How do you double space words in word

To double-space the whole document, go to Design > Paragraph Spacing, and choose Double.

Paragraph Spacing menu

Tip: To double-space only part of the document, select the paragraphs you want to change, go to Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing, and choose 2.0.
Line and Paragraph Spacing screen

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Double-space the entire document

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles group, right-click Normal, and then click Modify.

    Word Ribbon Image

  2. Under Formatting, click the Double Space button, and then click OK.

    Formatting for the entire document changes to double spacing.

Double-space the selected text

  1. Select the text that you want to change.

  2. On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click Line and Paragraph Spacing (Line Spacing in Word 2007) Button image.

  3. Click 2.0.


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Simple guide for double spacing in Microsoft Word


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Changing the line spacing can make a Word document easier to read and make notes on when printed. Follow this guide to change the spacing in any version of Word, regardless of your operating system.

  1. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 1

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    Click the Design tab. It’s at the top of Word.[1]

  2. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 2

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    Click Paragraph Spacing. A menu of spacing options will expand.

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  3. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 3

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    Click Double. The entire document is now double-spaced.

    • To double-space a specific area of text, highlight the text, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing button on the Home tab (4 horizontal lines with two blue arrows), then select 2.0.
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  1. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 4

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    Set your line spacing before you start. If you want to create a whole document with one standard line spacing, set the spacing before you begin to save time later. If you have nothing selected, the spacing changes will occur from where your cursor is onwards. To adjust line spacing, click either the Home or the Page Layout tab.

  2. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 5

    2

    Change using the Home tab. In the Home tab, look for the Paragraph section. Click the Line Spacing button to open the Line Spacing dropdown menu. The button has 4 small lines with an arrow pointing both up and down. From this menu, you can select common line spacing options.

    • If you don’t see the line spacing button, it is most likely missing because the window isn’t large enough. You can access it by clicking the arrow button next to the word Paragraph. This will open the Paragraph menu.
    • In the Paragraph menu, you can adjust the line spacing using the Line Spacing dropdown menu from the Spacing section.
  3. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 6

    3

    Change using the Page Layout menu. In the Page Layout tab click the arrow button next to Paragraph. This will open the Paragraph menu. In the Paragraph menu, you can adjust the line spacing using the Line Spacing dropdown menu from the Spacing section.

  4. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 7

    4

    Change paragraph spacing. Besides changing the spacing after each line, you can also adjust the amount of space before and after each paragraph. In the Page Layout tab, look for Spacing in the Paragraph section.

    • Before will add space before the paragraph begins.
    • After will add spacing every time you press Enter to start a new paragraph.
  5. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 8

    5

    Understand the line spacing options. The default line spacing in Word is set to 1.15, not 1. If you want to have truly single-spaced text, you will need to select Single from the Line Spacing dropdown menu.

    • ”Exactly” will allow you to set an exact spacing between lines, measured in points. There are 72 points to an inch.
    • ”Multiple” will allow you to set larger spacing, such as triple spacing.
  6. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 9

    6

    Change the default spacing. If you would rather have Word automatically space at something other than 1.15, choose your settings in the Paragraph menu and click the Default… button. Word will ask you to confirm the permanent changes to the default template.

  7. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 10

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    Change spacing for specific portions of text. You can adjust the spacing for individual portions of the document by selecting the text you want to change and then adjusting the spacing as outlined above.

    • You can change the spacing of the entire document by selecting all of the text and then adjusting the spacing settings. To quickly select all of the text Press Ctrl+A (PC) or Command+A (Mac). This will not affect headers, footers, or text boxes. You will need to select these sections individually to change the spacing in them.
  8. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 11

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    Learn the keyboard shortcuts. If you find yourself changing line spacing often, learning the keyboard shortcuts can end up saving you a lot of time. Use the following commands to change the line spacing:

    • Select all the text you wish to change the spacing of.
    • Press Ctrl+2 (PC) or Command+2 (Mac). This will give you double spacing.
    • Press Ctrl+5 (PC) or Command+5 (Mac). This will give you 1.5-line spacing.
    • Press Ctrl+1 (PC) or Command+1 (Mac). This will give you single spacing.
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  1. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 12

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    Select all the text you want double-spaced. Press Ctrl+A to select all.

  2. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 13

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    Go to Format > Paragraph .

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    Click the Line Spacing drop-down box and select the desired spacing.

  4. Image titled Double Space in Word Step 15

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    Click OK.

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

1. Click the Design tab.
2. Click Paragraph Spacing.
3. Click Double.

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Contents

  • 1 How to Double Space in Microsoft Word
  • 2 How to Double Space in Word Online
  • 3 Extra: How to Add Page Numbers in Word
  • 4 Extra: How to Remove or Clear Formatting in Word

earning how to double space in Word is a vital skill if you’re planning to send your writing to an editor, publication, or academic journal. As well as making some documents easier to read, double spacing lets editors easily add comments and editing marks above your text. We’ll be walking you through double spacing in Word and Word Online today, as well as explaining what it is and when you should use it. 

What does double spaced mean?

