How to Change the Margins in Microsoft Word

A margin is the empty white space surrounding the text on your page. Adjusting the margins in Microsoft Word allows you to fit more text on a single page, leave wider gaps for handwritten notes, or meet strict formatting guidelines (like the 1-inch margin rule for APA and MLA academic papers).

How to Change Margins Using Presets

The easiest way to adjust your margins is to use one of Word’s built-in templates.

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
2. Look at the ribbon menu at the top of the screen and click the Layout tab.
3. On the far left side of the ribbon, click the Margins button.
4. A drop-down menu will appear with several preset options:
   • Normal: The default (usually 1 inch on all sides).
   • Narrow: (0.5 inches on all sides) Great for fitting a long document onto fewer pages.
   • Wide: (1 inch top/bottom, 2 inches left/right) Ideal for leaving room for annotations.
5. Click your desired preset. The entire document will instantly adjust to the new spacing.

How to Set Custom Margins

If you need specific measurements that aren’t on the list, you can type them in manually.

1. Go to Layout > Margins.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the drop-down list and click Custom Margins…
3. The “Page Setup” dialog box will open.
4. In the Margins tab, type your exact desired measurements (in inches or centimeters, depending on your region) into the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right boxes.
5. Click OK.

Pro Tip: If you need to print a document and bind it (like a spiral notebook or a thesis), you can add a Gutter margin in the Page Setup box. This adds extra blank space specifically to the left edge of the paper so the text doesn’t get covered by the binding holes.