Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 11, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365
Al can create a simple numbered list by selecting the paragraphs and using the Numbering tool on the Home tab of the ribbon. However, he would like the numbers 1 through 9 in the list to include a leading zero, so they would be 01 through 09. He wonders if there is a way, using Word's Numbering tool, to including the leading zero.
The short answer is yes, this can be done rather easily. Follow these steps:

Figure 1. The Define New Number Format dialog box.
The desired numbering, with leading zeros for numbers below 10, is applied to the paragraphs you selected in step 1. You can then apply the same format to other lists by selecting the paragraphs and clicking the down-arrow next to the Numbering tool. In the resulting options, your number format (with leading zeros) should appear in the Document Number Formats area of the options.
There is another way that you can create this numbering style, if you desire. I find this easy to do if I have not yet created any paragraphs for my numbered. List. Start by pressing Enter a couple of times so that you are ready to start typing a new paragraph. Then, type a zero, the number 1, a period, and press Tab. Word's often-over-exuberant help should kick in and assume you are starting to type a numbered list. In the process, it numbers the list using 01., just like you want.
At this point you can continue typing the items in your numbered list. Plus, when you click the down-arrow at the right of the Numbering tool, you should see your leading-zero number format available in the Document Number Formats area of the options.
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