How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs

To add page numbers in Google Docs, click Insert > Page elements > Page number and choose where the numbers go. To start numbering on a later page or section, choose More options and set Apply to. Google says page numbers only work in documents set to Pages format, not Pageless.

These steps come from Google’s Use headers, footers, page numbers & footnotes help page and its Android version.

How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs

1. Open the document on your computer.
2. Click Insert > Page elements > Page number.
3. Pick a preset. There are options for the header or the footer, each with or without the first page.

Result: Google says the page numbers are added automatically. Skipping the first page leaves it unnumbered, so numbering starts on page 2.

If You Don’t See the Page Number Option

Google says page numbers aren’t available in Pageless format. To switch:

• Computer: click File > Page setup, select Pages, and click OK.
• Android: tap Edit > More > Page setup and turn off Pageless.
• iPhone or iPad: open More > Page setup and turn off Pageless.

How to Start Numbering on a Specific Page or Section

1. Click Insert > Page elements > Page number > More options.
2. Under Apply to, choose where the page number change should apply. If you don’t see the option, Google says to add a section break first (see how to insert a page break in Google Docs for the Break menu).
3. Click Apply.

Result: The numbering applies only to the part you chose. To keep introductory pages unnumbered, add a section break, open the later section’s header or footer, and clear Link to previous before applying the numbers.

How to Add a Total Page Count

Put your cursor where you want the count, for example after “Page 3 of,” then click Insert > Page elements > Page number > Page count. Google says the count is added where your cursor is, and it updates automatically as pages are added or deleted.

How to Change or Remove Page Numbers

• Change the alignment: Click in the header or footer and use the left, center, or right align buttons on the toolbar.
• Change the font or size: Select the page number and use the formatting tools in the toolbar.
• Remove a page number: Select it and press Delete or Backspace.
• Different first page: Google says to click a header or footer and check Different first page to give the first page its own header or footer.

How to Add Page Numbers in the Google Docs App

1. Open the document in the Google Docs app and tap Edit.
2. Tap Insert, then Page Number.
3. Choose where the numbers go and whether to skip the first page. Skipping it is useful when page 1 is a cover page in Google Docs.

Result: The numbers are added. Google notes that in the Android app you only see page numbers, headers, and footers in Print Layout mode. Turn it on from the More menu if you can’t see them.

Need notes at the bottom of the page too? See how to add footnotes in Google Docs. Page numbers sit in the header or footer, so you can add a title or your name next to them; see how to add, change, or remove a header in Google Docs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I add page numbers in Google Docs?

Your document is probably in Pageless format. Google says page numbers need Pages format, so switch it in File > Page setup.

How do I start page numbers on page 2?

Choose a preset that skips the first page when you insert the numbers. The first page stays unnumbered and numbering starts on the second page.

Organizing a longer document? Here’s how to alphabetize a list in Google Docs.