Split or Join Tables in Google Docs™
Split a long Google Docs table at a row or every N rows, or join several tables into one with columns matched by header name.
Split or Join Tables breaks one long table into smaller ones, or combines several tables into one. It works in Google Docs™.
When you split, the header rows are copied to the top of every new table. When you join, columns are lined up by header name or by position, repeated header rows are dropped, and the gaps between the tables are removed.
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Text To Table Converter
Install Text To Table Converter free to split long tables or join several tables in Google Docs™.
Google Docs™ only, premium feature
Each split or join counts as one premium use. The free plan includes 20 premium uses every 30 days, and Pro is unlimited.
On this pageOpen Split or Join Tables
Open Split or Join Tables
- 1To split, place the cursor inside the table. To join, select two or more tables, from the first one to the last.
- 2In the sidebar, open Tables & Convert > Modify selected table > Split or Join Tables.
- 3The screen shows the size of the selected table, or how many tables you selected. If you change the selection while the screen is open, click Refresh.
Split a table
There are two ways to split. Both copy the header rows into each new table, so every part can be read on its own.
- 1Choose At the cursor row or Every N rows.
- 2For Every N rows, enter how many data rows each table should have.
- 3Set Header rows to repeat. Use 0 if the table has no header.
- 4Check the preview line, for example "Creates 2 tables with 5, 5 rows." The row counts include the repeated header.
- 5Click Split table.
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Swipe sideways to see all columns
| Split option | What it does |
|---|---|
| At the cursor row | The row with the cursor starts a new table. Everything above it stays in the first table. |
| Every N rows | Each new table gets the number of data rows you enter, for example 10. The last table gets whatever is left. |
Splitting at the cursor
Put the cursor in the first row of the part you want to move into a new table. It has to be below the header rows and the first data row.
Join tables
Select two or more tables and the screen switches to joining. All rows end up in the first table, and the other tables are removed.
- 1Choose how to match columns: Automatically, By header name, or By position.
- 2Leave First row is a header on if each table starts with a header row. Only the first table keeps its header.
- 3Check the preview. It shows the size of the joined table and how many columns were added.
- 4Click Join tables.
Swipe sideways to see all columns
| Match columns | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Automatically | You are not sure. Header names are used when they match, and position is used otherwise. |
| By header name | The tables have the same columns in a different order, or one table has extra columns. Needs First row is a header. |
| By position | The tables have the same layout but different or missing header text. |
Joining with the table below
With the cursor in one table, the screen also offers Join with table below when another table comes right after it. You do not need to select both tables.
What the joined table looks like
- Columns that exist in only some of the tables are added, and the missing cells are left empty.
- Column widths follow the widest version of each column and are scaled to fit the page.
- Empty paragraphs between the joined tables are removed.
Limits and troubleshooting
- Tables with merged cells can’t be split or joined. Unmerge the cells first.
- Tables inside another table, a header, or a footer are not supported.
- A split can create at most 20 tables. If the preview shows more, choose a larger number of rows.
- If you see "The selection changed", click Refresh and check the options again.
- Use Edit > Undo in Google Docs to reverse a split or join.