Page Ranges in a TOC

Summary: It is easy to generate a table of contents for a document, and that TOC can contain page number references for each heading. What it cannot contain, without manual intervention, is a range of page numbers covered by each heading. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

Colin asked if it is possible to construct a table of contents so it includes not just a starting page number, but a range of page numbers. For instance, the table of contents would include 1-1 to 1-22 instead of just 1-1.

Unfortunately, this is not possible in Word. The table of contents feature is designed to only include starting page numbers. It would appear that this decision is related to the fact that determining a starting page number is easy (it is the page on which the related heading starts), but an ending page number for a section is not as easily determined. Where a section ends depends on what headings you instruct Word to include in the TOC.

If you want page ranges in your TOC, the only way to get them is to manually enter the TOC and not rely on Word to create one automatically.

Tip #1616 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

Take Control! Master the real power behind Word! Successfully master the secrets of powerful formatting and create documents that stand out from the rest. Best of all, you can create documents that are easy to maintain and quick to change.

Check out Word 2007 Styles and Templates today!

Helpful Links

Newest Tips

Subscribe

RSS Feeds

Page Ranges in a TOC