Word often restarts a numbered list at 1 when you add a paragraph, picture, or heading between items. You can tell Word to continue the previous numbering instead with a right-click, or set any starting number you like.
Quick Answer
Right-click the number that restarted at 1 and choose Continue Numbering. To start at a specific number, right-click and choose Set Numbering Value.
How to Continue Numbering in Word
- Click the number in the list that restarted at 1.
- Right-click it and choose Continue Numbering.
- If the option is missing, right-click and choose Set Numbering Value, select Continue from previous list, and click OK.
- To start at a different number, use Set Numbering Value and enter the number.
- To keep a paragraph inside a list without a number, press Shift+Enter instead of Enter.
Numbering Commands
| Command | Use |
|---|---|
| Continue Numbering | Carry on from the previous list |
| Restart at 1 | Start a new list |
| Set Numbering Value | Pick any starting number |
| Adjust List Indents | Change spacing and alignment |
| Shift+Enter | Line break without a new number |
For outlines, read how to change list level in Word.
Numbering That Never Breaks: SEQ Fields
If you number items spread across a long document, such as steps separated by pictures, tables and headings, ordinary list numbering can keep restarting. A sequence field counts reliably no matter what sits in between:
- Click where the first number should go.
- Go to Insert, Quick Parts, Field, and choose Seq.
- Click Field Codes, add an identifier after SEQ so the code reads
SEQ Step, and click OK. - Copy that number and paste it wherever the next item goes. Each copy counts up automatically.
- Press Ctrl+A, then F9, to update all numbers after adding or moving items.
Word’s captions (Figure 1, Table 2) use the same SEQ fields behind the scenes, which is why they renumber correctly.
Stop Word Restarting Lists Automatically
Word restarts numbering when it thinks you’ve begun a new list, for example after typing “1.” at the start of a line. To change this behaviour, go to File, Options, Proofing, AutoCorrect Options, open the AutoFormat As You Type tab and untick Automatic numbered lists. You can still create lists with the Numbering button. See also how to stop automatic numbering in Word.
Number Headings and Sub-Steps
For headings like 1, 1.1 and 1.1.1 that continue throughout a document, link a multilevel list to your heading styles rather than numbering each heading by hand. See how to create a multilevel list in Word.
Troubleshooting
- Continue Numbering is greyed out: the lists use different numbering formats. Apply the same format from the Numbering button first.
- Numbers jump after a table: use Set Numbering Value and choose Continue from previous list.
- For list spacing, see how to adjust list indents in Word.
- For bulleted lists, read how to format bullet points in Word.
Related: Type Roman numerals in Word.
Related: Number paragraphs in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work in Word for Mac?
Yes. Control-click the number and choose Continue Numbering.
Can I link numbering across sections?
Yes. Use the same list style and Continue Numbering in each section.
Why does Word restart lists automatically?
AutoFormat treats text after a gap as a new list. Continue Numbering overrides it.
Summary
- Right-click the restarted number.
- Choose Continue Numbering.
- Use Set Numbering Value if needed.
- Press Shift+Enter for unnumbered lines.
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.