Graphics, Figures & Tables ⇒ Vertical Lines in Table with Multiple Columns

[LaTexLearner]

I'm trying to learn how to make tables containing multiple columns of the same width. Here, I tried to make one table with 8 columns each of width 1.5cm. The borders didn't work out, though. The problem, I'm pretty sure, has to do with the placement of the "|" character.

THIS GAVE ME TWO VERTICAL LINES IN SOME PLACES

Code: Select all

\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage[english]{babel}
\usepackage[utf8x]{inputenc}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\begin{tabular}{*{8}{|p{1.5cm}|}} \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
\end{tabular}

\end{document}

THIS GAVE ME AN ERROR MESSAGE... so does that mean the "|" things have to go inside the {p{1.5cm}} part?

Code: Select all

\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage[english]{babel}
\usepackage[utf8x]{inputenc}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\begin{tabular}{*{8}|{p{1.5cm}}|} \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
\end{tabular}

\end{document}

Where in the code should I have put the "|" thing and why?

[Johannes_B]

I am a bit tired right now, or in other words: lazy.


Having a compilable example is always good to test right away, it also ensures, that we both see the same. Please complete your example, and i'll have a look at it tomorrow

[LaTexLearner]

I am a bit tired right now, or in other words: lazy.


Having a compilable example is always good to test right away, it also ensures, that we both see the same. Please complete your example, and i'll have a look at it tomorrow

I thought the code I gave originally was enough, since the first one actually did work in the "open in write latex" link... but I've edited both sets of of code so that they are now documents in an of themselves.

When you're re-energized, I look forward to your response.

[mas]

Next time, post the error message also

The problem as the error message suggested is in the placement of the | character. The code below works:

Code: Select all

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\begin{tabular}{*{8}{|p{1.5cm}|}} \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
\end{tabular}

\end{document}

A suggestion: Avoid vertical rules in a table unless it is absolutely necessary for a purpose. Take a look at the booktabs documentation.

[LaTexLearner]

Next time, post the error message also

The problem as the error message suggested is in the placement of the | character. The code below works:

Code: Select all

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\begin{tabular}{*{8}{|p{1.5cm}|}} \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8\\ \hline
\end{tabular}

\end{document}

I just tried that code in the "write latex" link and it too created the double vertical lines in some places. Why did that happen and how do you fix that?

A suggestion: Avoid vertical rules in a table unless it is absolutely necessary for a purpose. Take a look at the booktabs documentation.

They will be quite necessary for what I'm doing, i.e. worksheets for students aged 8+ that need to know exactly where to write answers.

[rais]

I just tried that code in the "write latex" link and it too created the double vertical lines in some places. Why did that happen and how do you fix that?

A column specification of {*{8}{|p{1.5cm}|}} means: create eight columns, each surrounded by vertical rules. That results in rules between two columns being doubled: the right rule of the column left of the double rule and the left rule of the column right of the double rule build it.
So, don't repeat both rules
{|*{8}{p{1.5cm}|}} would repeat only the column with its right rule, or
{*{8}{|p{1.5cm}}|} would repeat the column with its left rule.

KR
Rainer