Document Editing Problems

How to Create Separate Page Number Series in a Word Document

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to insert two distinct page numbering sequences in the same document, such as a standard series starting at 1 in the header and a calculated series starting at a different number (e.g., 125) in the footer.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up complex pagination where multiple independent page number sequences need to run simultaneously across document pages.
Observed behavior: Standard page numbering options only allow one continuous or sectioned sequence, requiring the use of calculated field codes to generate a secondary independent series.

Before you start

Before beginning, insert your standard page numbers into the document's header. Determine the exact mathematical offset you need for your secondary series (e.g., adding 124 to make page 1 display as 125).

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Calculated Field Code for the Secondary Series

Use Word's native mathematical field codes to generate a second page number series based on an offset from the actual page number.

To run a second page number sequence, you must calculate it mathematically based on the physical page number. This requires using special field code brackets, which must be inserted via keyboard shortcuts rather than typed manually.

Access the footer

Double-click the footer area (or wherever you want the second series to appear) to open the Header & Footer view.

Insert the outer field brackets

Press Ctrl+F9 (or Ctrl+Fn+F9 on some laptops) to insert the special field code delimiters { }. Do not type these curly brackets manually using your keyboard.

Build the calculation formula

Inside the newly created brackets, type an equals sign (=). Then press Ctrl+F9 again to insert a nested set of brackets. Type the word PAGE inside the nested brackets, and type your offset outside of them. The final formula should look like this: { = { PAGE } + 124 }.

Update the field to display the result

Press F9 to update the field and apply the calculation. If the text continues to display the raw formula code rather than the actual number, press Alt+F9 to toggle the field code display back to standard results.

Important Shortcut Note: Typing {={Page}+124} manually will only display as plain text. You must use the Ctrl+F9 shortcut to create functional field delimiters that Word recognizes.

Advanced Document Formatting

Easily Manage Page Numbers and Formatting with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides advanced yet user-friendly header and footer tools, making it simple to manage dual page number sequences, insert complex mathematical fields, and perfectly format your professional documents.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you need multiple page numbering sequences.
2. Insert standard page numbers: Go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Page Number', and select the format for your header.
3. Add the calculated sequence: Double-click the footer, press Ctrl+F9 to insert the field code brackets, type the formula { = {PAGE} + 124 }, and press F9 to apply it.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .doc)Intuitive interface for managing headers, footers, and page numbersSeamless support for standard keyboard shortcuts to insert field codesFree, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my calculated page number showing the formula instead of the actual number?

If you see { = { PAGE } + 124 } instead of the resulting number, Word is currently set to display field codes instead of field results. Press Alt+F9 on your keyboard to toggle the display back to the calculated results.

Can I just type the curly brackets for the field code?

No, manually typing the curly brackets {} using your keyboard will only insert regular text characters. You must press Ctrl+F9 (or Ctrl+Fn+F9 on some keyboards) to insert the functional field code delimiters that tell the application to perform a calculation.

Will this second page number sequence update automatically if I add more pages?

Yes, because the formula relies on the dynamic {PAGE} field, it will automatically calculate the offset for every new page created in your document.

How do I change the starting number of the standard page series in the header?

Double-click the header, go to the Header & Footer tab, click 'Page Number', and select 'Format Page Numbers'. In the dialog box, enter your desired starting value in the 'Start at' box.

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