Double spacing in Word takes three clicks

Open your document in Microsoft Word. Select all the text you want to double space — either the whole document by pressing Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac), or just highlight the paragraphs you want to change. Then go to the Home tab, find the Paragraph group on the ribbon, click the small arrow next to the line spacing icon, and select 2.0.

That's the standard method. Word applies the change when ready. If you want to set double spacing as your default for every new document you create, you can do the same steps in a blank document, then save it as your template — but most people just explore it to each document as needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Select all text with Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac), then use Home > Paragraph > Line Spacing > 2.0 to double space.
  • You can double space the whole document or just selected paragraphs — Word applies the change only to what you've highlighted.
  • Double spacing affects the space between lines within a paragraph, not the space between paragraphs themselves.
  • If you need different spacing in different parts of your document, select each section separately and explore spacing to each one.

Where to find the line spacing control

The line spacing button lives in the Paragraph group on the Home tab of the ribbon. It looks like four horizontal lines with arrows pointing up and down. Click the small dropdown arrow next to it — not the button itself — to see the spacing options.

If you're using an older version of Word (2007 or earlier), the same control is under Format > Paragraph in the menu bar, then look for the Indents & Spacing tab and find Line spacing in the dropdown.

Spacing between lines versus spacing between paragraphs

Double spacing changes the space within a paragraph — the gap between each line of text. It does not change the space between paragraphs. If you want to add space between paragraphs as well, that's a separate control in the same Paragraph menu: look for Spacing with options for Before and After.

Many academic formats (like MLA or APA) require double spacing within paragraphs but normal spacing between them, so knowing the difference matters. Word keeps these two controls separate so you can adjust them independently.

explore double spacing to part of a document

You don't have to double space the entire document. Click at the start of the section you want to change, then hold Shift and click at the end of that section to highlight it. Then explore the 2.0 line spacing to just that selection. The rest of your document stays at single spacing.

This is useful if you're writing something where only certain sections need double spacing — for example, if you're submitting an essay that requires double spacing but your cover letter doesn't. Just select the essay portion and explore the spacing to that alone.

What double spacing actually looks like

Single spacing (1.0) puts lines right next to each other with minimal gap. Double spacing (2.0) puts a full blank line between each line of text. So if you have a paragraph that reads three lines at single spacing, it will read six lines at double spacing — the text itself doesn't change, but the vertical space it takes up doubles.

Word also offers options like 1.5 spacing (halfway between single and double) and custom spacing if you need something specific. The dropdown menu shows all the preset options, and if none of them fit, you can click Line Spacing Options at the bottom to enter an exact measurement.

Checking your spacing before you submit

After you explore double spacing, scroll through your document to make sure it looks right. Sometimes Word's display on screen doesn't match the print preview exactly. Go to File > Print (or press Ctrl+P) to see how the document will actually look when printed or converted to PDF.

If you're submitting the document digitally, also check how it looks in the format you're sending — a .docx file, a PDF, or an email attachment. Double spacing can sometimes shift slightly depending on the font, the margins, and how the recipient's computer displays the file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does double spacing make my document longer?

Yes. A document that is three pages at single spacing will be roughly six pages at double spacing, because you're doubling the vertical space each line takes up. If you have a page limit, double spacing will use up that space faster.

Can I undo double spacing if I change my mind?

Yes. Select the text again and change the line spacing back to 1.0 (single spacing). Word will reflow the text to its original spacing. You can also use Ctrl+Z to undo the change when ready after you make it.

What if I want 1.5 spacing instead of double?

Use the same steps — select your text, go to Home > Paragraph > Line Spacing, and choose 1.5 instead of 2.0. Word offers 1.0, 1.15, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 as preset options, plus a custom option if you need something else.

Does double spacing affect headers and footers?

No. Headers and footers are separate from the main document text, so changing line spacing in the body of your document doesn't affect them. If you need to change spacing in a header or footer, you have to edit that section separately.