To fix numbering in Word, right-click the number that’s wrong and choose Restart at 1, Continue Numbering or Set Numbering Value. Most numbering problems come from a list that restarts when it shouldn’t, continues when it shouldn’t, or mixes list levels. Word keeps numbering automatic, so fixing the list itself is better than typing numbers by hand.
Quick Answer
Right-click a number > Restart at 1, Continue Numbering or Set Numbering Value. Use Tab and Shift + Tab to fix list levels.
Steps to Fix Numbering
- Click the first number that’s wrong.
- Right-click it.
- Choose Restart at 1 to begin a new list, or Continue Numbering to join it to the list above.
- For a specific start, choose Set Numbering Value, enter the number and click OK.
- If an item sits at the wrong level, click at the start of it and press Tab to demote or Shift + Tab to promote it.
Common Numbering Problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| List restarts at 1 unexpectedly | Right-click > Continue Numbering |
| New list continues old numbers | Right-click > Restart at 1 |
| Numbers look different sizes or fonts | Click a number to select all of them, then set the font |
| Wrong gap after numbers | Right-click > Adjust List Indents |
| Nested items numbered wrongly | Home > Multilevel List, then Tab / Shift + Tab |
| Word numbers lines as you type | Turn off automatic numbered lists in AutoCorrect options |
Troubleshooting
- Numbers can’t be selected or edited: They may be typed text, not a list. Delete them and apply Home > Numbering.
- Stop Word numbering automatically: See stopping automatic numbering in Word.
- Spacing looks off: See adjusting list indents in Word.
- Bullets instead of numbers: See formatting bullet points in Word.
Related: Number paragraphs in Word.
Related: Continue numbering in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a list at a number other than 1?
Yes. Right-click the first number, choose Set Numbering Value and enter the start number.
Why does pasting break my numbering?
Pasted text can bring its own list formatting. Paste with Keep Text Only, then apply numbering again.
How do I use letters or Roman numerals?
Click the arrow next to Numbering and choose a format from the library, or Define New Number Format.
Summary
- Right-click the wrong number.
- Restart, continue or set the value.
- Fix levels with Tab and Shift + Tab.
- Adjust indents and formats as needed.
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.