How to Add Page Numbers in Word: Beginner's Guide

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Easily add page numbers to the header or footer on Word
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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 in Word using a Windows or Mac computer, iPhone, iPad, or Android.

Adding Page Numbers in Word

To insert page numbers in Microsoft Word, select the Insert tab, and then select Page Number. Select a placement location. Double-click the new page number to see more formatting options.

Section 1 of 3:

Inserting Page Numbers (Desktop)

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  1. Step 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.[1]
  2. Step 2 Click Page Number.
    This opens a pop-up menu for choosing where to place the page numbers.[2]
    • In the Insert menu, Page Number is near the center (or closer to the right side of the toolbar, depending on your version of Word).
    • In the Header & Footer design tab, Page Number is on the left.
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  3. Step 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). This option isn’t available in Word for Mac.
    • Selecting a page number position will open the “Header & Footer” tab.
    • Don’t forget to save your work as you go!
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Section 2 of 3:

Formatting Page Numbers (Desktop)

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  1. Step 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.
    • If you’re using Word for Mac, click the Page Number icon in the Insert or Header & Footer tab, then select Format Page Numbers from the dropdown.
    • You could even cross out the page numbers if that’s your style.
  2. Step 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. Step 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. Step 4 Use "Format Page Numbers" for additional changes.
    This can be located by going to Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers. You can change:[3]
    • The number format. You can change this to Roman numerals, letters, or another style.
    • The chapter number.
    • The starting number.
  5. Step 5 Click Close Header and Footer.
    This will return you to editing the body of the document. Alternatively, press Esc to close the header and footer editor.
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Section 3 of 3:

Inserting Page Numbers (Mobile)

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  1. Step 1 Open your Word document on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
    It's easy to use Word on your phone or tablet to insert page numbers into your document.
  2. Step 2 Tap the "more" button.
    While in Edit mode in the Word mobile app, tap the more button (three horizontal dots). This icon is located in the toolbar above your on-screen keyboard (it’s not the three dot icon at the top right side of the screen!). You might need to scroll right on the toolbar to see it.
  3. Step 3 Tap Home, and then select Insert.
    This will be in the pop-up menu.
  4. Step 4 Choose Page Numbers and select a placement.
    You'll see these options in the pop-up menu.[4]
    • If the option to add page numbers is greyed out, you may need to add a header or footer first. Select Header & Footer from the Insert menu, then tap Edit Header or Edit Footer (it doesn’t matter which). This will open the Header & Footer menu. From there, tap the three dot icon and go back to the Insert menu. You should now be able to tap Page Numbers.
  5. Step 5 Format the page number.
    After selecting the placement, go back to Insert > Page Numbers and select Format Page Numbers. From here, you can select a variety of page number styles, including letters and Roman numerals.
  6. Step 6 Go to Header & Footer to customize further.
    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.
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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
    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
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/insert-page-numbers-9f366518-0500-4b45-903d-987d3827c007
  2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/insert-page-numbers-9f366518-0500-4b45-903d-987d3827c007
  3. ↑ https://www.tntech.edu/graduatestudies/pdf/etd/grad-pgnumber-howto.pdf
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/wemN0D4u-Dw?t=46

About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
Rain Kengly
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been viewed 986,727 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: June 15, 2026
Views: 986,727
Categories: Microsoft Word
Article SummaryX

1. Click Insert.
2. Click Page Number.
3. Select a position.
4. Choose a style.

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