How to Number Pages at the Bottom in Excel 2010

Creating a spreadsheet in Excel 2010 is much simpler when it is going to be viewed by others on their computers. But you often need to print spreadsheets, which brings its own set of problems.

Aside from the difficulties that arise with columns that print on multiple pages, spreadsheets that print without gridlines, and confusion that can arise when you don’t print column headings, multiple-page spreadsheets can look very similar from page to page.

So if a staple or paperclip is removed and pages are incorrectly ordered, it can be difficult to put them back together. One helpful way to alleviate this problem is by adding page numbers to the bottom of your Excel spreadsheet.

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Insert Page Numbers at the Bottom of the Page in Excel 2010

My personal preference is to put the Excel page numbers at the bottom, so this tutorial will focus on that location.

Note, however, that you have the option of placing them in almost any other location on the page. I just prefer the bottom because the page number isn’t distracting there, but it’s a matter of personal preference.

Step 1: Open the spreadsheet to which you want to add page numbers.

Step 2: Click the Insert tab at the top of the window.

click the Insert tab

Step 3: Click the Header & Footer button in the Text section of the ribbon.

click the header and footer button

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the page, then click the footer section to which you want to add the page number. Note that I am selecting the right footer.

select the portion of the footer where you want the page number to go

Step 5: Click the Header & Footer Tools Design tab at the top of the window.

click the header and footer tools design tab

Step 6: Click the Page Number button.

how to add a page number to the bottom in excel 2010

If you open the Print window, you will see that the page number is now visible on each of the pages of your spreadsheet.

sample page number

If you want to add page numbers as well as a total number of pages, such as “3 of 4”, then you can change the value in the footer section so that it says &[Page] of &[Pages], which will result in the layout below.

alternate page numbering option

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Now that you know how to number pages at the bottom in Excel 2010, you can start including your page numbers in that location instead of the header.

Learn how to print the top row on every page in Excel 2010 for another way to organize your printed spreadsheets.

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