Formatting Issues

How to Exclude Blank Pages from Page Count in Word

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent blank pages caused by section breaks from being calculated in the total document page count.

How to Exclude Blank Pages from the Total Page Count in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up document headers or footers with a 'Page X of Y' format while using Odd Page section breaks that naturally generate hidden blank pages.
Observed behavior: The NUMPAGES field automatically includes the blank filler pages in the total count, making the final page number higher than the actual printed content pages.

Before you start

Before modifying your page numbering, note the exact number of structural blank pages your document generates, as you will need this number to adjust your field calculations.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify the NUMPAGES Field Code Using a Formula

Use Word's built-in calculation capabilities to mathematically subtract the blank pages from the total page count.

Since Word does not feature a simple checkbox to exclude blank pages from the NUMPAGES property, wrapping the field in a formula is the most reliable workaround. This method allows the document to dynamically calculate the total pages minus the structural blanks.

Reveal Field Codes

Open your document and press 'Alt + F9' (or 'Option + F9' on Mac) to toggle field codes. Your total page number will change to look like { NUMPAGES }.

Insert Formula Brackets

Select the { NUMPAGES } field and press 'Ctrl + F9' (or 'Cmd + F9') to wrap it in a new set of field code brackets, which will look like { { NUMPAGES } }.

Write the Subtraction Formula

Inside the outer brackets, add an equals sign before the inner field and a subtraction operation after it. For example, to exclude one blank page, type: { = { NUMPAGES } - 1 }.

Update and Hide Field Codes

Press 'Alt + F9' again to hide the field codes, then select the number and press 'F9' to update the field. The total count will now reflect the adjusted number.

Modify the NUMPAGES Field Code Using a Formula

Bracket Entry Warning: You cannot simply type the curly brackets {} using your keyboard. You must use the Ctrl + F9 shortcut to insert valid field boundaries.

Solution 2

Replace the Field with Manually Maintained Text

Substitute the automated NUMPAGES field with a static typed number for a quick, straightforward fix.

Easily Manage Page Numbering and Field Codes in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers a seamless and intuitive environment for handling complex document layouts, including advanced field code modifications. You can easily adjust formulas to exclude blank pages just like in Microsoft Word.

1. Open Header and Footer: Launch WPS Writer and double-click the header or footer section to access your page numbering.
2. Toggle Field Codes: Right-click the total page count number and select 'Toggle Field Codes' from the context menu to reveal the { NUMPAGES } tag.
3. Create a Calculation Field: Highlight the field and press 'Ctrl + F9' to generate outer formula brackets.
4. Adjust the Formula: Type the formula to subtract the blank pages, formatting it exactly as { = { NUMPAGES } - 1 }.
5. Update Field: Right-click the newly created formula and select 'Update Field' to display the corrected total page count.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) documents and field codesIntuitive header and footer navigation for quick numbering editsLightweight software that runs smoothly on both Windows and MacFree alternative offering professional-grade formatting tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word automatically insert blank pages?

When you use an 'Odd Page' or 'Even Page' section break, the software forces the next section to begin on that specific side. If the previous section ends on an odd page and the next must also begin on an odd page, a blank even page is automatically inserted for printing purposes.

Will deleting the section break fix the page count?

Deleting the section break will remove the blank page and correct the total count, but it will also merge the formatting of the two sections. If you need distinct headers, footers, or margins for different sections, you should keep the break and modify the field code instead.

How do I see the hidden blank pages on my screen?

Word often hides these structural blank pages in the standard Print Layout view. To see them, go to the 'File' menu, select 'Print', and look at the print preview window, which displays exactly how the document will look on paper, including the blank pages.

Can I use the SectionPages field instead of NumPages?

Yes, if your document is divided into multiple sections and you only want to display the total page count of the current section, you can insert the { SECTIONPAGES } field. However, if the entire document's count is needed, modifying the { NUMPAGES } field remains necessary.

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