Formatting Issues

How to Add 1 to the NUMPAGES Field in Word (Page X of Y)

Elise Williams Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to display accurate 'Page X of Y' numbering in a Word document, specifically adding 1 to the total page count when the starting page is set to 2.

How to Add 1 to the NUMPAGES Field in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a mail merge document where the starting page number is 2, requiring an adjustment to the total page count (NUMPAGES).
Observed behavior: The default NUMPAGES field does not reflect the adjusted page count, requiring a mathematical formula (+1) within the field codes to display correctly.

Before you start

Ensure your document header or footer is open and the default 'Page X of Y' numbering is already inserted before manipulating the field codes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Nested Field Codes to Modify the NUMPAGES Field

Adjust the total page count by wrapping the NUMPAGES field inside a mathematical formula field using the Ctrl+F9 shortcut.

To perform mathematical calculations on page numbers in Word, you cannot simply type curly brackets manually. You must use the Ctrl+F9 keyboard shortcut to insert special functional field braces.

Toggle Field Codes

Press Alt+F9 on your keyboard to display the field codes. Your page numbering should now look something like Page { PAGE } of { NUMPAGES }.

Insert Nested Field Braces

Highlight the existing { NUMPAGES } field. Press Ctrl+F9 to wrap it in a new set of field braces, making it look like { { NUMPAGES } }.

Enter the Math Formula

Click inside the outer brackets but before the inner field, and type an equals sign (=). Then, click after the inner field and type +1. The complete code should read { = { NUMPAGES } + 1 }.

Update the Field

Press Alt+F9 again to hide the field codes. Right-click on the resulting page number and select 'Update Field' from the context menu to calculate and display the new total page count.

Use Nested Field Codes to Modify the NUMPAGES Field

Important: Typing ordinary curly brackets {} on your keyboard will not work. You must use Ctrl+F9 to generate the correct, functional field brackets.

Easily Manage Complex Page Numbering with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for managing complex page numbering, headers, and footers. It fully supports Word field codes, allowing you to easily adjust 'Page X of Y' settings without any formatting compatibility issues.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, open your document, and double-click the header or footer area to activate it.
2. Insert Page Numbers: Navigate to the Header and Footer tab, and insert the default 'Page X of Y' format.
3. Edit Field Codes: Use the Alt+F9 and Ctrl+F9 shortcuts just as you would in Microsoft Word to edit the {NUMPAGES} field codes directly.
4. Update to Apply: Right-click the adjusted field and select 'Update Field' to instantly apply your mathematical formula.

Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word field codes and .docx filesIntuitive header and footer editing tools for custom numberingLightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my +1 formula updating the total page count?

If you typed the curly brackets manually using the keyboard, Word will not recognize them as active field codes. You must highlight the text and press Ctrl+F9 to insert functional field brackets, then right-click and choose 'Update Field'.

How do I hide the field codes after editing them?

Press the Alt+F9 shortcut on your keyboard to toggle the field codes off. This will switch the display from the raw formula (like { = { NUMPAGES } + 1 }) back to the calculated page numbers.

Can I subtract a page from the NUMPAGES field?

Yes. You can use the exact same nested field method but replace the '+1' with '-1'. The formula would simply be structured as { = { NUMPAGES } - 1 }.

Document & File Issues