Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Understanding Single Line Spacing.
There are several methods Word can use for line spacing. Typically, the default line spacing (as specified in the Line Spacing drop-down list of the Paragraph dialog box) is Single. (See Figure 1.) This means line spacing will be adjusted based on the largest font size or element on each individual line. Thus, if you have multiple font sizes on the same line of a paragraph, then the spacing for that line is dictated by the largest font size.
Figure 1. The Paragraph dialog box.
If your word processing needs are simple in nature, then Single line spacing is more than adequate. If you have more demanding word processing needs, then you may need to adjust the line spacing method used by Word to reflect the desired effect for your document. Display the Paragraph dialog box, then use the Line Spacing drop-down list to select a different spacing.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10836) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Understanding Single Line Spacing.
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2019-01-16 08:23:13
Jennifer Thomas
Can anyone provide an explanation of how to configure the line spacing options Exactly, At Least and Multiple? Supposedly these can be used to balance the spacing when you have different sized elements (so the large element sort of 'centers' vertically on the line), but it sure doesn't seem to work so I think I don't quite understand how to enter a value in relation to the font size. Thanks!
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
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