# Baserow Tables - Rows, Fields, and Views Explained

> Learn how a Baserow table stores rows and fields, the four-level hierarchy above it, the view types available, and common table use cases.

Source: https://opennix.org/en/docs/baserow/tables/intro-to-tables/


A table is where data lives in Baserow: it stores rows and fields, combining spreadsheet familiarity with database power, and the same data can be shown through several views at once - a grid list, a gallery of cards, or a form that collects responses.

## Overview

A Baserow table stores and organizes data as rows (records) and fields (columns). Like a spreadsheet, it supports sorting, filtering, and aggregation, but it goes further - the same table can be opened through multiple views at the same time without duplicating data. Tables live inside databases, and databases live inside workspaces, giving a clear hierarchy for organizing projects; see [What Is a Database](/docs/baserow/database-builder/intro-to-databases/) for that level of the hierarchy.

![Baserow grid view with the view type sidebar](/images/baserow/tables/baserow-table-views-overview.png)

## What Sets Baserow Tables Apart from Spreadsheets

| Capability | Traditional spreadsheet | Baserow table |
|---|---|---|
| Data organization | One view per sheet | Multiple views per table |
| Field types | Generic text and numbers | 25+ specialized field types |
| Relationships | Manual lookup formulas | Built-in table linking |
| Collaboration | File version conflicts | Real-time co-editing |
| Data validation | Basic rules | Field-specific validation |

## How Tables Are Structured

Data sits at nested levels: a workspace groups databases, a database is a set of tables covering one subject area, and a table itself stores rows and fields:

- row (record) - a single entry, such as a customer, an order, or a task;
- field (column) - a category of information: name, date, status, and more;
- view - a way to visualize and work with the same underlying data;
- filters and sorts - control which data shows and in what order.

To connect records across tables, use a link-to-table field - for example, to tie orders to customers or tasks to projects. See [Baserow Field Overview](/docs/baserow/fields/baserow-field-overview/) for the full list of available field types.

## Same Data, Different Views

The same table can be displayed several ways without duplicating information:

- [grid view](/docs/baserow/view-types/guide-to-grid-view/) - a classic spreadsheet layout for detailed editing;
- [gallery view](/docs/baserow/view-types/guide-to-gallery-view/) - visual cards suited to images and media;
- [form view](/docs/baserow/view-types/guide-to-creating-forms-in-baserow/) - collect data from people outside the table.

## Common Use Cases

Baserow tables work equally well for CRM and sales pipelines, project and task management, inventory tracking, and HR workflows, as well as team check-ins and product roadmap planning. Start from a blank table or from a ready template - see [From a Template](/docs/baserow/database-builder/add-database-from-template/) for the details.

## What You Can Do with Tables

- create an unlimited number of rows and fields;
- [import data from CSV, Excel, JSON, or XML](/docs/baserow/tables/create-a-table-via-import/);
- [export data](/docs/baserow/tables/export-tables/) for backups or external use;
- bulk-edit several rows at once;
- sort by any field and [filter](/docs/baserow/views/filters-in-baserow/) with complex conditions;
- [group rows](/docs/baserow/views/group-rows-in-baserow/) into categories;
- choose from 25+ [field types](/docs/baserow/fields/baserow-field-overview/): text, numbers, dates, files, formulas.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is the difference between a database and a table?** A database is a container holding several related tables - for example, a "Sales" database might hold "Customers," "Orders," and "Products" tables. A table stores the actual data.

**How many tables can I create in a database?** There is no hard limit, but for usability and performance most databases work best with 5-15 tables.

**Can I link data between tables?** Yes - this is one of Baserow's core capabilities. A link-to-table field creates relationships between tables, such as linking orders to customers.

**How are tables different from views?** A table stores the actual data, while a view is a way to display it with a specific set of filters, sorts, or a visualization; one table can have several views.

**Can I turn a spreadsheet into a Baserow table?** Yes, CSV and Excel files import directly, with column types detected automatically - see [Create a Table via Import](/docs/baserow/tables/create-a-table-via-import/) for the walkthrough.

Next, read [Create a Table](/docs/baserow/tables/create-a-table/) to learn how to build one from scratch, by duplication, or by importing a file.