A “Double spaced” document is a text with approximately twice the amount of vertical space between lines when compared to a standard document. In other words, there’s a full blank line between each row of text that an editor can write in. In typography, this space between lines is called “leading”.

Double spacing is a practice that typists have used since the advent of typewriters in the 19th century. In fact, double-spaced documents used to be the standard due to the limitations of typewriters. It was only in the mid-20th century that publications standardized single spacing — primarily to cut the costs of mass printed material.

When you should use double spacing in Word

It’s a good idea to use double spacing in situations where you expect somebody to edit or comment on your text in a professional capacity. This includes when writing an academic piece or essay, sending a novel to an agent or editor, or submitting content to a magazine. Legal documents are also typically doubled spaced.

However, you can also double space in Word if you’re struggling to focus on your text. It’s worth noting, though, that this may not always help. Some studies suggest that the additional spacing between lines can make it easier for readers to lose their place in a text, rather than harder.

Whatever spacing you choose, the important part is that it is consistent. A text with randomly differing leading is likely to confuse the reader’s eyes. It may be acceptable to use double spacing for quote blocks within a text, but different line spacing per chapter or section is almost always a bad idea.

With all that said, let’s get into how to do double spacing in Word:

Because of its prevalence in academic writing, Microsoft has made double spacing in Word quite easy to achieve. In fact, it takes just three clicks:

  1. Open the “Design” tab of the ribbon and click “Paragraph Spacing > Double”

    That’s it. Microsoft Word will automatically adjust the leading of your current document and any text you write after that point.

    Windows 11 - Word - Design - Paragraph Spacing - Double

How to Double Space in Word Online

If you’re left wondering how to double space on Word Online, it’s likely because the process is slightly different. The method to double space from your browser takes a few more clicks:

  1. Open the “Layout” tab of the ribbon, click the three dots on the right, and choose “Paragraph Options…”

    Windows 11 - Word Online - Layout - Three-dot - Paragraph Options

  2. Change the “Line spacing” drop-down in the pop-up from “Single” to “Double” and press “OK”

    You’ll notice that your text has automatically changed to match your line height settings.

    Windows 11 - Word Online - Layout - Three-dot - Paragraph Options - Spacing Double - Accept

If you’re sending your document off to a publication, page numbers are often a requirement, too. This is so editors or researchers can easily refer to a part of the text. You can read our full guide on how to add and modify page numbers in Word here.

Windows 11 - Word - Insert - Page Number - Bottom of Page - Plain Numer 2

You may also find it necessary to remove or clear formatting in Word to make your piece consistent. You can do so quickly by following the linked guide. 

How skilled are you at text formatting? If you are using Word for business or school purposes, you should know how to format your document properly. Content does matter, but the way it is presented in a document is equally important. A well formatted document is easier for reading and reviewing. If you need to send your Word document to your boss or teacher for a review, double check if your text was formatted well. Here you will learn how to double space in Word and have your text presented in a more visible way.

What do you mean by double spaced?

Double space refers to the text formatting option in Microsoft Word, that actually makes space between text lines. For instance, if you want to use the printed version of a Word document, it would be better to make wider space between lines so you write comments under specific part of the text. Also, when there is double space between the lines, your text will be easier to read.

How do you double space words in Word?

For Word 2007 and 2010 users

In the Styles section, right-click with your mouse on the Normal style first.

Next step is to open the Modify option and choose the Double space button and then click OK.

double space

By following these steps you will set double space for the whole document. If you want to format only the part of Word document, first select the text you want to format. Then in the Paragraph section, choose Line Spacing. Once you click on 2.0 option the selected text will have double space.

double space in word

Note: first set up spacing and then write in a document, so the changes will apply to the whole document. If you want to double space in Word document that already has some text, make sure you have selected the whole document. Only in that way the new settings will be applied to the previously written text.

For 2013 users as well

Click on the Design tab first, which is next to the Insert tab.

how to double space in word

Click on the drop-down menu called Paragraph spacing and choose Double option.

double space in word

Again, if you want to apply these settings to specific paragraphs of the text, first select the part of the text and then do the rest.

How do you double space between paragraphs?

If you want to change spacing between paragraphs, you can use the following guidelines. Have in mind that if you want to apply these settings to one paragraph only, you need to select that paragraph first.

For Word 2007, 2010 users:

Go to the Page Layout tab and in the Paragraph section find Spacing options. You have two fields to fill in, before– if you want to change default spacing before a paragraph and after it.

For Word 2016, 2013 users:

 Again, go to the Design tab and Paragraph Spacing. Then click on the Custom Paragraph Spacing and the window will pop up (see the image below).

In the Paragraph spacing section, fill in the fields “before” and “after”.

Double space between lines in Word

For Word 2007, 2010 users:

If you want to put double space for the whole text, read the first guide above. To double space between lines, select the part of the text and go to Paragraph tab. Click on Line Spacing to put double space between lines.

For Word 2016, 2013 users:

Select the part of the text and then go to Line and paragraph spacing tab. In paragraph spacing and choose 2.0.

How to cancel double space in Word

If you change your mind and want to cancel double space in Word, the settings are the same as explained above. Depending on your Word version, go to line spacing and instead of double (2.0) select single spacing (1.0).

