When creating a document, you need to think about line and paragraph spacing. More spacing improves readability, while less spacing helps fit more text on the page.

What is Line Spacing?

Line spacing is the space between each line in a paragraph. In Microsoft Word, you can adjust this spacing to be single (one line), double (two lines), or any other size. The default setting in Word is 1.08 lines, which is slightly more than single spacing.

The image below shows different types of line spacing. From left to right, you can see default spacing, single spacing, and double spacing.

Line spacing is also called leading (pronounced like "wedding").

How to Change Line Spacing

1. Select the text you want to format.
   
   
   
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. Click on the Line and Paragraph Spacing button.
   
   
   
4. Choose the spacing option you want.
   
   
   

The spacing will change in your document.

More Line Spacing Options

You can fine-tune spacing using the Line Spacing Options in the Paragraph dialog box.

• Exactly: Sets spacing in points (like font size). If text is 12 pt, you can set spacing to 15 pt.
• At Least: Works like Exactly, but increases if there is larger text in the same line.
• Multiple: Lets you set custom spacing, like 1.2 for slightly more space or 0.9 for less space.
  
  
  

What is Paragraph Spacing?

Paragraph spacing controls the space before and after paragraphs. It helps separate sections, headings, and subheadings.

How to Change Paragraph Spacing

1. Select the paragraph(s) you want to format.
   
   
   
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. Click on the Line and Paragraph Spacing button.
   
   
   
4. Choose Add Space Before Paragraph or Remove Space After Paragraph.
   
   
   

You can also go to Line Spacing Options to adjust spacing more precisely.

Saving Your Spacing Settings

You can use the Set as Default feature in Word. This saves your changes and applies them to all new documents automatically.