How to Fit Your CV on One Page

## The Space-Saving Toolkit You can fit more on one page without shrinking the font to unreadable sizes. The secret is smart formatting—adjusting margins, spacing, and structure to maximise every inch. These techniques create space. They don't sacrifice readability. ## Margins: Reclaim the Edges Default margins in Word are 1 inch (2.54 cm). That's generous. You can safely reduce them. ```copy Space-saving margin settings: - Top: 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) - Bottom: 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) - Left: 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) - Right: 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) ``` This alone can recover 15-20% of your page. Don't go below 0.5 inches—printers clip the edges. ## Line Spacing: Tighten Without Cramping Standard line spacing is 1.15 or 1.5. For a tight one-pager, try 1.0 or 1.08. ```copy Compact spacing settings: - Line spacing: 1.0 or 1.08 - Space after paragraphs: 3-6pt (not a full line break) - Space between sections: 6-10pt ``` The goal is density without claustrophobia. If you can't distinguish sections, you've gone too far. ## Font Size: The Acceptable Range Don't shrink below 10pt for body text. Recruiters will squint—and resent you for it. ```copy Compact font sizes: - Name: 14-16pt (bold) - Section headings: 11-12pt (bold) - Body text: 10-11pt - Dates/locations: 9-10pt ``` If 10pt still doesn't fit, the problem is content, not formatting. ## Structure: Single Column vs. Two Columns A two-column layout fits more content but risks ATS parsing issues. Use it cautiously. **Single column:** Safer for ATS. Easier to scan. Works for most roles. **Two columns:** Good for creative roles or portfolios. Test with an ATS checker first. If you use columns, put critical content (experience, skills) in the left/main column. Put supporting content (education, languages) in the sidebar. ## The "Cut First, Format Second" Rule Formatting tricks have limits. If you're fighting to fit everything, the real problem is too much content. Before adjusting margins, ask: - Does this role really need to see my job from 12 years ago? - Can I summarise three bullets into one? - Is this skill obvious from my experience? Cut ruthlessly. Then format for polish. ## Pre-Flight Checklist Before exporting your one-page CV: - [ ] Margins are no smaller than 0.5 inches. - [ ] Font size is 10pt or larger for body text. - [ ] Line spacing is 1.0-1.15 (not cramped). - [ ] Sections have clear visual separation. - [ ] The page doesn't feel "stuffed." - [ ] You've cut content before adjusting formatting. --- *For more on CV layout, explore our [Format & Layout](/format-and-layout) insights.*