This guide on how to double space in Word is just one tip for using text formatting settings to make your document look professional. Microsoft Word offers a wide range of formatting options and it is only a matter of time and practice when you will adopt all these skills.

You can double-space all or part of a Word document. To double-space the whole document, go to Design > Paragraph Spacing, and choose Double. Tip: To double-space only part of the document, select the paragraphs you want to change, go to Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing, and choose 2.0.

Contents

  • 1 What is the shortcut for double spacing in Word?
  • 2 How do you double space twice?
  • 3 Which command is used for double line space in paragraph?
  • 4 How do I change spacing in Word?
  • 5 How do you right align?
  • 6 How do I align justified in Word?
  • 7 How do you double space in Word for Mac 2021?
  • 8 What does it mean for a paper to be double spaced?
  • 9 What is double spaced paper?
  • 10 How do I change from double space to single space in Word 2010?
  • 11 How do I get rid of double spacing between words in Word?
  • 12 How do I change 1.5 line spacing in Word?
  • 13 How do I fix the position of text in Word?
  • 14 How do I create a right-aligned line in Word?
  • 15 How do I align text on the same line in Word?
  • 16 How many ways can you align your text in?
  • 17 What is the shortcut for right align?
  • 18 How do you align lines in Word?
  • 19 How do you double space in Word on iPad 2021?
  • 20 How do I make Word my default double spacing on Mac?

What is the shortcut for double spacing in Word?

Tip: Shortcut for applying line spacing in Word documents

  1. Ctrl+1 for single space.
  2. Ctrl+2 for double space.

How do you double space twice?

To apply double spacing to one or more paragraphs using the Paragraph dialog box:

  1. Select the paragraph(s) to which you want to apply double spacing. If you would like to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
  2. Right-click and select Paragraph.
  3. From the line spacing drop-down menu, select Double.
  4. Click OK.

Which command is used for double line space in paragraph?

Use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + 1 to single space, Ctrl + 2 to double space, or Ctrl + 5 to set the spacing to 1.5 line spacing on any line, paragraph, or all highlighted text.

How do I change spacing in Word?

Change the spacing between characters

  1. Select the text that you want to change.
  2. On the Home tab, click the Font Dialog Box Launcher, and then click the Advanced tab.
  3. In the Spacing box, click Expanded or Condensed, and then specify how much space you want in the By box.

How do you right align?

The alignment keyboard shortcut keys can vary depending on what program is used and the type of computer. However, generally speaking, use Ctrl + L to left align, Ctrl + E to center, Ctrl + R to right align, and Ctrl + J to justify text.

How do I align justified in Word?

Justify text

  1. In the Paragraph group, click the Dialog Box Launcher. , and select the Alignment drop-down menu to set your justified text.
  2. You can also use the keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + J to justify your text.

How do you double space in Word for Mac 2021?

How to Double Space Microsoft Word for Mac Documents

  1. Open Microsoft Word on your Mac, and then create a new document.
  2. To double space the entire document, select Select All from the Edit menu.
  3. From the Format menu, select Paragraph.
  4. From the Line Spacing menu, select Double.
  5. Click OK.

What does it mean for a paper to be double spaced?

Word forms: double-spaces, double-spacing, double-spaced. transitive verb. If you double-space something you are writing or typing, you include a full line of space between each line of writing. Double-space the entire list.

What is double spaced paper?

Double spacing refers to the amount of space that shows between the individual lines of your paper. When a paper is single-spaced, there is very little white space between the typed lines, which means there is no room for marks or comments. This is precisely why teachers ask you to double space.

How do I change from double space to single space in Word 2010?

How to type (create,Change TO) single spacing word 2010? Select the double spaced text, then in the “Paragraph” section click on the “Line & Paragraph Spacing” button drop down arrow and choose 1.0 spacing. Also “Ctrl key + 1 will also change the spacing from double to single.

How do I get rid of double spacing between words in Word?

Remove double line spacing

  1. Select the paragraph you want to change, or press Ctrl+A to select all text.
  2. Go to Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing.
  3. Select the line spacing you want.
  4. For more exact spacing, select Line Spacing Options, and make changes under Spacing.

How do I change 1.5 line spacing in Word?

To format line spacing:

  1. Click Format on the menu bar.
  2. Select Paragraph. The Paragraph dialog box appears.
  3. Click the Indents and Spacing tab.
  4. In the line spacing drop-down menu, you can select single, 1.5, or double spacing. The default is single spacing.
  5. Click OK.

How do I fix the position of text in Word?

Word provides a palette of options you can use to fine-tune an object’s position. Select your object, head back to Layout > Position, and this time click the “More Layout Options” command. The Layout window should open with the “Position” tab selected. Here you can customize to your heart’s content.

How do I create a right-aligned line in Word?

Now, let’s create that right-aligned tab as follows:

  1. On the Home tab, click the Paragraph group’s dialog launcher and then click Tabs in the bottom-left corner.
  2. Enter 6.5 in the Tab stop position.
  3. Click Right in the Alignment section (Figure C).
  4. Click Set.
  5. Click OK.

How do I align text on the same line in Word?

