To place page numbers at the top right of a Word document, insert the page number in the header and choose a right-aligned style. In current desktop versions of Word, open Insert > Page Number and choose a top-of-page option that places the number on the right.
Add a top-right page number
- Open the document in Microsoft Word.
- Select the Insert tab.
- Choose Page Number.
- Select a top-of-page/header option.
- Choose a right-aligned page-number style.
- Close the header and footer when you are finished.
If the page number is already in the header
Double-click the header, select the existing page number, and use the header’s alignment controls or tab stops to move it to the right. Microsoft also documents using the Tab key in a header to move a page number between left, center, and right positions.
Starting with a different number
If the document should begin with a number other than 1, use Word’s Format Page Numbers controls. Documents that need different numbering in separate sections require section breaks and section-specific header/footer settings.
For academic formatting, check the required style guide as well. Some formats specify not only the page-number position but also whether a surname or other text belongs in the header.
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.
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