How to Show Page X of Y with Roman and Arabic Page Numbers in Word
Question details
The user needs to display a correct "Page X of Y" page number format in a Word document that uses Roman numerals for the front matter and Arabic numerals for the main body, without counting the front matter in the total.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting a complex document, such as a thesis or report, where the preliminary pages and the main content require different numbering styles, and the total page count should only reflect the main content.
- Observed behavior
- By default, the "Y" (NumPages field) calculates the total number of pages in the entire document, incorrectly including the Roman-numbered preliminary pages in the main document's total page count.
Before adjusting your page numbers, determine exactly how many pages make up your preliminary front matter, and ensure you have enabled paragraph marks to clearly see where your sections end.
Use Section Breaks and Field Formulas
Insert a section break to separate the numbering styles, then use a formula to subtract the front matter pages from the total page count.
To mix Roman and Arabic numerals, you must separate the document into different sections. Because the default total page count (NumPages) includes every page in the file, you need to manually subtract the front matter pages using a field code calculation.
Place your cursor at the very end of your preliminary front matter. Go to the 'Layout' tab, click 'Breaks', and select 'Next Page' under Section Breaks.
Double-click the footer area on the first page of your main document. In the Header & Footer tab, click 'Link to Previous' to turn it off, breaking the connection to the front matter.
In the front matter section, set the page numbers to Roman numerals (i, ii, iii). In the main document section, set the page numbers to Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) and choose 'Start at 1'.
In your main document's footer, insert the 'Page X of Y' format. Select the 'Y' number, and press Shift+F9 (or Alt+F9) to reveal the field codes. You will see { NUMPAGES }.
Modify the field to calculate the difference. For example, if you have 7 front pages, change it to { = { NUMPAGES } - 7 }. Remember to create field braces {} by pressing Ctrl+F9, not by typing them manually. Press F9 to update the field and Shift+F9 to hide codes.
Use Bookmarks for Dynamic Page Counts
Create a bookmark for the last page of your front matter to automatically calculate the total pages even if the length of your preliminary section changes.
Format Complex Page Numbers Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Office simplifies the process of managing section breaks, headers, footers, and complex page numbering. You can easily set up Roman and Arabic numerals without wrestling with complicated field codes.
- 1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to format.
- 2. Insert Section Break: Navigate to the Insert tab, click 'Breaks', and choose 'Section Break (Next Page)' between your front matter and main body.
- 3. Adjust Footer Settings: Double-click the footer in the main body, toggle off 'Link to Previous', and use the Page Number menu to set your preferred numeral style and starting number.
- 4. Insert Formatted Numbers: Select the 'Page X of Y' option from the Page Number dropdown. WPS Writer natively handles the formatting cleanly across separated sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my total page count include the cover page and table of contents?
By default, the 'Y' in 'Page X of Y' uses the NumPages field, which counts every physical page in the document from beginning to end. To exclude cover pages or a table of contents, you must separate them with a section break and use the SectionPages field or a calculation formula.
How do I reveal and edit field codes in my footer?
Click on the page number in your header or footer, then press Shift+F9 (or Alt+F9). This toggles the display from the final number to the underlying code, such as { NUMPAGES }. Press the same shortcut again to hide the codes.
Why is my formula { = NumPages - 7 } not working and showing a syntax error?
You cannot type the curly braces {} manually with your keyboard. Word interprets manually typed braces as standard text. You must generate the functional field braces by pressing Ctrl+F9, then type your formula inside those specific braces.
What is the difference between NumPages and SectionPages?
NumPages calculates the total number of pages in the entire document, regardless of breaks. SectionPages calculates only the total number of pages within the current isolated section. If your main document is a single section, using SectionPages is a quick alternative to manual subtraction.
