How to Remove Table Formatting in Excel (3 Methods)

Microsoft Excel offers a plethora of features to organize, analyze, and present data. One such feature is the ability to format data as tables. Tables not only enhance the visual appeal of your data but also provide a structured way to view and manage it. They come with integrated filter and sort options, calculated columns, structured references, and more. With a single click, you can apply predefined table styles, making your data presentation-ready.

However, there are instances where you might want to strip away the table formatting without losing the underlying data. Perhaps you're aiming for a more minimalist look, or maybe the table formatting interferes with other operations you want to perform on your data. Whatever the reason, Excel provides straightforward methods to remove table formatting, ensuring your data remains intact.

Excel: Remove Table Formatting With These Three Methods

In this tutorial, we will delve deep into various techniques to remove table formatting in Excel. Whether you're a novice just starting out or an experienced user looking for a refresher, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to manage your table styles and formatting with ease.

How to Remove Table Formatting in Excel, Keeping all Data, Rules, and Formulas

This method is ideal for those who wish to retain the integrity of their data, including any rules or formulas they've applied, but want to remove the visual table formatting. By following this approach, you can ensure that your data remains consistent and functional, while only altering its appearance.

1. Select a table cell and remove the Table Design rule
    
   Select any cell in the table. On the Table Design tab, go to the Table Styles group and choose the first style called “None” in the Light group.
    
   
   
2. Alternative: Use the “Clear” button if the “None” style is not visible
    
   If the “None” style is not visible, click on the “More” button located within the “Table Styles” view.
    
   
   
3. Click “Clear” on the bottom
    
   
   
4. This will remove all table formatting rules that has been applied automatically
    
   If you still see formatting, use the other method below.
    
   

How to Clear All Formatting in a Table Also Clearing Custom/Manual Formatting

For users who not only want to remove the default table styles but also any custom or manual formatting they've applied before, this method will help. It provides a clean slate, stripping the table of all its visual styles, ensuring that the data is presented in its most basic form without embellishments.

1. Select the whole Excel table, including its headers
    
   Press Ctrl + A twice after clicking any cell in a table to select the entire table, including its headers.
    
   
   
2. Use Clear Formats in “Editing”
    
   To clear formatting in your Excel sheet, navigate to the Home tab, locate the Editing group, and click on “Clear”. From the dropdown menu, select “Clear Formats”.
    
   
   
3. This will remove all table formatting in the Excel sheet
    
   

How to Remove Table Formatting in Excel Converting Data into a Regular Range of Cells

Sometimes, you might want to revert your table back to a standard range of cells, removing any table-specific functionalities. This method guides you on how to transform your formatted table back into a regular range of cells, making it easier to manage for those who prefer working without table functionalities.

1. Right-click on a cell in the table
    
   
   
2. Click “Table” and “Convert to Range”
    
   Excel will ask you to confirm the change as this will remove the table.
    
   
   
3. The data will not show as a table, but keep the table formatting
    
   Although the data may look like a table because of its formatting, it is actually just a basic range. As a result, you will lose access to features like structured references, automatic expansion, and built-in filters that are exclusive to Excel tables. To remove the table formatting as well, please use the other methods above.
    
   

Extra: How to Add Shading to Alternating Rows in Excel

It's an old trick at this point, but applying shading (zebra stripes) to alternative rows in Excel makes your sheet easier to read. The effect, also known as banded row, allows your eyes to keep their place more easily when you're scanning a spreadsheet. The difficulty, then comes in knowing where to look and how to format cells as a table in the first place. In our other guide, we show you how to apply and customize table formatting to form alternating rows in Excel.
 

Extra: How to Structure Collected Data in Excel

To make the most of Excel's features, you need to structure your data properly. Data structure refers to how you organize your data in a spreadsheet. A good data structure makes it easy to perform calculations, filter, and sort data, create charts and pivot tables, and apply formulas and functions. In our other guide, we show you how to structure collected data in Excel using some best practices and tips.