Logo for Maricopa Open Digital Press

18 Double Spaced Essay: How to Write It and Achieve a Top Grade

Numerous essay formatting guidelines often highlight double-spacing as a preferred layout for standard essays. This comprehensive tutorial will delve into what constitutes a double-spaced essay, the steps to apply double-spacing in your document using MS Word or Mac Pages, and strategies to enhance your essay, aiming for higher grades.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

When tasked to write me an essay , it’s essential to consider the structural elements that define its presentation and readability. An essay set to double-spacing is typically arranged on standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper, framed by 1-inch margins, featuring double-spaced lines within each paragraph and no additional spacing between paragraphs. It typically has 275 to 300 words per page, varying with font and margins. This format facilitates easier reading, correction by tutors, and idea tracking.

Word count can be adjusted based on page size and margins, but standard settings align with 275 words per page. Essays usually range from 250 to 1000 words, with 500 words common in college. Font size 12 or 11 is recommended, and adherence to specific formatting guidelines, including font choice, is crucial to avoid grade penalties. Editing might involve switching fonts for personal comfort or per a professor’s instructions.

Why is It Necessary to Use Double Spacing in Essays?

You might be curious about the rationale behind double-spacing essays and their prevalence as the preferred format for high school and college papers. Here, we highlight the top three reasons:

  • Double-spacing improves readability by preventing lines from blurring, allowing for faster document scanning.
  • Double-spaced essays are also user-friendly because readers can comfortably read and follow the ideas in your essay without requiring additional assistance or larger font sizes.
  • Instructors often prefer double-spaced essays because they provide spaces between the lines where they can easily write comments on the paper.

Comparison Between Double-Spacing and Other Spacing Options

School assignments generally have three types of spacing options: single, 1.5, and double spacing.

A  double-spaced paper is the most prevalent method of formatting a text or document and involves inserting a distance of 2.0 spaces between lines within a paragraph while leaving no space between paragraphs. Double-spacing is a typical requirement for college assignments, including dissertations and theses.

A 1.5-spaced essay indicates that the sentences in a paragraph are separated by a distance of 1.5 mm, with no gaps between paragraphs.

Finally, a single-spaced document contains small gaps between the lines, with a spacing of 1.0. It is recommended to use single or 1.5 spacing only if your instructor specifically instructs you to do so.

How to Use Double-Spacing on Your Computer

Some students choose to use different font styles while writing and then make adjustments to the overall document format and spacing at a later stage, which is acceptable. On the other hand, some people prefer to stay organized right from the beginning, which involves setting double spacing from the start. Whether you use a word processor like Pages or Word, here are the steps to follow.

Pages on a Mac

If you have a Mac computer and use Pages, you can use the following instructions to set your paper to double-spacing.

  • Select the paragraphs you want to be double-spaced.
  • To access Inspector, go to the top right corner and click the blue button.
  • Once you see the new window, click on the Text button.
  • Locate the Spacing part and input the number 2 in the designated box on the right side of the slide bar.

Microsoft Word Processor

If you are using a Word document to type your assignment, use the following steps to make it double-spaced:

  • Select the specific text to adjust its spacing.
  • In the Home tab, find the Paragraph and click on the short arrow in the lower corner.
  • A separate window will appear, displaying different options, such as general, indentation, and spacing.
  • In the spacing list, select Double.

The procedure is similar for all Microsoft Word versions.

You also have the option to customize the spacing between lines using the toolbar on your screen:

  • In the same Paragraph area, find the spacing button.

6 Steps to Write an A-Worthy Double-Spaced Essay 

If you are given the task of writing an essay with double spacing and are unsure about how to start, here is a handy guide to assist you.

1. Study the Prompt

When assigned to write a paper, the initial step you should take is to check the prompt carefully. This will assist you in comprehending the question, generating ideas for a suitable topic, and selecting the most appropriate subject for your essay.

2. Select a Good Essay Topic

Once you have reviewed the instructions, it is necessary to rephrase the question using your own words. Conduct thorough research and assess potential topics, ultimately selecting a captivating subject matter for your essay. The chosen topic should strike a balance between being too specific or too general, and it should be easily supported by available resources.

3. Use Appropriate Evidence

It is crucial to emphasize the significance of references in an essay. Neglecting to do so could result in plagiarism, which is a serious offense in both academic and professional settings. By citing information that is paraphrased, quoted, or summarized from sources, you strengthen the arguments presented in your paragraphs.

4. Develop a Suitable Essay Structure

In addition to establishing the sequence of ideas, make sure that your essay is well-organized. A thorough essay with a clear structure captivates readers and makes the writing process more straightforward as each element falls into its proper position. Carefully construct your essay, paying attention to its structure, and you will be able to maintain a laser-like focus throughout.

5. Use Simple Vocabulary

Writing an essay is not an opportunity to show off one’s extensive vocabulary. Instead, it is an opportunity to support your ideas and thoughts on a specific topic by presenting factual research. Avoid the urge to use complex words in order to impress your teacher, as clear and straightforward language is always more effective in essay writing.

To effectively communicate with the audience, it is important to utilize straightforward and widely understood language. The most captivating and high-quality essays tend to employ a simple and accessible writing style.

6. Balance Your Paragraphs

Make sure your topic sentences are cohesive and coherent. Cohesion refers to a smooth connection between sentences, while coherence means creating a unified sense throughout. Seamless transitions between paragraphs are key to a cohesive narrative.

Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly presents the central theme, then bolster it with supporting sentences that offer evidence or illustrative examples. Employ thoughtful transitions to weave your ideas together, ensuring a natural progression of thoughts throughout your writing.

