Formatting Issues

How to Add Page X of Y Numbering in Word for Mac

Aamir Naveed AkramAamir Naveed Akram Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to insert page numbers in the "Page X of Y" or "1 of 10" format in Microsoft Word for Mac but cannot easily locate the specific numbering format option.

How to Add Page X of Y Numbering in Word for Mac
Product
Microsoft Word
Device & OS
Mac
Scenario
Formatting document headers or footers to display both the current page number and the total number of pages.
Observed behavior
The user cannot find the required "Page X of Y" format within the standard page numbering menu, preventing them from displaying the total page count.
Before you start

Ensure your document is separated into sections if you only want the 'Page X of Y' numbering to apply to specific parts of your file. Double-click the header or footer area to quickly access the editing tools.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Built-in Page Numbering Formats or AutoText

The simplest way to add the 'Page X of Y' format is by utilizing Word's built-in header and footer templates or AutoText features.

Microsoft Word for Mac includes predefined formatting options that automatically calculate and display the current page alongside the total page count.

1
Access the Header or Footer

Double-click the top or bottom margin of your document to open the Header & Footer editing mode.

2
Navigate to the Insert Menu

Click on the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, navigate to 'Page Number', or select 'AutoText' depending on your specific Mac Word version.

3
Select Page X of Y Format

Scroll through the available gallery options and choose a 'Page X of Y' format (such as '1 of 10' or 'Page 1 of 10'). Click it to insert it into your document.

Use Built-in Page Numbering Formats or AutoText
Quick Tip: You can easily change the alignment of your inserted page numbers (left, center, or right) using the standard paragraph alignment buttons on the Home tab.
Seamless Document Formatting

Easily Add Custom Page Numbering with WPS Office Writer

WPS Office provides an intuitive and user-friendly alternative for Mac users. Inserting complex page numbering formats like 'Page X of Y' is built directly into the quick-access header and footer menu without the need to manually type complex field codes.

  1. 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and open your document in WPS Writer.
  2. 2. Access the Insert Tab: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Page Number'.
  3. 3. Choose Format: From the drop-down menu, browse the preset formats and select your preferred 'Page X of Y' style.
  4. 4. Apply and Close: The numbering will apply automatically. Double-click the main document area to exit the header/footer editing mode.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsPre-built 'Page X of Y' templates available in one clickLightweight application that runs smoothly on macOSFree to download and use for everyday document formatting
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'Page X of Y' restarting at page 1 in the middle of my Mac Word document?

This usually happens if your document contains section breaks and the new section is configured to restart page numbering. To fix this, double-click the footer, go to 'Page Number' > 'Format Page Numbers', and select 'Continue from previous section'.

Can I change the format to 'Page 1 / 10' instead of 'Page 1 of 10'?

Yes. If you use the manual field code method, you can type any text or symbol between the PAGE and NUMPAGES fields. Simply type a slash '/' instead of 'of' to achieve the '1 / 10' format.

Does WPS Office on Mac support 'Page X of Y' numbering?

Yes, WPS Writer for Mac includes built-in 'Page X of Y' numbering formats. You can easily insert them from the Insert > Page Number menu, and they will display perfectly if you share the document with Microsoft Word users.