
To change this setting, follow these steps:


Understanding paragraph spacing in word free#
Word is free to increase spacing beyond what you specify, but it cannot reduce it. This setting allows you to specify the minimum line spacing for the paragraph. If you don't want this to occur, you can use the At Least line spacing setting. The effect of the default setting is that if you end up with a line that has nothing but small type on it, then the spacing for that line will be less than for the other lines in the paragraph. Thus, if the largest font size used on a particular line is 20 pt, then the line spacing for that line will be 24 pt. Word's definition of "single" means that the spacing is 120% of the largest font size or element on each individual line. This means line spacing will be adjusted, automatically, as a "single" line. Typically, the default spacing type (as specified in the Line Spacing field of the Paragraph formatting dialog box) is Single. Subscribe to get more articles like this oneĭid you find this article helpful? If you would like to receive new articles, join our email list.There are several methods Word can use for line spacing. For example, the standard width for one column of text on a three-column grid on an 8.5″ x 11″ document is 14 picas and 4 points (normally abbreviated as 14p4).Īlthough most Microsoft Word users tend to use inches or centimeters as their preferred measurement system, points are used for font size and the space before and after paragraphs (in the Paragraph dialog box). Picas are often abbreviated as “p” (such as 16p).

They are commonly used by graphic designers when designing newspapers, magazines, newsletters and ads. Picas are often used for fixed horizontal measurements (most often column width). Typographers would have traditionally referred to a type setting as 12/16 which would mean a 12 point type with 16 point leading or line spacing.Ī pica is slightly less than 1/6 inch and contains 12 points. Points are the measurement unit most often used in printed publications created by graphic designers to indicate the size of type (font size) as well as the space between lines (this would be line spacing in Word but is called leading in many other programs). This is rounded up for practical reasons. The two units of measurement most commonly used for typesetting and design are points and picas.Ī point is equal to 1/72 inch (72 points in an inch). If the Ruler is not displayed, click the View tab in the Ribbon and ensure the Ruler check box is checked.
Understanding paragraph spacing in word how to#
Recommended article: How to Hide Comments in Word (or Display Them)ĭo you want to learn more about Microsoft Word? Check out our virtual classroom or in-person Word courses > Changing the measurement system in Microsoft Word

Word and most graphic design programs support points, picas and other units and it is easy to convert from one unit to another. Unless the client or publication has a specific requirement for a type of measurement, most Microsoft Word users measure in inches or centimeters. Changes in the measurement system will affect Word’s Ruler as well as various dialog boxes (including the Paragraph dialog where you can change paragraph indents). You can choose inches, centimeters, millimeters, points or picas. If you’d prefer to work in inches rather than cm (centimeters) or vice versa, simply change the measurement system in Word’s Options. You can easily change the measurement system units in Microsoft Word for all of your documents. Changing the Measurement Units for Your Word Documents (Inches to Centimeters or Vice Versa)īy Avantix Learning Team | Updated January 10, 2021Īpplies to: Microsoft ® Word ® 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365 (Windows)
