How to Add Page Numbers in Word

Add page numbers to your Word documents in just a few clicks. Learn how to insert, format, and manage page numbers using Microsoft Word, so your documents stay organized and easy to navigate.

One helpful way to organize a Microsoft Word document is to add page numbers.

Putting together a business proposal, academic paper, or lengthy report? Need add structure and make your document easier to navigate?

Page numbers are a simple fix that make a big difference for readers. They help with referencing, improve readability, and give your Word document a more professional layout.

The best part is that adding page numbers in Word isn't complicated once you know where to click. In this guide, you'll learn how to:

• Add page numbers in Word
• Customize page number formatting
• Remove page numbers
• Fix common issues with page numbering

Let's transform your document from confusing to organized.

How to add page numbers in Microsoft Word

To insert page numbers into your Word document:

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
2. On the top menu bar, click on Insert.
3. Click on the Page Number button (a document with a number symbol).
4. Click the dropdown arrow to choose where the number should appear. You can place it in the top or bottom margin, left or right corner, or within the page margins.
5. Pick a numbering style from the available options.
6. Check that each page is numbered correctly. If a section is missing a number, click the header or footer and repeat the steps to fix the placement.
7. Save your document.

By default, Microsoft Word automatically creates header or footer areas to hold the new numbering.

If you choose "Top of Page," for example, the number is placed in the header area, and so on.

You'll also see previews to help you choose the right style before applying it.

How to customize page numbers in Word

Basic numbering works for standard letters or short memos, but longer files often need more control. Microsoft Word offers several options to customize how page numbers appear.

Use a different number style

To switch from plain number digits to Roman numerals, letters, or other formats:

1. Go to the Insert tab and click Page Number.
2. Select Format Page Numbers.
3. In the Number format dropdown, choose your preferred style.
4. Click OK.

This is especially useful for academic papers or formal documents that follow specific formatting rules.

Change the starting page

If your document begins with a title page or cover, you may want page numbering to start later:

1. Go to the Insert tab and click Page Number.
2. Click on Format Page Numbers.
3. Under Page numbering, choose Start at and enter the number you want.
4. Click OK to confirm.

To restart numbering mid-document, insert a section break first.

Adjust alignment

Page numbers can be aligned to the left, center, or right. To change their current position, do the following in your document:

1. Double-click the header or footer area to activate it.
2. Highlight the page number.
3. Use the alignment buttons under the Home tab in the "Paragraph" section.

Some layouts use top-right alignment, while others center the number for balance.

Pro tip: Editing tasks can often impact how your content and page numbers line up. This is important if your document contains a table of contents. When you double space in word, create a new section break, or delete large sections of text, be sure to check that your page numbers are still accurate.

How to remove page numbers in Word

There may be times when you need to remove page numbers entirely or reposition them. Here’s how to delete them from your document:

1. Double-click the header or footer area to open it.
2. Click the page number to select the placeholder.
3. Press Delete on your keyboard. Or go to the Insert tab, click Page Number, then select Remove Page Numbers from the dropdown.
4. Save your document.

If you only want to remove page numbers from a specific section (like the cover page), insert a section break and unlink the header or footer before deleting the number.

Pro tip: If you need to make quick edits to the body of your Word document online, without Microsoft Word, you can use a Xodo DOCX Editor. While it doesn’t support editing footnotes or endnotes, it lets you update your main text content, insert images, and adjust formatting directly in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Microsoft Word to add page numbers?

No. Microsoft Word is the most common tool for adding page numbers, but other editors can handle formatting too. However, most free online tools don’t support advanced features like section breaks or custom numbering.

What is the shortcut key for numbering in Word?

There’s no single shortcut to insert page numbers, but you can use Alt + N, U to open the Insert tab and access the Page Number menu. From there, use arrow keys and Enter to select your placement.

How can I choose Roman numerals?

Go to Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers. In the dialog box, choose Roman numerals from the Number format dropdown. Click OK to apply. You can repeat these steps to switch formats later.

Why do my page numbers start at two?

Page numbers may be set to start at two if the template or previous formatting treats the first page as a cover Page.

To fix it, go to the Insert tab > Page Number > Format Page Numbers, and check the Start at field. Change it to 1 if you want numbering to begin on the first page.

How do I stop page numbering after a certain page in Word?

To stop page numbering partway through a document, insert a section break at the point where numbering should end.

Then, unlink the header or footer in the new section from the previous one. You can delete the page number from that section without affecting previous pages.

Can I add footnotes alongside page numbers?

Yes. Footnotes and page numbers work independently. You can include both without conflict. For help adding footnotes, read our guide: How to add footnotes in Word. Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page and help clarify or cite content.

Can I add page numbers in Word without deleting the footer?

Yes. Page numbers are placed inside the header or footer area, but they don’t overwrite existing content. Just double-click the footer and adjust the layout manually.

You can position the number alongside other footer elements like document titles or dates.

Should I manually type page numbers?

No. Typing page numbers manually can lead to errors. MS Word’s built-in page numbering updates automatically when you add or remove pages. Manual entry requires constant adjustment and is not recommended.

Easily organize and manage pages in Microsoft Word

Page numbers help readers follow your document without guesswork. Using the steps in this guide, you can add, customize, or remove numbering to match your layout and formatting needs.

Whether you kept it simple or used advanced formatting, your document now has a cleaner structure that’s easier to read and reference.

Try these methods and see how a simple feature can give your files a polished format.