Microsoft Word for Office 365 is one of the most widely used word processors in the world. Whether you’re drafting a report, creating a flyer, or designing a professional document, selecting the right paper size is essential for proper formatting and printing.
If you’ve ever struggled to adjust the page size in Word, this guide will walk you through how to change the paper size in Microsoft Word for Office 365 quickly and efficiently, along with helpful tips to ensure your document prints perfectly.
Why You Might Need to Change Paper Size
Choosing the correct paper size is more than just aesthetics—it affects layout, margins, and print output. Common reasons for changing paper size include:
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Printing reports or essays on A4 instead of Letter
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Designing brochures or flyers with custom dimensions
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Preparing documents for professional printing
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Adjusting layouts for presentations or posters
By default, Word uses the standard Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) in many regions, but Office 365 makes it easy to switch to other standard or custom sizes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Paper Size in Word for Office 365
There are several ways to change paper size, depending on whether you want a standard size or a custom size.
Method 1: Using the Layout Tab
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Open your Word document in Office 365.
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Click the Layout tab on the top ribbon.
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Locate the Page Setup group.
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Click Size to open the dropdown menu.
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Choose the paper size you want, such as Letter, A4, Legal, or Executive.
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The page will instantly adjust to the selected size.
Tip: If your desired paper size isn’t listed, use the custom size option (explained below).
Method 2: Setting a Custom Paper Size
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Go to the Layout tab.
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Click the small arrow at the bottom-right of the Page Setup group. This opens the Page Setup dialog box.
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Click the Paper tab.
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Under Paper size, select Custom size.
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Enter the Width and Height you need.
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Click OK to apply changes.
This method is perfect for creating brochures, flyers, or poster documents that require specific dimensions.
Method 3: Using the Print Settings
You can also adjust paper size while printing:
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Press Ctrl + P to open the Print menu.
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Select your printer.
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Click Printer Properties or Printer Setup (name may vary depending on your printer).
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Choose the desired Paper Size.
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Click OK and then print your document.
Note: Changing paper size in printer settings overrides Word’s page setup temporarily for that print job.
Tips for Changing Paper Size in Word for Office 365
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Check Margins: Changing the paper size may affect margins. Go to Layout → Margins to adjust.
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Update Header & Footer: Larger or smaller paper may shift headers and footers. Adjust accordingly.
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Use Templates: If you frequently use a custom size, save your document as a template.
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Preview Before Printing: Always check the Print Preview to ensure your content fits the new paper size.
Common Paper Sizes in Word 365
| Paper Size | Dimensions (inches) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 × 11 | Standard US documents |
| Legal | 8.5 × 14 | Legal documents |
| A4 | 8.27 × 11.69 | International standard |
| Executive | 7.25 × 10.5 | Business letters, small reports |
| Tabloid | 11 × 17 | Posters, large charts |
Troubleshooting Paper Size Issues
1. Paper Size Not Available
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Solution: Make sure your printer supports the desired paper size. Custom sizes may require adjusting printer properties.
2. Content Doesn’t Fit
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Solution: Adjust margins, scale content, or use Layout → Breaks → Section Breaks to reorganize pages.
3. Printing Looks Different on Paper
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Solution: Use Print Preview and adjust Scale to Fit Paper settings in the Print dialog.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to change the paper size in Microsoft Word for Office 365 ensures your documents always look professional and print correctly. Whether you’re using a standard size or a custom dimension, Word makes it easy to customize your pages for any project.
By following the steps outlined above, you can save time, avoid formatting issues, and ensure your content is perfectly aligned with the paper you’re printing on.
