Word – Page Numbering

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Page numbering adds sequential numbers to your document, usually in the header or footer. It’s essential for reports, dissertations, and any multi-page document. You can easily apply it through the entire document just by inserting them.

Insert Page Numbers

  1. Go to the Insert tab.
  2. Click Page Number in the Header & Footer group.
  3. Choose:
    • Top of Page (Header)
    • Bottom of Page (Footer)
    • Page Margins
    • Current Position (where your cursor is)
This image shows adding page numbers from the Insert tab in the menu ribbon.

Format Page Numbers

  • After inserting the numbering, click Format Page Numbers in the Page Number menu.
  • Options include:
    • Number format (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or i, ii, iii)
    • Include chapter number
    • Start at (set a custom starting number)
This image shows formating the page numbers using the Page number format window.

Restart Numbering in a Section

To restart numbering or use different formats:

  1. Insert a Section Break (Layout → Breaks → Section Break).
  2. Double-click the header/footer in the new section or edit it.
  3.  With the header/footer menu accessed, turn off Link to Previous.
  4. Insert and format page numbers for that section..
This image shows unlinking a section from the previous section.

Remove Page Numbers

  • Go to InsertPage NumberRemove Page Numbers.
  • Or delete them manually from the header/footer.
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Updated on January 12, 2026