Printing Problems

How to Fix Word Envelope Printing Error: Number Must Be Between 1 and 31

Camila Milosovich Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user encounters an error stating 'The number must be between 1 and 31' when attempting to print envelopes in Microsoft Word.

How to Fix Word Envelope Printing Error: Number Must Be Between 1 and 31

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up and printing envelopes directly from a Microsoft Word document.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word blocks the printing process and displays a numerical range error message, typically triggered by how the dialog was accessed or conflicts with date fields.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting the software, verify that your printer is properly connected, turned on, and loaded with the correct size of blank envelopes in the designated paper tray.

Solution 1Recommended

Access the Envelopes Dialog via the Labels Tab

Opening the Envelopes dialog indirectly through the Labels menu is the most reliable workaround for this specific Word glitch.

This error often occurs due to a glitch in how Word initializes the Envelopes dialog directly from the ribbon. Accessing it via the Labels tab bypasses the buggy initialization process.

Navigate to the Mailings Tab

Open your document in Microsoft Word and click on the 'Mailings' tab located in the top ribbon.

Click on Labels

In the Create group, click on 'Labels' instead of Envelopes. This will open the Envelopes and Labels dialog box.

Switch to the Envelopes Tab

Once the dialog box is open, click on the 'Envelopes' tab at the top of the window.

Configure and Print

Enter your delivery and return addresses, review your envelope size settings in Options, and click 'Print' to proceed without the error.

Quick Fix: This method successfully bypasses the numerical range error for most users without requiring any document modifications.

Solution 2

Check for Corrupted Date Fields

Improperly formatted or corrupted date fields within your document can trigger this error, as Word attempts to validate the day of the month.

Solution 3

Install the Latest Office Updates

Updating Microsoft Office can resolve underlying software bugs that cause the envelope printing feature to malfunction.

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Print Envelopes Easily with WPS Office

If you are tired of dealing with persistent Microsoft Word bugs and printing errors, WPS Office provides a stable, free, and lightweight alternative. Experience flawless envelope printing in a familiar environment without the hassle.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing Word documents.
3. Print Your Envelope: Navigate to the Insert tab, select Envelope, configure your addresses, and print directly without numerical errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) filesIntuitive and bug-free envelope and label printing toolsFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word display the 'number must be between 1 and 31' error?

This specific error usually occurs due to a software glitch when initializing the Envelopes dialog directly, or when Word gets confused by a corrupted date field (which checks for a valid day of the month between 1 and 31).

How do I change the default envelope size in Word?

Go to Mailings > Envelopes (or Mailings > Labels > Envelopes), click on 'Options', and select your desired envelope size from the drop-down menu in the Envelope Options tab.

Can I print an envelope without saving the document?

Yes, you can open a blank document, navigate to the Envelopes dialog, enter the delivery and return addresses, and click Print without needing to save the file.

Document & File Issues