The basic way to create a block quote in Word

A block quote is text you indent from both the left and right margins to show it's a direct quotation from another source. In Microsoft Word, you create one by selecting the text, then using the indent controls on the Home tab or the ruler at the top of the page.

Select the paragraph or paragraphs you want to format as a block quote. Then on the Home tab, look for the indent buttons — they're small arrows pointing left and right, usually grouped near the alignment buttons. Click the "Increase Indent" button (pointing right) once or twice. This pushes the entire block inward from both margins. The text stays left-aligned within its new indented space.

Alternatively, you can drag the indent markers on the ruler. The ruler runs along the top of your document. The left triangle marker controls the left indent; drag it to the right to indent your block quote. Some people find this faster once they know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Select your quoted text, then click the "Increase Indent" button on the Home tab to push it inward from both margins.
  • You can also drag the indent markers on the ruler at the top of the page to adjust how far the block quote sits from the edges.
  • Block quotes are typically indented 0.5 inches on each side, though you can adjust this to match your document's style guide.
  • If you need to remove the block quote formatting, select the text and click "Decrease Indent" or drag the indent markers back to the original position.

Using the Paragraph dialog for precise control

If you want exact measurements instead of clicking buttons, the Paragraph dialog gives you pixel-perfect control. Right-click on your selected block quote text and choose "Paragraph" from the menu. A dialog box opens.

Look for the "Indents and Spacing" tab (it's usually already selected). Under "Indentation," you'll see fields for "Left" and "Right." Type a measurement — typically 0.5 inches — into both fields. Word accepts inches, centimeters, or points depending on your system settings. Click OK and the block quote indents by exactly that amount on both sides.

This method is useful when you're following a specific style guide like MLA or Chicago, which often specify exact indent measurements. It's also the fastest way if you have many block quotes to format and want them all identical.

Removing block quote formatting

To undo a block quote, select the indented text and click the "Decrease Indent" button on the Home tab. Each click moves the text 0.5 inches back toward the left margin. Keep clicking until the text returns to its original position.

If you used the Paragraph dialog, you can open it again, set both the Left and Right indentation back to 0, and click OK. This is faster than clicking Decrease Indent multiple times.

Block quotes and line spacing

Block quotes often look better with slightly tighter line spacing than the rest of your document. After you indent the text, you can adjust this in the same Paragraph dialog. Look for "Line spacing" and choose "Single" or "1.15 lines" instead of "Double" if your document is double-spaced.

This is optional — many style guides don't require it — but it makes long quotations easier to read and saves space. Test it on one block quote first to see if it matches the look you want.

Block quotes with different fonts or colors

Some writers italicize block quotes or change the font size to make them stand out further. After indenting, select the text again and use the font controls on the Home tab. You can change the typeface, make it italic, or reduce the size by one or two points.

Be consistent: if you italicize the first block quote, italicize all of them. If you change the font size, use the same size for every block quote in your document. This keeps the document looking intentional rather than random.

Block quotes in different Word versions

The steps above work in Word 2016, Word 2019, Word for Microsoft 365, and Word Online. The Home tab, indent buttons, and Paragraph dialog are in the same place across all these versions.

If you're using an older version like Word 2010 or Word 2007, the layout is slightly different but the process is identical: select text, use the indent button or ruler, or open Paragraph settings. The button locations may vary, but the feature itself hasn't changed in decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a block quote and just indenting a paragraph?

A block quote indents from both the left and right margins, creating a visual box around the text. A regular paragraph indent usually only indents the first line or the left side. Block quotes signal to the reader that this text comes from somewhere else, not from the author.

Do I need to use quotation marks around a block quote?

No. The indentation itself shows that the text is quoted, so quotation marks are unnecessary and actually look wrong. If the original source contains quotation marks, keep them, but don't add new ones around the block quote.

Can I create a block quote style so I don't have to indent every time?

Yes. Format one block quote the way you want it, then right-click it and select "Styles" > "Save Selection as a New Style." Name it "Block Quote." After that, you can select any text and explore the style from the Styles panel instead of indenting manually each time.

What indent size should I use for a block quote?

Most style guides recommend 0.5 inches on each side. MLA, APA, and Chicago all use this standard. If you're following a different guide or your instructor gave you specific measurements, use those instead. When in doubt, 0.5 inches is the safe choice.