To align a table of contents in Word, click References > Table of Contents > Custom Table of Contents, check Right align page numbers, pick a Tab leader (such as dots), and click OK, then Yes to replace the current table. If entries or page numbers still don’t line up, click Modify in the same dialog and fix the tab stop and indents in the TOC 1, TOC 2, and TOC 3 styles, so every entry at the same level lines up and the change survives when you update the table.
This guide covers right-aligning page numbers, fixing ragged numbers, lining up entry text and indents, centering the “Contents” title, fixing entries that wrap badly, and why manual formatting disappears when you update the table.
Why a table of contents gets misaligned
- Right align page numbers is turned off, so numbers sit right after the text.
- The right tab stop in a TOC style doesn’t match the page’s right margin, often after changing margins or page size.
- Manual edits (spaces, tabs, or formatting typed into the table) were added and then partly lost when the table updated.
- Headings in the document contain tabs, line breaks, or manual numbering that carry into the table.
- The table was typed by hand instead of generated from heading styles.
Method 1: Right-align page numbers with a dot leader
- Click anywhere in your table of contents.
- Go to References > Table of Contents > Custom Table of Contents.
- Check Show page numbers and Right align page numbers.
- Choose a Tab leader: dots, dashes, a solid line, or (none).
- Click OK, then Yes when Word asks whether to replace the table of contents.
Method 2: Fix alignment in the TOC styles
Word formats each level of the table with a style: TOC 1 for Heading 1 entries, TOC 2 for Heading 2, and so on. Changing these styles is the permanent fix.
- In Custom Table of Contents, click Modify. (Formats must be set to From template for this button to work.)
- Select TOC 1 and click Modify.
- Click Format > Paragraph to set Indentation (left indent and a hanging indent if entries wrap) and spacing.
- Click Format > Tabs. Clear any stray tab stops, then set one Right tab at your text width (for example, 6.5″ on letter paper with 1-inch margins), choose a leader, and click Set and OK.
- Click OK to save the style, then repeat for TOC 2, TOC 3, and any other levels.
- Click OK and Yes to replace the table.
To find your text width, subtract the left and right margins from the page width (in Layout > Margins > Custom Margins). For example, 8.5″ minus 1″ and 1″ is 6.5″.
Method 3: Line up wrapped entries with a hanging indent
Long headings that wrap to a second line can look messy. In the TOC style’s Paragraph settings, set Special to Hanging by about 0.25″ to 0.5″, and add a right indent of about 0.3″ so the text stops before the page numbers. The second line then lines up under the first line’s text instead of running into the numbers.
Method 4: Align numbered entries
If your headings use numbering like 1.1 or Chapter 1, add a left tab stop in the TOC style right after the number (for example, at 0.4″ for TOC 1 and 0.8″ for TOC 2) so all entry text starts at the same position.
Center or align the “Contents” title
The title (“Contents” or “Table of Contents”) uses the TOC Heading style, not the TOC entry styles. Click the title and press Ctrl + E to center it, or Ctrl + L to left-align it. To make this permanent, right-click TOC Heading in the Styles gallery, choose Modify, and set the alignment.
Why manual fixes disappear
When you click Update Table and choose Update entire table, Word rebuilds the table from your headings and applies the TOC styles, wiping out spaces, tabs, and formatting you added by hand. Always make changes in the styles, and choose Update page numbers only if you just need new page numbers.
Other fixes
- Page numbers land on a new line – the entry is too long for the space. Add a right indent in the TOC style, shorten the heading, or reduce the font size.
- An entry has odd spacing or tabs – remove tabs, manual line breaks (Shift + Enter), or extra spaces from the heading in the document itself, then update the table.
- A heading is at the wrong level – check that it uses the right style (Heading 1, 2, or 3) in the document.
- The whole table is shifted – check the TOC styles’ left indent and make sure the table isn’t inside an indented section or text box.
- See hidden tabs and spaces – press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to show formatting marks.
Word for Mac and Word for the web
- Mac – use References > Table of Contents > Custom Table of Contents. The options and style fixes are the same.
- Web – Word for the web can insert and update a table of contents, but custom options such as tab leaders and TOC style changes are limited. Open the file in the desktop app for full control.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove the dots in a table of contents?
In Custom Table of Contents, set Tab leader to (none) and click OK.
Can I left-align page numbers right after the text?
Yes. Uncheck Right align page numbers. Word then places each number just after its entry.
Why does my table of contents have different fonts from my document?
The TOC styles use their own font settings. Modify each TOC style and set the font to match your body text.
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.