How Far From the Top of the Page Should the Header Be?

Page headers are typically a half inch from the top of a page.

Default Settings

Word processing programs provide default page settings, including printer margins for the document and settings for the page header and footer. Default settings typically place the header 0.5 inch from the top of the page, which has a 1 inch margin.

Predetermined Margins

There are times when the default heading is not the appropriate spacing from the top of the page and needs to be adjusted. According to a Microsoft MVP, paper with a pre-printed border or letterhead may require additional spacing between the top of the page and the header text.

Bottom Line

The 0.5 inch margin is the default setting and the accepted spacing from the top of the page for a standard header. Header margins can be adjusted for specific documents, but the 0.5 inch margin will cover most needs.

References

• General Information about Headers and Footers in Word
• Microsoft MVPs: How to Set up a Letter Template