Easily Add Page Numbers to a Word Document on Any Platform

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. 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.

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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 to your Microsoft Word document on Windows and macOS, as well as in the Word mobile app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.

• 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.

Inserting (PC & Mac)

• Don’t forget to save your work as you go!

• In the Insert menu, Page Number is near the center.
• In the Header & Footer design tab, Page Number is on the left.

• 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.

Formatting (PC & Mac)

• You could even cross out the page numbers if that’s your style.

• 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.

• 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.

• The number format. You can change this to Roman numerals, letters, or another style.
• The chapter number.
• The starting number.

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.

Inserting (Mobile)

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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.

Tap the more button. While in Edit mode in the Word mobile app, tap the more button (three horizontal dots).

Format the page number. 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!

• When working in Online mode, any changes made in the app will appear on your desktop version of Word.

Expert Q&A

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

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.

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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