How do I align numbers by their decimals in a word table?

[Guest]

I'm working on a 25 row table with numbers and statistical lettering in
columns. For example 11.2 ab, 42.9 a-d, 47.6 abc. I would like to align
these by their decimals. I use text alignment, but it only spaces the text
with the cells. The column alignment isn't straight. Any suggestions would
greatly be appreciated.

 

[Ron P]

I'm working on a 25 row table with numbers and statistical lettering in
columns. For example 11.2 ab, 42.9 a-d, 47.6 abc. I would like to align
these by their decimals. I use text alignment, but it only spaces the
text
with the cells. The column alignment isn't straight. Any suggestions
would
greatly be appreciated.

Highlight the table column that you want to align by the decimals. Now, to
the left of the horizontal ruler that is immediately above the edit pane
there is a square button with a symbol. Click on this button until you get a
symbol resembling an upside-down T with a dot near the intersection of the
vertical and horizontal lines of the inverted T. This selects a decimal tab.
Now click on the ruler where you want the decimals to be aligned.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Ron, I'm having trouble finding the sqare button with a symbol. Is it
in a tool bar above the ruler?

 

[Tony Jollans]

It's at the very left of the horizontal ruler, right above the vertical
ruler.

Alternatively you can set a decimal tab under Format > Tabs to achieve the
same thing.

 

[Guest]

I found it, and also have been trying to set the tab as you suggested below.
It still will not align up the column to the decimal. My problem is with
this type of data set:

0.0 a
1.5 ab
8.0 abc
10.8 a-e
64.1 h

It would make a nicer table if these would align. Any suggestions?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

The cell contents will align automatically when you set a decimal tab
provided they have been left-aligned to begin with. If the column is
centered or right-aligned, this will not work.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

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