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How to Add Page Numbers in Microsoft Word

Follow these steps in order to add page numbers to a Word document.

  1. Open the "Insert" tab

    Click the "Insert" tab in Word's top menu ribbon.

  2. Click "Page Number"

    In the "Header & Footer" group, select "Page Number."

  3. Choose the position

    Pick whether the number appears at the top of the page, the bottom, or in the margin, and choose left, center, or right alignment.

  4. Exclude the number from the first page

    If you do not want a number showing on your cover page, use the "Different First Page" option under Page Setup.

  5. Start numbering from a specific value

    Under "Page Number Format," you can set the numbering to start from any number you choose instead of 1.

Essential for reports and papers

Any document running more than a couple of pages benefits from page numbers, and using Word's automatic numbering means the numbers update themselves correctly whenever pages are added or removed -- no manual renumbering required.

Pairs well with a table of contents

Page numbers are most useful alongside a table of contents that references them, so readers can jump straight to the section they need instead of scrolling through the whole document.

Frequently Asked Questions

I want the cover page and table of contents excluded from numbering entirely.

Insert a section break to divide the document, then set the page numbering to restart from the section that begins your main body text -- that lets the cover and table of contents stay unnumbered.

Can I use Roman numerals instead of regular numbers?

Yes -- under "Page Number Format," you can change the number style from Arabic numerals to Roman numerals (i, ii, iii).