Often we need to refer to particular lines in a Word document. While Word does count the number of words in a document, it can also show line numbers along with your document.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at how you can add line numbers to your Word document.
Also read: How to insert a Non-Breaking Space in Microsoft Word?
Adding line numbers to a Word document (Office 2010 onwards)
Line numbers can be added to an entire Word document or simply a section as well. However, before we get started, take note of the following.
- A table is counted as a single line.
- A figure is also counted as a single line.
- A text box is counted as one line if it is positioned inline with the text on the page. If text on the page wraps around the text box, the lines of text on the page are counted. Lines of text inside a text box are not counted.
How to add line numbers to an entire Word document?
Follow these steps to add line numbers to the entire Word document.
Step 1: Head over to the Layout tab and click Line Numbers in the Page Setup group.
Step 2: Select the corresponding option from the drop-down menu.
- Continuous: Numbers lines consecutively.
- Restart Each Page: Lines start with the number one on a new page.
- Restart Each Section: Lines start with the number one after each section break.
- Line Numbering Options: Use these for customised control over how lines are numbered.
We’ll just go ahead with Continuous. As you can see, the lines have been numbered as per the selection.
Also read: How to make a copy of a Word document?
How to add lines to a specific section of Word document?
Follow these steps to add lines to a particular section of your choice.
Step 1: Click in a section or select multiple sections as per your choice.
Step 2: Head over to the Layout tab and click Line Numbers in the Page Setup group.
Step 3: Click on Line Numbering Options.
Step 4: Under the Layout tab, click Selected Sections in the Apply to list.
Step 5: Click the Line Numbers… button.
Step 6: Check the Add line numbering checkbox and select the option you want under Numbering.
Also read: How to make a checklist in Word?
Adding line numbers to Word documents (Office 2007-2010)
If you’re on an older version of office, here’s how to add to line numbers to your documents.
Adding line numbers to the entire document
Step 1: Head over to the Layout tab and click Line Numbers in the Page Setup group.
Step 2: Select either of the following options from the drop-down menu.
- Continuous: Numbers lines consecutively.
- Restart Each Page: Lines start with the number one on a new page.
- Restart Each Section: Lines start with the number one after each section break.
- Line Numbering Options: Use these for customised control over how lines are numbered.
Adding line numbers to a section of the document
Step 1: Click in a section or select multiple sections as per your choice.
Step 2: Head over to the Layout tab and click Line Numbers in the Page Setup group.
Step 3: Click on Line Numbering Options.
Step 4: Under the Layout tab, click Selected Sections in the Apply to list.
Step 5: Click the Line Numbers… button.
Step 6: Check the Add line numbering checkbox and select the option you want under Numbering.
Also read: How to remove a page break in Word?
