a blank cell for content that failed to load.

Tips for editors

Choose tables for data, not layout

If you’re using a table to place content side by side, reach for the Columns block instead. Tables are for structured data where rows and columns relate to one another.

Keep tables focused

Large, dense tables are hard to read — especially on mobile. Break big data sets into smaller, well-labeled tables so readers can find what they need.

Plan for small screens

Because tables aren’t responsive, wide tables will overflow on mobile and require horizontal scrolling. Keep column counts manageable, and preview on smaller screens before publishing.

Use formatting sparingly

Light formatting like bold, italic or links can help, but too much emphasis makes a table harder to scan. Keep cell content clean and consistent.

  1. WordPress.org Table Block documentation. Please note that your block may have customizations affecting the functionality, appearance, and settings.