How To Remove a Table in Excel
Feb 03, 2026
To remove a table in Excel without losing your data, use the Convert to Range tool found in the Table Design tab. This keeps your values and formulas intact but removes table features like structured references and automatic filtering. If you need to delete a table in Excel entirely, simply highlight the range and press the Delete key. For those who want to keep the table functionality but lose the colors, use the Clear Style option. This guide covers how to undo a table in Excel, manage filter buttons, and handle table formatting on both desktop and mobile versions of Microsoft Excel.
How to Convert a Table Back to a Range in Excel
If you want to learn how to remove a table in Excel but keep the data, the best option is to convert it to a range. This converts your Excel table into a regular range while preserving all rows, columns, values, and formulas.
Step 1: Open your file and select the table
Open your Excel file, then select the table by clicking any cell inside it. You can also move your cursor to the top left corner of the table and click to highlight the entire table quickly.
Step 2: Go to the Table Design tab
Once selected, the table tools show up on the ribbon. The Table Design tab appears automatically.
Step 3: Click Convert to Range
In the Tools group under Table Design, click Convert to Range. A confirmation dialog box appears asking if you’re sure.
Pro Tip: You can also right-click any cell in the table, select Table, and then click Convert to Range for a faster workflow.
Step 4: Confirm the action
Click Yes to convert the table. Your table formatting and special features disappear, but all cells and data remain.
Note: If you make a mistake, simply press Ctrl + Z. This is the fastest way to how to undo a table in excel if you accidentally converted or deleted it.
How to Delete a Table Completely in Excel
If you don’t need the data at all and want everything gone, you can delete a table in Excel entirely. This removes the entire table, leaving blank rows and blanks on your worksheet.
Step 1: Open your Excel worksheet
Open your Excel workbook and go to the worksheet that contains the table you previously created.
Step 2: Select the entire table
You must select the table fully before you delete it.
- Click any cell inside the table, then press Ctrl + A to select all the cells, or
- Drag your cursor across the table range, or
- Right click and choose Select → Entire table.
Step 3: Press the Delete key
Now simply press the delete key on your keyboard. To perform an Excel delete table action that also clears the formatting of the blank cells left behind, go to Home > Clear > Clear All.
How to Remove Only Table Formatting
Sometimes, you just want to clear table formatting while keeping its functionality. In Microsoft Excel, you can clear the look of the table without touching your data. See how to remove a table format in Excel below.
Step 1: Select the table
Click anywhere inside the table to activate the Table Design tab.
Step 2: Clear the style
Inside the Table Styles gallery, click the More arrow (the tiny arrow at the bottom right of the gallery) and click Clear at the bottom of the menu.
How to Remove Filter Buttons from a Table in Excel
If you want to keep the table and its formatting but want to know how to remove filter buttons from a table in excel, follow these steps:
- Click any cell inside your table.
- Go to the Table Design tab.
- In the Table Style Options group, uncheck the Filter Button box.
This removes the dropdown arrows from your header row while keeping the table functional.
Removing Tables in Excel Mobile (iOS/Android)
Managing tables on the go is slightly different. To Excel remove table on a mobile device:
- Tap a cell in the table and select the entire range.
- Tap the Table menu that appears at the bottom.
- Scroll down and tap Convert to Range.
Method Comparison Table
| Action | Keeps Data? | Keeps Formatting? | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convert to Range | Yes | Yes (Standard) | Normalizing data use |
| Delete Table | No | No | Removing unwanted info |
| Clear Style | Yes | No | Cleaning up visuals |
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to remove a table in Excel based on what you need. Use convert to range to turn the table into a regular range if you want to keep your data. If you want it all gone, simply select the table and delete it. And if it’s just the look you want to change, clear the table formatting instead. Each method takes only a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I remove a table in Excel without deleting the data?
Select the table, go to the Table Design tab, then click Convert to Range. This is the most reliable way to how to remove a table in excel but keep the data.
2. How do I delete a table completely in Microsoft Excel?
Highlight the entire table (Ctrl + A), then press the Delete key on your keyboard or right-click > Delete > Table Rows.
3. How do I remove filter buttons from a table in Excel?
Go to the Table Design tab and uncheck the Filter Button checkbox in the Table Style Options group.
4. How to undo a table in Excel?
If you just created the table or just converted it, press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) to immediately reverse the action.
5. Why can’t I see the Table Design tab?
The Table Design tab appears only when you select an active table. Click any cell inside the table boundaries to see it.
6. Will formulas change after I convert to range?
Structured references (like [Column1]) will change to standard cell references (like $A$2). Your formulas will still calculate correctly, but the syntax will look different.
Related Blog Posts
How to Make a Table in Google Sheets
Want to Make Excel Work for You? Try out 5 Amazing Excel Templates & 5 Unique Lessons
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