Flush Left and Flush Right On the Same Line

  1. Make sure the paragraph is formatted as left-aligned.
  2. Display the Home tab of the ribbon.
  3. Click the small icon at the bottom-right of the Paragraph group.
  4. Click the Tabs button.
  5. What you want to do is to insert a right-aligned tab near the right edge of the line.

How many ways can you align your text in?

There are four main alignments: left, right, center, and justified. Left-aligned text is text that is aligned with a left edge. Right-aligned text is text that is aligned with a right edge. Centered text is text that is centered between two edges.

What is the shortcut for right align?

Ctrl+R
Right-aligned text is text that is aligned with a right edge. You can also right-align your text with the shortcut Ctrl+R (Cmnd+R).

How do you align lines in Word?

Change text alignment

  1. Place the insertion point anywhere in the paragraph, document, or table that you want to align.
  2. Do one of the following: To align the text left, press Ctrl+L. To align the text right, press Ctrl+R. To center the text, press Ctrl+E.

How do you double space in Word on iPad 2021?

Change spacing between lines
On your iPad, tap the Home tab, and then tap the Line Spacing icon. at the top of your screen, then in the Home menu, choose Line Spacing. Tap the Line Spacing menu and choose the line spacing you want, from 1.0 to 3.0.

How do I make Word my default double spacing on Mac?

Go to Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing. Select Line Spacing Options, and then choose the options you want under Spacing. To change the spacing before or after the selected paragraphs, select the arrow next to Before or After and enter the amount of space that you want. Select Set as Default.

Double Space Lines in Microsoft Word Documents

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated January 11, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft® Word® 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

You can double space in Word using the Ribbon, the Paragraph dialog box, a keyboard shortcut or by modifying a style. If you double space a paragraph, you are setting the line spacing of the paragraph to 2.0. Since double spacing is a paragraph format, it’s important to understand that a paragraph in Word is anything with a hard return after it (you pressed Enter or Return).

A paragraph can include text or an inline picture or shape. Line spacing is applied within a paragraph which is different from space above and below a paragraph. To see where paragraphs have been created in a Word document, it’s helpful to turn on Show/Hide ¶ on the Home tab in the Ribbon.

Note that double space or 2.0 spacing is calculated by Word based on the font size of the selected text.

In this article, we’ll review 4 ways to double space in Word:

  1. Use commands in the Ribbon
  2. Use the Paragraph dialog box
  3. Use a keyboard shortcut
  4. Modify the Normal style (or another style)

Recommended article: How to Add or Remove Page Breaks in Microsoft Word

You should follow best practices in your Microsoft Word documents if you want to avoid issues with line spacing:

  • Use wordwrapping when entering text (don’t press Enter until you reach the end of a paragraph).
  • Delete blank paragraphs (often created when users press Enter twice after paragraphs).

Double space using the Ribbon

You can double space using two different tabs in the Ribbon – the Home tab or the Design tab.

To double space a Word document using the Design tab in the Ribbon:

  1. Click in the Word document.
  2. Click the Design tab in the Ribbon.
  3. Click Paragraph Spacing in the Document Formatting group. A drop-down menu appears.
  4. Select Double. This will change the entire document to double spacing.

The Paragraph Spacing command appears in the Design tab in the Ribbon as follows:

Paragraph command in Word Design tab in the Ribbon to double space in a document.

To double space specific paragraphs using the Home tab in the Ribbon in Word 2016 and later versions:

  1. Select the paragraph(s) that you want to double space. If you want to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
  2. Click the Home tab in the Ribbon and then click Line and Paragraph Spacing in the Paragraph group. A drop-down menu appears.
  3. Click 2.0 to double space.

The Line and Paragraph Spacing button appears as follows in newer versions of Word (2016 and later):

Double space in Word 2016 and later versions using the Line and paragraph spacing button in the Word Ribbon.

The Line and Paragraph Spacing drop-down menu offers the following options:

Line spacing drop down menu in Microsoft Word with double space or 2.0.

To double space specific paragraphs using the Home tab in the Ribbon in Word 2013:

  1. Select the paragraph(s) you want to double space. If you want to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
  2. Click the Home tab in the Ribbon and then click Double in the Paragraph group.

Line spacing buttons appear as follows in Word 2010 or 2013:

Double space and other line spacing icons in Microsoft Word 2010 or 2013.

Double space using the Paragraph dialog box

To double space one or more paragraphs using the Paragraph dialog box:

  1. Select the paragraph(s) you want to double space. If you want to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
  2. Right-click and select Paragraph from the drop-down menu. The Paragraph dialog box appears.
  3. Click the Indents and Spacing tab if necessary.
  4. From the Line spacing drop-down menu, select Double.
  5. Click OK.

Below is the Paragraph dialog box:

Double space option in Word Paragraph dialog box.

Double space using a keyboard shortcut

To use a keyboard shortcut to double space one or more paragraphs in a Word document:

  1. Select the paragraph(s) you want to double space. If you want to select all paragraphs, press Ctrl + A.
  2. Press Ctrl + 2 to double space.

If you want to change a paragraph back to single spacing, press Ctrl + 1 to single space.

