To change the paper size in Word for Office 365 (Microsoft 365), click the Layout tab, click Size, and choose a size such as Letter, Legal, or A4. For a size that isn’t listed, click More Paper Sizes, choose Custom size, and enter the width and height. The change applies to the whole document unless you choose otherwise.
Below you’ll learn how to set a custom size, use different sizes in one document, make a size your default, and fix printing problems.
How to change the paper size
- Click the Layout tab.
- Click Size in the Page Setup group.
- Choose a paper size from the list.
The list shows sizes your default printer supports. Common sizes are Letter (8.5 x 11 in, standard in the US and Canada) and A4 (210 x 297 mm, standard in most other countries).
How to set a custom paper size
- Click Layout > Size > More Paper Sizes.
- On the Paper tab, choose Custom size from the Paper size list.
- Enter the Width and Height.
- Under Apply to, choose Whole document or This point forward, and click OK.
Use different paper sizes in one document
- Click where the new size should start and insert a section break with Layout > Breaks > Next Page.
- With your cursor in the new section, open More Paper Sizes, choose the size, and set Apply to to This section.
Make a paper size your default
In the Page Setup box (More Paper Sizes), choose the size and click Set As Default, then Yes. New documents based on the Normal template use that size.
Printing tips
- If the printout is shrunk or cut off, open File > Print, click the last setting (often 1 Page Per Sheet), and choose Scale to Paper Size to match the paper in your printer.
- Check that the printer’s tray has the same paper size set in its own settings.
- Recheck margins and page breaks after changing size, since text may reflow.
Related: How to set A4 paper size in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t Word list the size I need?
The list depends on your printer. Use More Paper Sizes > Custom size.
How do I change paper size on a Mac?
Click Layout > Size, or File > Page Setup and choose a paper size.
Does changing the paper size change the orientation?
No. Change orientation separately with Layout > Orientation.
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.
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