How to Double-Space in Word & Google Docs

APA, MLA, and Chicago all want your paper double-spaced — the whole thing, with no extra gap between paragraphs. That second part trips people up, so we'll cover both.

Microsoft Word

Select everything: Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac).
On the Home tab, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing button (the one with up/down arrows next to lines).
Choose 2.0.
Open that same menu again, pick Line Spacing Options, and set Before and After to 0. Click OK.

That last step removes the extra space Word adds between paragraphs — which APA, MLA, and Chicago don't allow.

Google Docs

Select everything: Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac).
Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing.
Choose Double.
In the same menu, make sure Add space before paragraph and Add space after paragraph are turned off (no extra gap).

Want to be sure the spacing is right everywhere — including your references?

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FAQ

Does "double-spaced" include the references page?

For APA and MLA, yes — the reference list is double-spaced too. Chicago bibliographies are often single-spaced within each entry with a blank line between; follow your instructor.

Why does my paper still have gaps between paragraphs?

Because line spacing and paragraph spacing are two different settings. You have to zero out the "before/after" spacing as well, as shown above.

What's the quickest way to check the whole paper?

Drop it in here — Chuck checks spacing across the entire document free, and can fix it in one click.