Double space by modifying the Normal style

When you create a new blank document, it starts out using the Normal style which contains default paragraph and character formatting. You can modify line spacing in the Normal style (as long as another style has not been used for standard paragraphs) and change your entire document. If manual line spacing has been applied to one or more paragraph(s), this overrides the Normal style.

To double space a Word document by modifying the Normal style:

  1. Click in a paragraph using the Normal style.
  2. Click the Home tab in the Ribbon.
  3. In the Styles group, right-click Normal and select Modify from the drop-down menu. A dialog box appears.
  4. Click Format at the bottom left of the dialog box. A drop-down menu appears.
  5. Click Paragraph. The Paragraph dialog box appears.
  6. Click the Indents and Spacing tab if necessary.
  7. From the Line spacing drop-down menu, select Double.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Ensure that Only in this document is selected.
  10. Click OK.

Below is the Modify Style dialog box:

Changing the Normal Style to double space by modifying the style in the Modify Style dialog box in Word to change paragraph to double space.

You may encounter issues if you modify spacing in the Normal style since other styles are based on this style by default. Cells in tables would likely be affected and so would other styles that are based on the Normal style (such as Header, Footer and Heading styles). Paragraphs using these styles would then also be double spaced (unless spacing has been specifically modified in these styles). If you are comfortable using styles, you could create your own style for double spaced paragraphs or use and modify a different Word style to avoid this issue.

You can right-click other styles and modify the spacing in the same way.

This article was first published on October 24, 2019 and has been updated for clarity and content.

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If you want your presentation to look super-neat, you should double-space it. It looks longer, but it’s also easier to read and more professional.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to double space in Word. You can apply this format when you’re finished or at any time during the writing process.

Read on for a thorough guide with detailed steps for newer versions of Word and Microsoft Office 2007-2010.

But, first things first:

What is Double Space in Word?

Spacing is setting the distance between lines within paragraphs. Double spacing in Word refers to adding blank space between every row of text as wide as a full line between the different paragraphs.

As a result, you get a Word document that is doubled in size and easy to read. Teachers and editors prefer it because it leaves plenty of room for comments

When Should You Use Double-Spacing?

The main purpose of double-spacing is to improve text readability. Editors especially like double-spaced work because there is space for written suggestions (if it’s an actual paper document). It’s also easier to add comments on a digital document. 

Teachers read or skim a considerable amount of text. If the lines of the document are crammed, it’s more difficult to go through it. That’s why most universities favor double-spacing. Some of the writing styles that prefer double-spaced papers are: 

  • APA
  • Chicago/Turabian
  • MLA

And, if you are planning to write a book, the standard is to double-space your novel. That said, you first need to check with the editor as requirements may vary. 

How to Double Space in Word?

Now that you know why many prefer double-spacing their text, let’s see how to do it.

Here are the various available double-spacing options:

Most Microsoft Word Versions

There are a few ways to double space your paragraphs or the whole text. You can apply the following methods in desktop and mobile versions of Microsoft Word from 2007 onwards, as well as Microsoft 365:

Use Line Spacing Button

This is a fairly easy option because it is a basic command on the Home tab of the Word Ribbon. Here are the steps:

  1. Select the text you wish to double-space.
  2. Go to the Home tab.
  3. Go to Line and Paragraph Spacing (the button with four lines and arrows pointing up and down).
  4. Click on the drop tag.
  5. There are different choices but you should pick 2.0 from the drop-down list for double-spacing.

picking 2.0 from the drop-down list

This option has one drawback. It double-spaces the whole text and paragraphs. You can’t select only a part of it.

You can find the Design tab at the top toolbar in Microsoft Word’s newer versions.  

  1. Open the Word document you want to double-space. 
  2. Go to the Design tab in the main menu
  3. Under Document Formatting, click on the drop-down list in Paragraph Spacing.
  4. Select Double.

Selecting the Double option from the menu

If you are comfortable with using the right-click options, then this is the right method for you to apply double line spacing in Word:

  1. First, select the text you want to apply the double space to.
  2. Right-click on the selected text.
  3. Select Format and then Paragraph (some Word versions label it Paragraph only).
  4. In the Paragraph dialog box that will open next, go to the Indents and Spacing tab.
  5. Open the Line Spacing drop-down menu.
  6. Select Double.
  7. Finally, press OK, and your document is double spaced in Word!

The double spaced option in Word selected

Microsoft Office 2007, 2010, and 2013

Microsoft Word 2007-2013 double space options can be slightly different from the newer versions.

Use Styles Toolkit

Every new blank document starts out using the Normal style with default paragraphs and character formatting. You can modify the line spacing within this style and change the whole document.

This is how you can do it:

1. Ensure that you are on the Home tab.

2. In the Style group on the Ribbon, go to Normal Style which is the first option.

3. Right-click on it. 

4. Select Modify and a dialogue box will appear.

Selecting Modify from the drop-down menu

5. Click on Format in the bottom right corner of the box. 

6. Select Paragraph from the drop-down list.  

Selecting Paragraph from the drop-down list

7. A new dialogue box will appear. Go to Indents and Spacing

8. From the Line Spacing drow-down menu, choose Double.

9. Click the OK button twice.

If you don’t want to change the formatting of the Normal style (since it affects other styles based on it), you can create your own style just for double spacing in Word.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to Styles.

