CV Spacing Settings: Margins, Line Height & More

The Numbers That Work

Use these settings for a clean, professional CV:

• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
• Line spacing: 1.15 to 1.5
• Space after paragraphs: 6-12pt
• Section gaps: 12-18pt between major sections
• Font size: 10-12pt for body text, 14-16pt for headings

These aren't arbitrary. They're the settings that balance readability with space efficiency.

Margins: The Frame

Margins create the border around your content. Too narrow, and the text feels cramped. Too wide, and you waste space.

Recommended margin settings:
- Top: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
- Bottom: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
- Left: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
- Right: 1 inch (2.54 cm)

If you need more space, you can reduce margins to 0.75 inches. Never go below 0.5 inches—printers may clip the edges.

Line Spacing: The Breathing Room

Single spacing (1.0) packs lines too tightly. Double spacing (2.0) wastes too much space. The sweet spot is in between.

Recommended line spacing:
- Body text: 1.15 or 1.25
- Bullet points: 1.15
- After headings: 6pt space before, 3pt space after

In Microsoft Word, go to Paragraph > Line Spacing and select "Multiple" with a value of 1.15.

Section Breaks: The Visual Pause

Sections need clear separation. Without gaps, Experience bleeds into Education, and Skills blur into everything.

Recommended section spacing:
- Space before section heading: 12-18pt
- Space after section heading: 6pt
- Space between bullet points: 3-6pt

This creates a visual pause that helps the reader navigate.

Font Size: The Hierarchy

Your CV needs a clear hierarchy. Headings should be larger than body text. Your name should be largest of all.

Recommended font sizes:
- Your name: 16-20pt (bold)
- Section headings: 12-14pt (bold)
- Job titles: 11-12pt (bold)
- Body text: 10-12pt (regular)
- Dates/locations: 10-11pt (regular or italic)

Stick to one font family. Two at most. Consistency looks professional.

Quick Settings for Word and Google Docs

Microsoft Word:

1. Select all text (Ctrl+A)
2. Go to Layout > Margins > Normal (1 inch)
3. Go to Home > Line Spacing > 1.15
4. Adjust paragraph spacing via Paragraph dialog box

Google Docs:

1. Go to File > Page Setup > Margins (set to 1 inch)
2. Select text, then Format > Line & paragraph spacing > 1.15
3. Add space before/after via Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Custom spacing

Pre-Flight Checklist

Before you export:

• Margins are set to 1 inch (or no less than 0.75 inch).
• Line spacing is between 1.15 and 1.5.
• Section headings have extra space above them.
• Font size is 10pt or larger for all body text.
• One font family is used throughout (two maximum).

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For more on CV formatting, explore our Format & Layout insights.