Word: how to add page numbers
Page numbers help readers find their way around a longer document. Word can add them for you automatically, and they update themselves if pages are added or removed.
Add page numbers
- Click the Insert tab.
- Click Page Number.
- Choose Top of Page or Bottom of Page, then pick a style. A plain number on the right or in the centre is a safe choice.
- Click Close Header and Footer (or double-click in the main body of the page) to return to your writing.
Start on a different number or skip the first page
Many documents have a cover page with no number.
- Double-click the header or footer area to open it.
- On the Header & Footer tab that appears, tick Different First Page.
- The first page is now blank in the footer, and page 2 shows the number 2.
To make the number start at a different value, click Page Number, then Format Page Numbers, and set Start at. Choosing 0 makes the page after the cover show as 1.
Show 'Page 1 of 10'
Click Page Number, choose Bottom of Page, then scroll the gallery to find a style that says Page X of Y.
Change how the number looks
Double-click the footer, select the number, and change the font or size on the Home tab like any other text.
Common problems
- The numbers vanish after the first section: your document may have section breaks. Double-click the footer of the missing page and look for Link to Previous on the Header & Footer tab. Make sure it is highlighted if you want the same numbers throughout.
- Different numbers on odd and even pages: untick Different Odd & Even Pages on the Header & Footer tab if you did not want that.
- The number looks grey: this is normal while you are editing the document. It prints in full colour.
On a Mac the steps are very similar, using the Insert menu or tab.
When to get more help
If page numbers behave strangely in a long report with many sections, or a template keeps overriding your settings, we can help sort it out.