2. Select the More Options button. It’s the one in the lower-right corner of the Styles group. It’s the small down-pointing arrow.

3. Click on the New Style icon in the left corner and give it a recognizable name (Double-Spacing Style for instance) and press OK.

New Style icon open

4. Right-click on the newly created style and pick Modify again.

5. In the Formatting section, click on the Double Space icon. It’s the seventh icon from the left in the middle section of the dialogue box.

6. The explanation beneath the text sample should read Line spacing: Double.

7. If everything looks right, click the OK button to confirm the changes.

Double Space icon in the Spacing menu

Use Page Layout

There is another Word double space option from the Ribbon that’s worth mentioning.

  1. Highlight your text.
  2. Go to the Page Layout tab
  3. Click the ‘Down’ arrow in the bottom right corner. 
  4. Next, go to Indents and Spacing.
  5. Click on the Line Spacing drop-down menu.
  6. Select Double.

Selecting Double spacing from the Menu

  1. Click OK.

Other Alternatives

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

When you are in a hurry, double space in Microsoft Word can be done using key combinations on the keyboard. These shortcuts are very handy if you need instant formatting.

  1. Select the paragraph or the whole text (Use Ctrl+A or ⌘Command+A for Mac).
  2. Press Ctrl+1 (⌘ Command+1 for Mac) for single space.
  3. Press Ctrl+2 (⌘ Command+2 for Mac) for double space.
  4. Press Ctrl+5 (⌘ Command+5 for Mac) for 1.5 spacing.

Use Mini Toolbar

The Mini Toolbar is available in versions older than 2007. However, the extra option for double-spacing is not present in all Word versions.

But if you are using Microsoft 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365, here’s what you can do:

  1. The Mini Toolbar pops up after you’ve selected a text.
  2. It’s fainter at first but if you hover your mouse over it, the commands come into focus.
  3. From the Line and Paragraph Spacing menu, select 2.0 for double-spacing.

Line and Paragraph Spacing menu open

Format Option

This option is available in most Microsoft Word versions. However, it’s easiest to find in Word 2003 because it is right on the menu bar. In Microsoft 2007, 2010, 2016, 2019, and 365 it is harder to find. There is no Format tab but all the items from the drop-down menu are placed in different groups on the Ribbon.

If you want to have a document double spaced in Word and you’re using Microsoft Word 2003, 2007, 2010, or 2013, follow these steps:

Microsoft Word 2003

  1. Highlight the text you’re going to double-space.
  2. Go to the Format tab, then to Paragraph.
  3. Press the Line Spacing drop-down box.
  4. Select Double.
  5. Finish by clicking OK.
  1. Select the text (Ctrl+A for the whole text) you want to be double-spaced.
  2. Go to the Menus tab at the far right of the Ribbon. 
  3. Click on the Format drop-down box. 
  4. Select Paragraph and the dialogue window will open.
  5. Click on the Line Spacing drop-down box.
  6. Pick Double.
  7. Click OK.

Wrap up

Now you know what double spaced format is and the tricks and tips for applying it to your text. This useful function of MS Word will take only a minute of your time.

So, next time you need a professional and readable layout for your presentation, remember the above options

Home > Microsoft > How to Double Space in Word? 4 Easy Ways

(Note: This guide on how to double space in Word is suitable for all MS Word versions including Office 365)

There are a lot of ways in Microsoft Word (MS Word) to improve the readability scale. One such way to improve the readability of the text is to use double spacing in Word. 

Double spacing increases the space between the lines of texts. If you are a teacher or an editor you might have to write or read through a large amount of text. It would be a little hard to read through the text efficiently when they are crammed together. 

In such cases, it would be easier to skim and get the whole picture of the context or leave comments and suggestions when there is a little distance between the text.

In this article, I will show you how to double space in Word to improve the readability using 4 easy methods.

You’ll Learn:

  • 4 Easy Ways To Apply Double Spacing in MS Word
    • From Design Dropdown
    • From Line and Paragraph Spacing
    • From Modify option
    • Using Shortcut Keys

Watch this short video to learn how to Double Space in Word

Related:

How to Convert PDF to Word

How to Add Page Numbers in Word? 3 Easy Examples

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4 Easy Ways To Double Space in Word

1. From Design Dropdown

  • Open the word document you want to apply double spacing. 
  • Navigate to Design in the main menu. Under Document Formatting, click on the dropdown in Paragraph Spacing. Select Double from the drop-down.
How to double space in word using design dropdown
How to double space in word using design dropdown

This formats the whole document with double spaces in between the lines and paragraphs.

The selected content is double spaces
The selected content is double spaces

One drawback of this method is that you can only use it to double-space the whole document. You cannot space any particular text or paragraphs using this method.

Note: The main purpose of double-spacing is to improve the readability of the content. You can also choose any other spacing options (tight, compact, open, or relaxed) from the Paragraph Spacing drop-down based on your preferences.

