Easily Add Page Numbers to a Word Document on Any Platform

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Easily add page numbers to the header or footer in your Microsoft Word document

Written by Kyle Smith

Last Updated: September 28, 2024

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Inserting (PC & Mac)

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Formatting (PC & Mac)

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Inserting (Mobile)

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Adding page numbers in Microsoft Word is easy! Whether you’re writing a 10-page essay or a thesis paper, there are a variety of ways to customize the page numbers. Use the Insert tab to quickly add page numbers. From there, you can change the formatting and numbering options. This wikiHow guide will show you how to add page numbers to your Microsoft Word document on Windows and macOS, as well as in the Word mobile app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.

Things You Should Know

On desktop or mobile, go to the Insert tab, then select "Page Number" to add page numbers.
Double-click the page number to make changes to the font, color, or style.
Double-click the header or footer, then go to Page Number > Format Page Numbers for additional options.

Section 1 of 3:

Inserting (PC & Mac)

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1
Click Insert. This is in the tab menu bar at the top of Word. Alternatively, double-click the top or bottom of the page to open the Header or Footer editing menu.
- Don’t forget to save your work as you go!
2
Click Page Number. This opens a pop-up menu for choosing where to place the page numbers.^{[1]
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- In the Insert menu, Page Number is near the center.
- In the Header & Footer design tab, Page Number is on the left.
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3
Choose a page number position. This can be in the header or footer, and located left, center, or right.
- You can also toggle the option to include the page count in the page numbering (e.g. 1 of 3).
- Selecting a page number position will open the “Header & Footer” tab.

Section 2 of 3:

Formatting (PC & Mac)

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1
Double-click a page number. This will select it and show a pop-up menu with options for changing the font, color, and style. This change will edit every page number automatically.
- You could even cross out the page numbers if that’s your style.
2
Start numbering on the second page. If you want the first page to have no numbering, and start at 1 on the second page, follow these steps:
- Double-click the header or footer to open the Header & Footer design tab.
- Check the “Different First Page” checkbox.
- Click Page Number then Format Page Numbers.
- Select “Start at” and change it to 0.
3
Restart page numbers by using page breaks. If you want to start a new numbering later in the document, you'll need to use a page break.
- Place your cursor at the beginning of the page you want to restart the numbering on.
- Go to the Layout tab, then click Breaks.
- Select Next Page in the Breaks options menu.
- Double-click the header or footer in the second section. This will open the Header & Footer design tab.
- Click Page Number then Format Page Numbers.
- Select the radio button labeled "Start At," then select "1" to restart the page count at 1.
4
Use "Format Page Numbers" for additional changes. This can be located by going to Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers. You can change:
- The number format. You can change this to Roman numerals, letters, or another style.
- The chapter number.
- The starting number.
This will return you to editing the body of the document. Alternatively, press Esc to close the header and footer editor.

Section 3 of 3:

Inserting (Mobile)

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It's easy to use Word on your phone or tablet to insert page numbers into your document.
While in Edit mode in the Word mobile app, tap the more button (three horizontal dots).
Then, select Insert to switch to the Insert menu.
Then, select the placement location for the numbers.
After selecting the placement, double-click the page number. Then, tap the text edit button (the icon with the letter A and a pen). You can change the font, size, color, and more!
6
Go to Headers and Footers. This is in the Insert menu. You can set a different first page, change how odd and even pages look, or remove the page numbers entirely.
- When working in Online mode, any changes made in the app will appear on your desktop version of Word.

Expert Q&A

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Question

In the insert box, the page number icon is grayed out and not available for use. How do I activate it?

Kyle Smith
wikiHow Technology Writer
Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Kyle Smith

wikiHow Technology Writer

Expert Answer

The page numbering feature isn't available in certain layouts. Go to View and select Print Layout. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try restarting and/or updating Microsoft Word.

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Tips

If you plan on creating a complex header or footer (like your name, or a title), try and add the page numbers first. They will be much easier to work with.

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For more Microsoft Word guides, check out how to use document templates and how to merge documents.

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