How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs
Add, style, and format page numbers in Google Docs: skip the first page, set a start number, build a Page X of Y footer, and remove them cleanly.
To add page numbers in Google Docs, open the Insert menu, choose Page numbers, and pick a style for the top or bottom of the page. From there you can skip the first page, change the starting number, and show a running Page X of Y. One catch: numbers appear only in the paginated Pages format — on screen, in print, and in PDFs, not in Pageless mode. The Android and iOS apps can add and skip page numbers too, but only while the document is in Print layout, and they can’t insert the page count for a Page X of Y total, which stays a web-only trick.
Add page numbers and pick a style
Go to Insert > Page numbers. A small panel shows four thumbnails: the number in the header or footer, each with a version that leaves page 1 blank and starts on page 2. Click one and it fills every page. A footer suits reports and essays; a header works when the top margin is empty.
Set the start number and position
To fine-tune, open Format > Page numbers, or click More options in the Insert panel — both open the same dialog. Position moves numbers between header and footer, Show on first page hides the number on page 1, and Start at begins somewhere other than 1, handy when a cover page comes first. Apply to limits the change to one section.
Show the total as Page X of Y
To show a running total, add a normal page number first, then double-click into the header or footer. Type Page before the number and of after it, leave the cursor there, and choose Insert > Page numbers > Page count for the total. It updates on its own as pages change.
Remove numbers and the Pageless catch
Page numbers live in the header or footer, separate from the body, so remove them by deleting them there: double-click in, select the number and any Page X of Y text, and press Delete — clearing one page clears them all. If you erase too much, you can recover deleted text in Google Docs from version history. Because they sit outside the body, adding content like a table in Google Docs leaves the numbering untouched. If numbers never appear, you’re probably in Pageless mode — open Format; if it offers Switch to Pages format, click it. Pageless mode has no page breaks and drops headers, footers, and numbering.
| Task | Menu path |
|---|---|
| Add page numbers | Insert > Page numbers |
| Skip the first page | Uncheck Show on first page |
| Set the starting number | Format > Page numbers > Start at |
| Add total (Page X of Y) | Insert > Page numbers > Page count |
| Remove them | Delete from the header or footer |
Set the style once and the numbers manage themselves as you add or cut pages. Spend a minute in the Format > Page numbers dialog to get the start number and position right, then run a print preview before sharing a PDF.
Common questions
Can I use Roman numerals for page numbers in Google Docs?
Google Docs has no built-in Roman numeral option. The workaround is to type the numerals by hand in the footer of a front-matter section set off by a section break, then start automatic Arabic numbering in the main body.
How do I start page numbers on page 3 in Google Docs?
Place a section break (Insert > Break > Section break) where you want numbering to begin, then open Format > Page numbers, set Apply to the new section, turn on Start at, and choose the starting value.
Why are my page numbers not showing in Google Docs?
The usual cause is Pageless mode, which drops headers, footers, and numbering. Open the Format menu, and if it offers Switch to Pages format, click it and the numbers reappear.
Can I add page numbers in the Google Docs mobile app?
Yes on Android and iOS: tap the plus icon, choose Page number, and pick a style. It works only while the document is in Print layout, and the apps can’t add a running page count.