Other spacing options
Other spacing options
  • Additionally, you can also set the default spacing between the text, line, paragraph, and heading in an extensive manner by clicking on the Custom Paragraph Spacing from the Paragraph Spacing dropdown.
Custom paragraph spacing option
Custom paragraph spacing option
  • Under Paragraph Spacing, from the After: dropdown you can select the spacing to Double. Additionally, you can change the font, size, color, alignment, and spacing manually by providing a set value.

Also, when working on multiple documents you don’t have to set the extensive spacing for every single document. Just check the New documents based on this template and the same spacing changes will be applied to all documents.

2. From Line and Paragraph Spacing

There might be instances where you won’t need to double-space the whole document. You might only need to double space a part of the paragraph, or a text to show emphasis or importance to that part.

For such cases, you can double-space any selected text from the paragraph instead of the whole document.

  • Select all the text you want to add double-spaces to. 
How to double space in word using line and paragraph spacing
How to double space in word using line and paragraph spacing
  • Now navigate to Home, under Paragraph, click on the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon
  • Now, select 2.0.

Select 2.0

Select 2.0
  • The selected text will be formatted with double spacing between the lines.
  • For extensive customization of the spacing, click on Line Spacing Options from the Line and Paragraph Spacing dropdown.
  • This opens up a dialog box. From the Line Spacing dropdown, click on Double for double line spacing. 
Add double from paragraphing options
Add double from paragraphing options

There are also other options for spacing, indentations, and page breaks in the Paragraphs dialog box. You can customize them to your desired preferences. 

You can see the preview text in the Preview pane below. Additionally, you can apply the same spacing to other word documents too. Just click on Set As Default to set the spacing option to default for other word documents.

Also Read:

Using Tables in Word

Working with Page Breaks in Microsoft Word

How to Make a Checklist in Word? 3 Simple Steps

3. From Modify option

Another way to set the double spacing and add customization to spaces is to use the Modify option in Styles. You can set the spacing for both the selected text and the whole document using this option.

  • Navigate to Home.
  • Under Styles, right-click on any of the styles. In most cases, Normal will be the default style but you can select any style depending on your document.
  • Right-click on any of the styles and select Modify.
How to double space in word using modify option
How to double space in word using modify option

This opens up a Modify styles dialog box. In the dialog box, select the double-spacing option to enable double spacing to the text.

Double space using Modify option
Double space using Modify option

You can also change the before and after paragraph spacings, indentations, and alignment. Also, you can make the changes to the text or apply them as a default spacing for other documents.

4. Using Shortcut Keys

This is the easiest method to add double spaces to the text. You can add double spacing to the text by using shortcut keys. 

This works both on the paragraphs and the selected text. If you use the shortcut keys without selecting any text, the space is applied to the paragraph with the cursor. 

  • Select the text you want to add double spaces.
  • Press Ctrl+2. This adds double spaces to the selected text.

Double space using shortcut keys

Double space using shortcut keys

Note: You can also add a single space(1) or a space of 1.5 by pressing Ctrl+1 and Ctrl+5 respectively. 

Suggested Reads:

The Most Used Microsoft Word Shortcuts – Download

How to Create Hyperlinks in Microsoft Word 2013

Using Settings and Preferences in Microsoft Word 2013

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the option to double space in Word?

To double space between text in Microsoft Word, select the Double option from Paragraph Spacing dropdown or select 2.0 from Line and Paragraph Spacing dropdown.

What is double spacing in Word?

Users often get confused with the term double spacing in Microsoft Word. To double space in Word is to extend the spacing between two lines of text in a word document.

What is 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 spacings in Word called?

In Microsoft Word, 1.0 spacing is called single spacing.1.5 is called one and half spacing and 2.0 is called double spacing.

Final Thoughts

Double spacing boosts the readability and presentability of the text in your Word document, especially when the content is extended for multiple pages.

In this article, we saw how to add double space in Word using 4 methods. These methods are similar and you can use the method that is approachable. (Kbeautypharm) Use the method that suits you the best. 

For more high-quality guides on MS Word or Excel, please visit our free resources section. 

SimonSezIT has been effectively teaching Excel for 15 years. We have a very comprehensive set of courses with in-depth training modules covering all major business software. 

You can access all these 130+ courses for a low monthly fee. Please visit our courses section for more information about our offers.

Simon Calder

Chris “Simon” Calder was working as a Project Manager in IT for one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious cultural institutions, LACMA.He taught himself to use Microsoft Project from a giant textbook and hated every moment of it. Online learning was in its infancy then, but he spotted an opportunity and made an online MS Project course — the rest, as they say, is history!

You can double-space all or part of a Word document. To double-space the whole document, go to Design > Paragraph Spacing, and choose Double.

Why do we double space between words?

The extra space was needed to delineate the beginning of a new sentence because the spacing between words was uneven on a typewriter. If you didn’t learn to type on a typewriter, you’re likely using two spaces after the period because you’re modeling the writing of someone who did learn to write on a typewriter.

Which method is best for double spacing your text?

