Page Numbering in LaTeX
Complete guide to page numbering in LaTeX. Learn to customize page numbers, create different numbering schemes, and handle complex document structures.
Page numbering is crucial for document navigation and professional presentation. This guide covers everything from basic page numbers to complex multi-part documents with different numbering schemes.
Key concept: LaTeX provides flexible page numbering that can adapt to different document structures. Understanding how to control numbering styles and resets allows you to create professional documents that follow academic and publishing conventions.
Related topics: Headers and footers | Document structure | Cross-referencing
Basic Page Numbering
Default Numbering
LaTeX automatically numbers pages starting from 1. The page number appears in different locations depending on the document class and page style.
Changing Page Number Style
Setting Page Number
Page Number Positioning
Using Page Styles
Custom Positioning with fancyhdr
Advanced Page Numbering
Different Styles for Different Sections
Page Ranges and Prefixes
Two-Sided Documents
Different Numbering for Odd/Even Pages
Blank Pages in Two-Sided Documents
Special Page Numbering Schemes
Chapter-Based Numbering
Section-Based Numbering
Total Page Count
Conditional Page Numbering
Hide Numbers on Specific Pages
Different Formats by Page Range
Multi-Volume Documents
Volume and Page Numbering
Customizing Number Appearance
Styling Page Numbers
Custom Number Commands
Troubleshooting Page Numbering
Common Issues and Solutions
Best Practices
Page numbering guidelines:
- Be consistent - Use the same style throughout similar sections
- Consider your audience - Academic papers often use different schemes than business documents
- Plan ahead - Design your numbering scheme before starting
- Test thoroughly - Check numbering across all document sections
- Use automation - Let LaTeX handle numbering rather than manual placement
- Follow conventions - Front matter typically uses roman numerals, main content uses arabic
Professional Examples
Quick Reference
Page Numbering Commands
Command | Purpose | Example |
---|---|---|
\pagenumbering{style} | Set numbering style | \pagenumbering{roman} |
\setcounter{page}{n} | Set page number | \setcounter{page}{1} |
\thepage | Current page number | Use in headers/footers |
\pageref{label} | Reference page number | \pageref{LastPage} |
Numbering Styles
Style | Output | Typical Use |
---|---|---|
arabic | 1, 2, 3, 4… | Main content |
roman | i, ii, iii, iv… | Front matter |
Roman | I, II, III, IV… | Volume numbers |
alph | a, b, c, d… | Appendix sections |
Alph | A, B, C, D… | Appendix chapters |
Position Codes (with fancyhdr)
Code | Position | Code | Position |
---|---|---|---|
L | Left | E | Even pages |
C | Center | O | Odd pages |
R | Right | LE | Left on even |
Next: Learn about Single-sided vs double-sided documents for layout considerations, or explore Headers and footers for complementary page design.