How to Make a Table in Notion (Simple Table or Database?)

Notion has two kinds of table, and picking the right one saves a lot of frustration later. A simple table is like a table in a document: rows and columns of text. A table database looks similar but each row is a full Notion page with properties you can filter, sort and calculate. Here's how to make each one and when to use which.

Simple table or table database?

	Simple table	Database view
Create with	/table	/Table view, or Table on a new page
Each row is	Just a row of text	Its own page
Filters, sorts, properties	No	Yes
Calculations	No	Yes, such as count, sum and average
Best for	Quick comparisons, schedules, layouts	Trackers, lists you'll filter, anything that grows

Make a simple table

1. On a new line, click the + in the left margin and choose Table, or type /table.
2. Type into the cells.
3. Hover over the bottom edge and click + to add a row, or the right edge to add a column.
4. Drag the bottom-right corner to add or remove rows and columns at once.

To make a header row or column, hover over the first cell and use the six-dot icon. You can also merge cells for spanning headers, change cell colours, and use Fit to page width to snap the table to the page. One limitation Notion mentions: you can't paste several simple table cells in one go.

Make a table database

1. Create a new page, and under Get started with click the three dots, then Table.
2. Or, on an existing page, type /Table view and press enter to add an inline table.
3. Name your columns, which are called properties, and choose their types, such as date, status or number.
4. Add rows. Click any row's name to open it as a full page.

Things table databases can do

• Drag rows up or down by the handle on the left, and drag column headings to reorder them.
• Resize columns by dragging their edges.
• Wrap long text: click the property name and choose Wrap text.
• Select several rows with their checkboxes and edit their properties together.
• Show calculations at the bottom of a column: click the property and hover over Calculate.

Calculations worth knowing

Notion's calculations turn a table into a mini dashboard. You can count rows, count empty or filled cells, show the percentage filled, and for number columns show the sum, average, median, minimum, maximum or range. For a content plan, 'Count not empty' on a Published date column tells you how many pieces are done at a glance.

Started simple, need more?

If your simple table grows into something you want to filter or sort, you don't need to start again. Click the three-dot menu at the top of the simple table and choose Turn into database. It's a good reason to start simple and upgrade only when you need to.

Table ideas for small business owners

• A content calendar with dates, platforms and status.
• A simple client list with contact details and next steps.
• A comparison of tools or suppliers you're choosing between.
• A weekly schedule or rota.

For a ready-made structure, my monthly content calendar template translates neatly into a Notion table database, and what to look for in a productivity template helps you avoid building something too complicated to use.

Views: the same table, shown differently

Here's the part most people miss. A table database isn't stuck as a table. The same rows can be shown as a board, a calendar or a list, because Notion treats the table as just one view of the database. That's why it's worth starting with a table database for anything you'll track over time: you're not locked in, and you can add a calendar view later without copying anything across.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a simple table for a list that keeps growing. You'll want filters sooner than you think.
• Creating a new table every month instead of one database with a date property you can filter.
• Adding a column for everything. If you haven't filled a column in weeks, hide it or delete it.
• Forgetting that each row is a page. Click into it and you've got room for notes, links and files.

Keep tables easy to use

The best Notion tables are boring in a good way: clear column names, a sensible order, and only the properties you'll use. Every extra column is something you have to fill in. Start with five or six, add more only when you find yourself wishing they were there, and hide the rest in views.

Which one should you pick today?

If you're not sure, ask yourself one question: will I ever want to filter or sort this? If the answer's no, a simple table is quicker and cleaner. If it's yes, or even maybe, go straight for a table database. You'll get properties, calculations and extra views, and you won't have to rebuild anything when the list grows. For most business trackers, the database wins.

My verdict

Type /table for a quick, document-style table, and /Table view for a table database where every row is a page. Start simple, use Turn into database when you outgrow it, and add calculations to turn trackers into instant summaries.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a table in Notion?

Type /table and press enter for a simple table, or /Table view for a table database.

What's the difference between a simple table and a database in Notion?

A simple table is plain rows and columns. A database table makes each row its own page, with properties, filters, sorts and calculations.

Can I turn a simple table into a database in Notion?

Yes. Click the three-dot menu at the top of the simple table and choose Turn into database.

How do I add a row to a table in Notion?

In a simple table, hover over the bottom edge and click +. In a table database, add a new row at the bottom.

Can Notion tables calculate totals?

Table databases can. Click a property, hover over Calculate and choose an option such as Sum or Average.