Google Sheets adds page numbers when you print or export a sheet to PDF, and by default they sit at the bottom of the page. You can move them to the top by editing the custom header and footer fields in the print settings. The option lives in the print dialog because page numbers only exist on printed or PDF pages.
Quick Answer
Choose File, Print, open Headers and footers, check Page numbers, click Edit custom fields, then move the page number into a header box at the top of the page and click Confirm.
How to Put Page Numbers at the Top in Google Sheets
- Open the spreadsheet and choose File, then Print (or press Ctrl+P).
- In the right panel, expand Headers and footers and check Page numbers.
- Click Edit custom fields. The preview shows editable header and footer boxes.
- Delete the page number from the footer box, click a header box (left, center, or right), and choose Page number from the insert menu that appears.
- Click Confirm, then Next to print or save as PDF.
| Field | Shows |
|---|---|
| Page number | The current page |
| Page number of total | For example, 2 of 5 |
| Workbook title | The spreadsheet name |
| Sheet name | The tab name |
| Current date and time | When you printed it |
Troubleshooting
- No page numbers in the preview: make sure Page numbers is checked and you are printing, not viewing the sheet.
- The header box is empty after confirming: click the box again in Edit custom fields and re-add the page number field.
- To make printed sheets easier to read, see how to print with gridlines in Google Sheets.
- To print every tab with numbering, read how to print your entire workbook in Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see page numbers while editing the sheet?
No. Page numbers only appear in the print preview, printed pages, and exported PDFs.
Can I start numbering at a different page?
Google Sheets does not offer a starting number option. Combine the PDF with other pages in a PDF editor if you need that.
Do custom headers stay saved?
Sheets usually remembers your last print settings for that file, but check the preview before printing.
Summary
- Open File, Print.
- Check Page numbers under Headers and footers.
- Use Edit custom fields to move them to the header.
- Confirm and print or export.
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.