Instructions for standard margins in Word in cm

Join TipsMake to learn how to align margins in Word from old versions like Word 2007 to the latest versions like Word 2021. 

1. For Word 2021, 2019, 2013, 2016, 365

Step 1: Change the default measurement unit to Centimeters by clicking on File in the upper left corner of the Word interface and selecting Option in the next interface.

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Step 2: Select the Advanced tab in the left column and find the Display item in the right panel. Change the Show Measurements in unit of value from Inches to  Centimeters

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Step 3: Return to the Word interface, select  the Page Layout (or Layout ) tab> Margins >  Custom Margins 

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Step 4: The Page Setup dialog box appears, you edit the top margin ( Top ), bottom margin ( Bottom ), left margin ( Left ), right margin ( Right ) as desired and then click  OK.

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2. In Word 2007, 2010

The way to align margins in Word 2010 is similar to Word 2007, so the instructions below apply to both versions.

Step 1: First, change the default measurement unit to Centimeters.

- Click on the Office Button → Word Options

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Step 2: Go to the Advanced tab → scroll down to the Display options group → select Show Measurements in unit of Centimeters → OK .

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Step 3: Go to the Page Layout ( or Layout) tab → Margins → Custom Margins

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Step 4: You edit the parameters of top margin ( Top ), bottom margin ( Bottom ), left margin ( Left ), right margin ( Right ) as desired → OK.

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3. In Word 2003

Step 1: First you need to change the default measurement unit in Word 2003 to Centimeter. Go to Tools → Options

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Step 2: Go to the General tab → select Measurement Units as Centimeter → OK

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Step 3: Go to File → Page Setup

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Step 4: You edit the parameters of the top margin ( Top ), bottom margin ( Bottom ), left margin ( Left ), right margin ( Right ) as desired → OK.

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Tip:  Usually the default unit of measurement in Word is inches according to foreign standards, but you need to switch to cm for easier manipulation.

How to align margins in Word helps the text become neater and easier to read, especially important when you draft administrative documents. To support standard Word margins in cm, you need to perform simple operations, such as changing the measurement unit and adjusting the margin parameters as desired.

Marvin Fry

Update 25 February 2025