Writing & StyleStyle guide

Footnote Numbering

Footnote numbering connects an in-text reference mark to the corresponding note at the bottom of the page. Word can control number format and section-level restarting, but the required sequence is a style decision.

Quick answer

Use the document system’s footnote references so in-text marks and notes stay linked; choose continuous or restarted numbering according to the governing style.

Key details

Core Issueassigning and maintaining reference marks that connect text to footnotes
Registeracademic, legal, technical and other documents that use footnotes

Important caveats

Style Boundary

Number format, restarting conventions and note typography vary by publication or citation style; software capability is not a universal rule.

Further guidance

Linkage

Insert footnotes through the note feature so the reference mark and note remain connected instead of typing superscript numbers manually.

Sequence

Choose a consistent numbering scheme and apply any restart rule at the document or section level through the authoring system when possible.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Add footnotes and endnotes — Microsoft Support (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Footnote/endnote placement, reference marks and formatting options

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