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How to Add Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Tap a step to see how to add slide numbers in PowerPoint.

  1. Click "Slide Number" in the Insert tab

    In the "Text" group of the "Insert" tab, click "Slide Number" (sometimes labeled "Header & Footer").

  2. Check the "Slide Number" box

    In the dialog box, check "Slide Number."

  3. Optionally check "Don't show on title slide"

    Check this option if you do not want a number on the very first cover slide.

  4. Click "Apply to All"

    Once set, click "Apply to All" so the number appears on every slide.

  5. Why it helps

    In a long presentation, slide numbers let you say something like "let's go back to slide 3" and have everyone find it instantly.

When people keep asking "which slide was that?"

Without slide numbers, it is hard for an audience to reference a specific slide later. Adding numbers means you can say "going back to slide 5" and everyone can follow along precisely, which makes presentations and Q&A run far more smoothly.

If the number still does not show up

Applying the setting sometimes fails to display a number if the number placeholder was deleted from the slide layout itself. Check "View β†’ Slide Master," select the layout in question, and make sure the small "#" placeholder box is still present β€” if it was removed, you will need to re-add it from the Master view before the number will appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can slide numbers start from something other than 1?

Yes. Under "Design β†’ Slide Size β†’ Custom Slide Size," the "Number slides from" field lets you set any starting number you want.

Can I show the date along with the slide number?

Yes. In the same "Insert β†’ Slide Number" dialog, also checking "Date and time" adds a date to every slide alongside the number.