table-layout

The table-layout property sets a fixed height and width for a table. This allows the browser to display the table quicker. For example:

table {table-layout:fixed; width=”600”;}

If you set use this option, the first cell with a width set to something other than auto, defines the width for the whole column. Every other cell in the column is set to that width; it doesn’t matter about the content. The advantage? It is quick. The disadvantage? If cells later in the table are wider, your layout gets mucked up.

Your other option is:

table {table-layout:auto;}

This works like standard HTML. The browser looks at every cell in the table before it formats and displays it. The advantage? Your table looks right. The disadvantage? It is much slower.