Create a Numbered List

You can use Word to create a numbered list. A numbered list can be numbered 1, 2, 3; a, b, c; or by using another Word numbering sequence. You can number any series of paragraphs and use different number formats and separator options. For example, a numbered list could start with 1 followed by a period as the separator (1.). Alternatively, a numbered list could start with an a followed by close parenthesis as the separator (a)).

You can number paragraphs by first creating the paragraphs and then executing the numbering command, or you can automatically create a numbered list by typing the first number, typing the separator, and then pressing the Spacebar or Tab key. The first number can either begin a new list or continue the previous list. For example, if you want to begin a new list with 1., type 1. and then press the spacebar or Tab key. If your previous list ended with 5. and you want to continue the previous list, type 6. and then press the Spacebar or Tab key. Once you begin numbering, Word automatically numbers all subsequent paragraphs until you change the paragraph format.

Numbered lists can have up to nine levels. Each level is marked by a number format and by the amount it is indented from the left margin. For example, the first level of a numbered list might be indented .25 inches from the left margin and use 1. as its format. The second level might be indented .75 inches from the left margin and use a. as its format.

You change the number level by increasing or decreasing the indent or by executing the Change List Level command. You increase the indent by pressing the Tab key or by clicking the Increase Indent button on the Ribbon. You decrease the indent by pressing the Shift+Tab keys or by pressing the Decrease Indent button on the Ribbon.

EXAMPLES: Numbered List

Create a Numbered List

1. Select the paragraphs you want to number.
2. Choose the Home tab.
3. Click the down-arrow next to the Numbering button  in the Paragraph group and then click the type of Numbering you want. Word adds numbers to your list.
   Note: As you move your mouse pointer over the various number formats, Word provides a live preview of the format.

Remove Numbering from a List

1. Select the list.
2. Choose the Home tab.
3. Click the down-arrow next to the Numbering button  in the Paragraph group and then click None. Word removes the numbers from your list.

Change the List Level

1. Place the insertion point before the first character of the paragraph that has the list level you want to change.
   Note: Increasing or decreasing the indent for the first number in a list does not change the list level; instead, it moves the entire list.
2. Press Tab to increase the level; press Shift+Tab to decrease the level. Word increases or decreases the level.

Or

1. Place the insertion point before the first character of the paragraph that has the list level you want to change.
2. Choose the Home tab.
3. Click the Increase Indent button in the Paragraph group to increase the list level, or press the Decrease Indent button in the Paragraph group to decrease the list level. Word increases or decreases the list level.

Or

1. Place the insertion point in the paragraph that has the list level you want to change.
2. Choose the Home tab.
3. Click the down-arrow next to the Numbering button in the Paragraph group and then click Change List Level. The List Level menu appears.
4. Click the list level you want. Word changes the list level.

I have completed my numbered list. How do I return to the Normal paragraph formatting style?

Press the Enter key. Word creates a number. Click the Clear Formatting button  in the Font group. Word deletes the last number and returns to the Normal paragraph formatting style.

Or

Type the last numbered paragraph. Press the Enter key twice. Word returns to the Normal paragraph formatting style.

How do I remove a Number format from the Numbering gallery?

Choose the Home tab. Click the down-arrow  next to the Numbering button  in the Paragraph group. Right click on the numbering format you want to remove. A menu appears. Click Remove. Word removes the numbering format.