How to ensure the text in the cell stays within the fixed width?

In Word, table and cell widths can be fixed, but row height and cell expansion are controlled by how the table is configured. To keep text within a fixed-width layout and avoid the table expanding horizontally:

1. Set a fixed table width
   1. Right-click the table and select Table Properties.
   2. On the Table tab, set a specific width (for example, 6.3" for ~640 px) and choose the appropriate measurement unit.
   3. Turn off any AutoFit options that resize the table to contents or window.
2. Set fixed column widths
   1. Point to the boundary of each column whose width should be fixed.
   2. When the pointer becomes a double-sided arrow, drag to the desired width.
   3. For precise control, right-click the column and select Table Properties.
   4. On the Column tab, choose the measurement unit and set Column width is to the exact value required.
   This prevents text or images from widening the column beyond the specified width.
3. Allow rows to grow only vertically Word normally wraps text in table cells automatically. If rows are set to an exact height, content can overflow or distort. To ensure the table grows vertically (not horizontally):
   1. Select the table (use the table move handle at the top-left of the table).
   2. Right-click the table and select Table Properties.
   3. Go to the Row tab.
   4. Select Specify height and then set Row height is to At least.
   5. Select OK.
   With At least selected, rows expand downward as needed while the column width remains fixed.
4. Adjust cell padding and alignment (optional) If text appears cramped or too close to borders:
   1. Right-click the cell and select Table Properties.
   2. Go to the Cell tab.
   3. Under Vertical alignment, choose the desired alignment.
   4. Under Cell padding, set Top, Bottom, Left, and Right padding values to control spacing inside the cell.
5. Ensure images fit within the fixed width If an image is wider than the column, it will force the table to expand. Resize the image so its width is less than or equal to the column width before or after inserting it.

These steps keep the table at a fixed width while allowing text to wrap and rows to grow vertically instead of pushing the layout wider.

References:

• Change the dimensions of a layout table
• Set table cells to expand with contents in Word