Adding size to text in Word can be a breeze once you know the basics! Whether you need to make a title pop, emphasize a quote, or just make reading easier, adjusting text size in Microsoft Word is simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you increase font size efficiently.
How to Add Size in Word
The following steps will show you exactly how to increase the font size of your text in a Word document.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open Microsoft Word and load up your document.
If you don’t have a document open, you won’t be able to see the changes you make. Make sure your text is ready for editing.
Step 2: Select the Text
Select the text that you want to change the size of by clicking and dragging over it.
Highlighting the text ensures that only the selected portion is affected by your size adjustments.
Step 3: Navigate to the Font Size Box
Next, head over to the “Home” tab and find the font size box in the toolbar.
The font size box is usually located near the top of the Word window. It’s where you can see a number indicating the current size of your text.
Step 4: Choose a New Font Size
Input your desired size directly into the font size box or use the drop-down menu to select from preset sizes.
Entering a number allows for more precision if you need a specific size not listed in the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Apply the New Size
Press “Enter” or click outside the font size box to apply the new size to your selected text.
Once you apply the new size, your text will instantly change, showing the new font size you’ve set.
After completing these steps, your selected text will appear larger (or smaller) according to your adjustments. This can make specific parts of your document stand out more effectively.
Tips for Adding Size in Word
- Keep it readable: When increasing font size, make sure the text remains readable and doesn’t look awkward or out of place.
- Consistent styling: Try to keep font sizes consistent throughout your document to maintain a professional appearance.
- Use headings wisely: Utilize different font sizes for headings and subheadings to create a clear hierarchy in your document.
- Shortcut keys: Use “Ctrl + Shift + >” to increase text size and “Ctrl + Shift + <” to decrease it quickly.
- Preview before finalizing: Always preview your document to ensure that the new text size works well with the overall layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my font size change not applying?
Make sure you’ve selected the text you want to change. Without selecting text, changes won’t apply.
How do I reset my font size to default?
Highlight your text and select the default size from the font size box, or press “Ctrl + Shift + N” to reset to normal style.
Can I change the default font size for all new documents?
Yes, go to the “Home” tab, click on the small arrow in the “Font” group, and set your preferred size under “Set As Default.”
What’s the maximum font size I can use in Word?
Word allows font sizes up to 1638 points, but practical use typically doesn’t require sizes nearly that large.
Does font size affect printing?
Yes, larger font sizes will take up more space on the page, which can affect the layout when printed.
Summary
- Open Your Document.
- Select the Text.
- Navigate to the Font Size Box.
- Choose a New Font Size.
- Apply the New Size.
Conclusion
Changing font size in Word is more than just a basic skill; it’s essential for creating readable, professional, and engaging documents. Whether you're preparing a school project, a business report, or a personal letter, knowing how to tweak the text size ensures your message is clear and impactful.
Above all, remember to use font sizes thoughtfully. Overdoing it can make your document look messy, while too little emphasis can make important points get lost in the mix. Practice these steps, explore the tips, and soon you’ll be a pro at making your Word documents stand out in all the right ways! For more detailed tasks like adding size in Word, Microsoft’s help resources are also a great place to visit. Happy editing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.