To change margins to Narrow in Word, go to the Layout tab, click Margins, and choose Narrow. Word sets every margin to 0.5 inch (1.27 cm), fitting more text on each page. To make Narrow the default for new documents, open Margins > Custom Margins, enter 0.5″ on all four sides, and click Set As Default.
Change to Narrow margins
- Open the document.
- Click the Layout tab (called Page Layout in Word 2013 and earlier).
- Click Margins.
- Choose Narrow.
The whole document updates at once, unless it has several sections. Text reflows, so check page breaks, tables and images afterwards.
Word’s margin presets
| Preset | Top and bottom | Left and right |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (default) | 1″ | 1″ |
| Narrow | 0.5″ | 0.5″ |
| Moderate | 1″ | 0.75″ |
| Wide | 1″ | 2″ |
| Mirrored | 1″ | 1.25″ inside, 1″ outside |
If you need a specific size, such as 0.75″ or 2 cm, choose Custom Margins and type the values. For the standard academic setting, see how to set 1 inch margins in Word.
When Narrow margins make sense
- Fitting a document on fewer pages, such as a one-page résumé or a handout that spills onto a second page.
- Wide tables or charts that are squeezed by standard margins.
- Printing drafts to save paper.
- Signs, flyers and labels, where you want more usable space on the page.
Avoid them for long reports and anything that will be bound, since text close to the edge is harder to read and can be lost in a binding. Combining Narrow margins with a slightly smaller font often fits more on a page than changing either one alone, and you can check the result instantly in File > Print preview.
Apply Narrow margins to part of a document
- Click in the section you want to change, or select the text.
- Go to Layout > Margins > Custom Margins.
- Enter 0.5″ for Top, Bottom, Left and Right.
- Set Apply to to This section, This point forward or Selected text.
- Click OK.
Word inserts section breaks around the selected text so it can have its own margins. See how to create sections in Word.
Make Narrow the default
- Go to Layout > Margins > Custom Margins.
- Enter 0.5″ in all four boxes.
- Click Set As Default, then Yes.
New blank documents now start with Narrow margins. Existing documents aren’t changed.
See the margins on screen
Turn on the ruler with View > Ruler. The gray areas at each end show the margins, and you can drag the edges to adjust them by eye. To show margin guidelines, see how to show margins in Word.
Before you print
Most printers can’t print right to the edge. If Word warns that “One or more margins are set outside the printable area of the page”, click Fix to move them to the printer’s minimum, which is usually close to 0.25″. Narrow margins at 0.5″ are safe on almost every printer. To go further, see how to remove margins in Word.
Mac and Word for the web
Word for Mac: Layout > Margins > Narrow, with Custom Margins at the bottom of the same menu. Word for the web: Layout > Margins > Narrow. The web version doesn’t have Set As Default.
Troubleshooting
Only some pages changed
The document has more than one section. Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then choose Margins > Narrow again.
Margins snap back when I reopen the file
The document is based on a template that sets margins when it opens, or it’s in Compatibility Mode. Save it as .docx and apply the margins again.
Header or footer overlaps the text
With narrow margins, headers sit closer to the body. Go to Layout > Margins > Custom Margins > Layout and reduce the From edge values for header and footer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Narrow margins for school papers?
Usually not. MLA and APA require 1-inch margins. See how to set up APA format in Word.
What’s Narrow in centimeters?
1.27 cm on each side. If your ruler shows centimeters, change the unit in File > Options > Advanced > Display.
Summary
- Layout > Margins > Narrow sets 0.5″ on every side.
- Custom Margins lets you apply it to one section.
- Set As Default makes it standard for new documents.
- Click Fix if Word warns about the printable area.
Related: add a border in Word.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.