How to Add Page Numbers in Word & Google Docs

APA and MLA both want a page number in the top-right corner of every page. Here's how to add it — and the small style difference that trips people up.

Microsoft Word

• Go to the Insert tab.
• Click Page Number → Top of Page.
• Choose the right-aligned option (Plain Number 3).
• Click Close Header and Footer.

Google Docs

• Go to Insert → Page numbers.
• Pick the option with the number in the top-right.

The style difference

• APA (student papers): just the page number — no name, no running head. The title page is page 1. See does APA need a running head?
• MLA: your last name then the page number (e.g., "Smith 3"). Click into the header and type your last name and a space before the number.
• Chicago/Turabian: a page number is fine; the title page usually shows none.

FAQ

Why is my page number in the center?

You picked the centered option. Delete it and choose the top-right one (Plain Number 3 in Word), or set the header's alignment to right.

Should the title page have a number?

In APA, yes — numbering starts on the title page (it's page 1). In Chicago, the title page usually shows no number.

How do I check everything at once?

Drop your paper in — Chuck checks the header (and the rest) free, and can add a correct page number in one click.