When you are ready to print, there is a quick way to double-space your document:

  • Save your document.
  • Press Ctrl+A or choose Select All from the Edit menu.
  • Display the Home tab of the ribbon.
  • Click the small icon at the bottom-right corner of the Paragraph group.
  • Choose Double in the Line Spacing box.
  • Click on OK.

How many PT is 1.5 line spacing?

Actually, normal leading in Word is 120% of the font size. Thus a 12pt fontsize has 14.4pt leading. This is what Word refers to as single spacing. Thus, 1,5 linespacing equals a leading of 1.5*14.4=21.6pt for a 12pt fontsize.

How much is single line spacing?

About line spacing Line spacing is the space between each line in a paragraph. Word allows you to customize the line spacing to be single spaced (one line high), double spaced (two lines high), or any other amount you want. The default spacing in Word is 1.08 lines, which is slightly larger than single spaced.

How do you do single spacing?

Change the line spacing in an entire document

  1. Go to Design > Paragraph Spacing.
  2. Choose the option you want. If you want to single space your document, choose No Paragraph Space.

What is the shortcut key for double spacing?

Ctrl+2

How do I change text to single line spacing?

Set automatic spacing between lines of text

  1. Select the text you want to change.
  2. On the Home tab, click the Paragraph launcher to show the Paragraph dialog box.
  3. Click the Indents and Spacing tab.
  4. Under Line spacing, in the Between lines box, type or select the amount of spacing you want between lines of text.

How do I set single spacing in Word 2010?

Single-space part of a document

  1. Select the paragraphs you want to change.
  2. Go to Home > Line and Paragraph Spacing .
  3. Choose 1.0.

What do you call the space between the text and the edge of your document?

In typography, a margin is the area between the main content of a page and the page edges. When two pages of content are combined next to each other (known as a two-page spread), the space between the two pages is known as the gutter. (Any space between columns of text is a gutter.)

What is 12 point spacing in Word?

Line spacing controls how all lines of a paragraph are spaced. For example, say you’re using a 12 point font for the text in your paragraph. If you choose single line spacing, the space between lines will be 12 points. If you choose double spacing, that space between lines will be 24 points.

Is 12 pt double spaced?

On a typewriter, each line is the height of the font, thus double spacing means twice the font size. So if you’re required to use a 12-point font, double line spacing means 24 points.

What does double space look like?

In text formatting, a double space means sentences contain a full blank line (the equivalent of the full height of a line of text) between the rows of words. By default, most programs have single spacing enabled, which is a slight space between each line of text, similar to how this paragraph looks.

What is double spacing in writing?

“Double-spaced” simply means that there is one blank line between every line of type. All modern word- processing programs have a double-space mode. In Microsoft Word 2013, you will need to set line spacing to “Double” and also ensure that no additional spaces are added before or after paragraphs.

How do you get double spacing on Microsoft Word 2010?

Answer:Select the text that you’d like to double space. in the Paragraph group. Select 2.0 from the popup menu. Now when you view your document, the text should be double spaced.

Should you double space an essay?

Your essay should be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″), with 1″ margins on all sides. Include a page header (also known as the “running head”) at the top of every page. For a professional paper, this includes your paper title and the page number.

Do you double space college essays?

Your essay should always be double-spaced throughout. Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the margin. Use only one space after all end punctuation. The end punctuation helps define the tone and meaning of a sentence.

How many pages is 500 word?

Other Word Counts to Consider

100 words less than 3 inches
300 words somewhat more than half a page
400 words most of a page
500 words one full page
1000 words two pages

What font should essays be written in?

Times New Roman

Is Calibri or Arial bigger?

Both are equally good. But, Calibri allows you to fit in more content in the limited space than Arial for the same font size. This is because as a font Calibri has narrower side bearing, body (em-square) and letterspace…. Always use point size 10 for Arial and 11 or 12 for Calibri.

What is the standard spacing for essays?

1.5 line spaced

What is the standard font size?

12 points

Is size 11 font too small?

No, size 11 font is not too small for a resume. Because some fonts are slightly smaller than others, always check that your font is readable no matter the size. For instance, these fonts are harder to read at smaller font sizes: Garamond.

What is 10 point text size?

3.53 mm

How do I determine font size?

A font is often measured in pt (points). Points dictate the height of the lettering. There are approximately 72 (72.272) points in one inch or 2.54 cm. For example, the font size 72 would be about one inch tall, and 36 would be about a half of an inch.

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There are several ways to double space in both the newer and older versions of Word.

lechatnoir/Getty Images


  • You can double space in Word for an entire document or selected paragraphs and increase the amount of space between your lines of text.
  • To double space in newer versions of Word, click on the Design tab and set your Paragraph Spacing to 2.0. 
  • In older versions of Word, including Word 2007-2010, you will need to go to the Styles section of the Home tab and in the Formatting menu click Double Space. 

Whether you’ve been asked to double space a Word document or prefer to read double space documents, this formatting can be applied to an entire Word document or selected sections with just a few clicks. 

Double spacing increases the amount of space between lines of text and can be helpful to a teacher or editor in marking the document or adding comments. Double spacing a Word document will differ depending on which version of Word you have. 

Here are the steps for newer versions of Word and for Office 2007-2010.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it’s made. 

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