I often find that the simplest features can make the biggest difference in our daily work. If you’re familiar with Microsoft Word, you’ll know how useful page numbers can be. But did you know you can add similar slide numbering to your PowerPoint presentations? Today, I’ll show you exactly how to do add slide numbers, making your presentations more professional and easier to navigate.
Why Add Slide Numbers?
Numbering can be particularly useful when you’re working with larger presentations or when you need to reference specific slides during meetings. They’re also invaluable when collaborating with others or preparing handouts for your audience.

Method 1: Using Header & Footer
The first method I’ll share uses PowerPoint’s Header & Footer feature. Here’s how to do it:
1. Navigate to the Insert tab on your PowerPoint ribbon
2. Look for the Text group (it’s the third group from the right)
3. Click on Header & Footer
4. In the dialogue box that appears, select the ‘Slides’ tab
5. Tick the box for ‘Slide number’
One crucial tip to remember: you’ll see two options – ‘Apply’ and ‘Apply to all’. If you want numbers on every slide (which is typically what you’ll want), make sure to click ‘Apply to all’. Otherwise, you’ll only add a number to your current slide.
Method 2: The Quick Insert Option
There’s also a faster way to achieve the same result:
1. Still under the Insert tab, look next to the WordArt option
2. You’ll see three small icons – click the middle one that says ‘Insert slide number’
3. This takes you directly to the same numbering options
Customising Your Slide Numbers
A useful feature I often recommend is the option to hide numbers on your title slide. To do this:
– Follow either method above
– Before clicking ‘Apply to all’, tick the box that says ‘Don’t show on title slide’
– Then click ‘Apply to all’
The Beauty of Automatic Numbering
What makes this feature particularly powerful is its automatic nature. When you rearrange your slides (which happens frequently during presentation design and show prep), PowerPoint automatically updates the numbers. This saves you from the tedious task of manual renumbering.
Key Takeaways
– Slide numbers can be added through either the Header & Footer feature or the quick insert option
– Remember to use ‘Apply to all’ for consistent numbering throughout your presentation
– Consider hiding numbers on your title slide for a cleaner look
– Take advantage of automatic updating when rearranging slides
Adding numbers is a simple yet effective way to enhance your PowerPoint presentations. Whether you’re creating a business presentation, educational materials, or any other type of slideshow, this small addition can make a significant difference in how professional and organised your work appears.
Have you found this tutorial helpful? I share more Microsoft Office tips regularly here on my blog and through my email newsletter. Feel free to subscribe to stay updated with the latest productivity tips and tricks.
PowerPoint YouTube Videos
Unleash the Power of Slide Layouts in PowerPoint
Your A-Z Tutorial to PowerPoint Shortcuts
Duplicate Your Way to Better Presentations in PowerPoint
Mastering PowerPoint: Exploring the Merge Shapes Tool
PowerPoint Basics: Adding Slide Numbers (Step-by-Step Guide)
Related PowerPoint Posts
PowerPoint Slide Layouts: Essential Tips for Better Presentations
How to Use PowerPoint’s Duplicate Command Like a Pro
How many of the Merge Shapes Options do you know?
Slide Numbers in PowerPoint: A How To Step-by-Step Guide (current post)
Recent Posts
- Slide Numbers in PowerPoint: A How To Step-by-Step GuideI often find that the simplest features can make the biggest difference in our daily work. If you’re familiar with Microsoft Word, you’ll know how useful page numbers can be. But did you know you can add similar slide numbering to your PowerPoint presentations? Today, I’ll show you exactly how to do add slide numbers,… Read more: Slide Numbers in PowerPoint: A How To Step-by-Step Guide
- How many of the Merge Shapes Options do you know?If you’re addicted to scrolling on YouTube (I get why it’s called doom scrolling. Way too easy to lose hours). There’s a pretty good chance that you may have seen some of the PowerPoint animation videos. So many of them include merge shapes. Most mention one of the options. Today, I’m diving deep into all… Read more: How many of the Merge Shapes Options do you know?
- How to Use PowerPoint’s Duplicate Command Like a ProToday, I want to share one of PowerPoint’s most valuable commands: Duplicate. This powerful feature can save you considerable time when creating presentations, especially compared to traditional copy and paste methods. You may already use it, but let me share everything for the PowerPoint duplicate option. What is the Duplicate Command? The Duplicate command creates… Read more: How to Use PowerPoint’s Duplicate Command Like a Pro
- PowerPoint Slide Layouts: Essential Tips for Better PresentationsSomething that I’ve noticed is that many people aren’t making the most of PowerPoint’s built-in features. One of the most underutilised yet powerful tools is PowerPoint slide layouts feature. In this guide, I’ll show you why using slide layouts can transform how you create your presentations,make your slides more professional and save you time. Understanding… Read more: PowerPoint Slide Layouts: Essential Tips for Better Presentations
- Word for Mac Users – Do you know these keyboard shortcuts?I might be known more for Windows tips, but I’m also a long-time Mac user. It’s easy to work out that I also use Microsoft there. With any application, mastering keyboard shortcuts can really improve productivity and streamline your workflow. In this guide, I’ll share the essential A to Z keyboard shortcuts Word Mac. Why… Read more: Word for Mac Users – Do you know these keyboard shortcuts?
slide numbers, inserting slide numbers, adding slide numbers in PowerPoint