How to Print Page Numbers in Word
Printing page numbers in Word is a simple process that involves accessing the Header or Footer section of your document and inserting page numbers. Once inserted, these numbers can be customized in terms of format, position, and style. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and provide additional tips and FAQs to ensure your document looks professional.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Print Page Numbers in Word
Adding page numbers to your Word document is straightforward and ensures your pages are numbered correctly. Follow these steps to get it done:
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
First, open the document in Microsoft Word where you want to add page numbers.
Make sure your document is fully loaded. If you’re starting from scratch, create a new document by selecting "New" from the File menu.
Step 2: Go to the Insert Tab
Click on the "Insert" tab located at the top of the Word interface.
This tab gives you access to various options for enhancing your document, including adding tables, pictures, and page numbers.
Step 3: Click on Page Number
Within the Insert tab, click on the "Page Number" option in the Header & Footer group.
A dropdown menu will appear, offering different styles and positions for your page numbers.
Step 4: Choose a Position
Choose where you want the page numbers to appear (Top of Page, Bottom of Page, Page Margins, or Current Position).
Each option opens another list of styles. For example, "Bottom of Page" provides styles like Plain Number 2, Accent Bar 4, etc.
Step 5: Select a Style
Select the style that best suits your document.
Once you pick a style, Word automatically inserts the page numbers in the chosen position throughout the document.
Step 6: Customize the Format
Click on "Format Page Numbers" from the Page Number dropdown to customize the number format (like Roman numerals or letters).
You can also choose to start numbering from a specific number, which is particularly useful for large documents with sections.
After Completing the Action
After completing these steps, your Word document will display page numbers in the chosen format and position. You can now print the document, and it will include these page numbers, making it easier for readers to navigate the content.
Tips for Printing Page Numbers in Word
- Check for Section Breaks: If your document has sections, ensure each section follows the same page numbering format.
- Preview Before Printing: Use the Print Preview option to check if the page numbers appear correctly across all pages.
- Consistent Style: Maintain a consistent style for page numbers, especially in formal documents like reports or theses.
- Header and Footer Tools: Use the Header and Footer tools to adjust the position and formatting of your page numbers.
- Update Automatically: Ensure page numbers update automatically as you add or remove content from your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start page numbering from a specific page?
Go to the Page Number Format menu and select "Start at." Enter the number you want to start from.
Can I remove page numbers from certain pages?
Yes, you can. Insert a section break and then unlink the header or footer in that section from the previous one. Delete the page numbers in the new section.
How do I change the format of the page numbers?
Click on "Format Page Numbers" in the Page Number dropdown and select the desired format.
Do I need to manually update page numbers?
No, Word updates them automatically as you edit the document.
Can I have different page number formats in different sections?
Yes, by using section breaks and formatting each section individually.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Click on Page Number.
- Choose a position.
- Select a style.
- Customize the format.
Conclusion
Printing page numbers in Word is a breeze once you know the steps. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business report, or a lengthy thesis, adding page numbers can make your document look professional and organized. Remember, consistency is key. Always double-check your document for section breaks and formatting to ensure your page numbers align perfectly.
If you’re new to Word or just want to refine your skills, take a moment to explore the Header and Footer tools—they offer more customization options than you might think. For further reading, you can check out tutorials on advanced formatting features or Word’s official help page. Now that you know how to print page numbers in Word, go ahead and give your documents that polished, professional look!

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.