Table splits across pages unexpectedly

Stella Bryant 0 Reputation points
2026-09-28T02:16:55.72+00:00

I have a table in Word that spans several pages, but sometimes a row is split between two pages. Is there a setting that prevents a table row from being separated?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-28T02:17:10.1866667+00:00

    Yes. In Word, the setting is Allow row to break across pages.

    If the goal is to keep a row together on one page:

    1. Select the table row.
    2. Open Table Properties.
    3. Go to the Row tab.
    4. Clear the option that allows the row to break across pages.

    In Word object model terms, this is controlled by Row.AllowBreakAcrossPages or Rows.AllowBreakAcrossPages. Setting it to False prevents the selected row from splitting during pagination.

    Also check whether Repeat as header row at the top of each page was accidentally applied to more than just the actual header row. If that setting is applied to all rows, table pagination can behave unexpectedly. If needed, select the whole table, open Table Properties > Row, and clear that header-row setting, then apply it only to the first row if that row should repeat.

    References:

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  2. Hani-Ng 2,230 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-28T02:59:12.39+00:00

    Hi Stella Bryant

    You can refer to AI’s answer first for the main table-row setting.

    In addition, if the row still does not stay together as expected after applying that setting, it may be worth checking the paragraph pagination settings within the cells. Select the content in the affected row, then go to Home > Paragraph dialog box launcher > Line and Page Breaks and review settings such as Keep lines together and Keep with next. These settings also control how Word positions text around page breaks.

    You can refer to:

    Use Line and Page Breaks settings in Word | Microsoft Support

    Keep text together in Word | Microsoft Support

    For a long table, Word can also automatically repeat designated header rows on subsequent pages. If you are using repeating headers, make sure only the intended header row or rows are configured for this purpose.

    For more information: Repeat table header on subsequent pages | Microsoft Support

    I hope this additional information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

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