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How to add page numbers in Microsoft Word
Numbering your pages in Word and PDF documents allows you to keep your written material organized and consumable. When it comes to readability, page numbers can help a reader keep track of where they left off should they decide to take a break. Let’s quickly review how to number pages in Word.
Read more: How to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word
THE SHORT ANSWER
To number pages in Word, go to Insert > Page Number > Top of Page / Bottom of Page / Current Position. If you want your pages to begin at a specific number, go back to the Page Number dropdown and select Format Page Numbers…. Use the Start at: field to customize your initial page number.
KEY SECTIONS
How to add page numbers to a Word document
In your Microsoft Word document, click the Insert tab at the top.
In the Header & Footer section, click Page Number.
Select a location and style for your page numbers. Click Top of Page, Bottom of Page, or Current Position, then choose where and how you want your page numbers to appear. If you want your pages to begin at a specific number, go back to the Page Number dropdown and select Format Page Numbers…. Use the Start at: field to customize your initial page number.
Your page numbers will appear as specified.
How to number pages in Word starting on Page 2
In your Microsoft Word document, click the Insert tab at the top.
In the Header & Footer section, click Page Number.
Select a location and style for your page numbers. Click Top of Page, Bottom of Page, or Current Position, then choose where and how you want your page numbers to appear. If you want your pages to begin at a specific number, go back to the Page Number dropdown and select Format Page Numbers…. Use the Start at: field to customize your initial page number.
In the Header & Footer tab, click Different First Page in the Options section.
How to number pages in Word starting on Page 3
In your Microsoft Word document, press the Enter key on your keyboard until you reach the third page of your document. If you already have content there, click at the beginning of the material on the third page of your document.
Once you’ve reached the third page, click the Layout tab at the top.
In the Page Setup section, click Breaks.
Under Section Breaks, select Next Page.
Double-click at the top of the third page to enter the header. In the Header & Footer tab at the top, Link to Previous should automatically be selected; click this to deselect it.
Go to the Insert tab.
Click Page Number.
Choose the location and style of your page numbers.
Your pages will be numbered starting on the third page.
Read more: How to delete a page in Word