The Bottom Line

With the information provided, you have gained knowledge on the definition of a double-spaced essay, instructions on setting double spacing on your computer, and tips to make your double-spacing captivating enough to improve your academic score.

Freelance writer Nicole Hardy , a distinguished journalist in the realms of education and the arts, is celebrated for her thorough and discerning coverage of performing arts education. Her career, which extends beyond ten years, has solidified her status as an authoritative figure in this domain. Hardy is praised for her thorough analyses and captivating writing manner. She earned her Master’s in Journalism from the University of Arts, with a focus on arts, culture journalism and now she provides amazing student friendly content on News.EssayHub

Articles Blog Copyright © by amj2135106. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book

logo

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Double Spacing essay guide

Many guidelines for formatting essays, as presented in rubrics, recommend double-spacing as one of the proper formats for standard comprehensive essays . For instance, when you receive the assignment instructions, essay prompts, or other academic homework assignment instructions, the Spacing of the work is usually specified.

The common spacing specifications include a 1.5 spaced essay, single-spaced essay, and a double-spaced or 2.0 spaced essay. In most cases, instructors will insist that your essay must be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized 8.5" by 11" paper, with margins of 1" on all sides.

In this detailed guide, we focus on the definition of a double-spaced essay, how to double-space an essay on MS Word or Mac Pages, and how to spice up that essay so that you score higher marks.

What is a double-spaced essay?

Here is the meaning of a double-spaced essay : A double-spaced essay is a standard essay written on a standard-sized (8.5" x 11") paper with a one-inch margin around the paper formatted with double spaces between the lines that make a paragraph with no extra spacing between paragraphs.  

In terms of word count, a double-spaced essay contains either 275 or 300 words in total per page, depending on the font used. Formatting a paper in double-spacing makes it easier for the tutor to read through the essay, make corrections within the left spaces, and follow through with ideas in your essay.

The number of words in a double-spacing essay also depends on the page margins you have set for your text. For instance, if you use A-4 sized page, an essay will have fewer words, the same as an A3 page. However, a standard-sized age with one-inch margins all around should have 275 words as a standard.

With short essays being between 250 words and 1000 words, with the most common in college being a 500-word essay, you can write as many words as you wish depending on the scope of the question, essay prompt, and the topic.

In most instances, students are advised to use font 12 points of 11 depending on the font type you are using. Failure to format your essay in the required Spacing might lead to penalties ranging from deduction of grades to poor grades.

As you set out to write or edit your essay, ensure that you choose a font that your professor advises. But this should only be the last thing you do as you polish your essay. For instance, some students find it comfortable writing with a given font, say Arial font 13, and then converting to Times New Roman font 12 when editing.

What is the significance of Double Spacing in essays and assignments?

You are probably wondering why we double-space essays or why it is the preferred standard for essays you write in high school and college. Below are some of the top three reasons why teachers want essays to be double-spaced.

  • Double-spacing makes it easier to read through the document quickly as the lines do not blur together.
  • Double-spaced essays are also reader-friendly. A reader can easily read and trace the points in your essay without needing extra aids or larger fonts.
  • Double-spaced essays or assignments are also preferred because they leave whitespaces where the instructors can write comments on the paper.
  • Another reason is that double-spaced essays give you (the essayist) enough room to communicate to your readers. The Spacing enhances the spatial mode of the essay or paper, making it easier to spot main points, read without getting lost or straying into other lines, and use one's fingers.

Double-Spacing vs. Other tyles of Spacing for Essays

When writing an essay, report, dissertation, annotated bibliography, or research paper for school, you should be aware of the type of Spacing required. There are three types of Spacing for school assignments: single, 1.5, and double Spacing.

A double-spaced paper or document, which is the most common, entails creating 2.0 spaces between lines in a paragraph without spaces between paragraphs. Double-spacing is a norm of most college assignments; even dissertations and theses are mostly double-spaced.

A 1.5 spaced essay or document means that the lines or sentences in a paragraph are spaced 1.5 mm from one another without spaces between paragraphs.

Finally, a single-spaced paper has little white spaces between the typed lines in the paragraphs. The lines within the paragraph are spaced 1.0 from one another. This means that there is little room for comments, remarks, or feedback from the professor. You should only use single and 1.5 spacing if your instructor advises so.

If you have typed your paper and realize that you have the wrong spacing, do not worry. You can do the Spacing of an essay or document either on a word document or on a Mac, as we shall explain shortly. The good news is that you can do this at any point in your writing process. The process will differ depending on the program you are using. Let's explore widely.

If you are wondering what a double-spaced essay looks like, have a look below.

Double-spaced essay example

Here is how single Spacing should look like in an essay:

Single-spaced essay example

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

To try to bring things to their perspective, here is a table comparing word count to Spacing. It can help you plan your essays.

You can simply conclude from the table abov e that a single-spaced page has the exact word count as twice a double-spaced paper.

How to set Double-Spacing on your Computer

Some people prefer to use other font styles and formats when writing, then edit the entire document to the required format and Spacing later, which is okay. Others like to keep everything organized from the beginning, which means setting double-spacing from the onset. Whether on Mac Page's word processor or MS word processor, here are some steps to take.

Pages on a Mac

If you are using a Page's word processor on a mac, you can follow these steps to double-space your paper:

  • Highlight the text that you wish to double-space
  • Click on Inspector, a blue button on the top right of your window
  • In the new window, select the Text tab or the "T."
  • Find the section labeled Spacing and type 2 into the box to the right of the slide bar.

On Microsoft Word Processor

If you are typing your assignment on a word document, follow the following steps to double-space it:

1. Select the text that you wish to change its Spacing

2. Under the Home tab , go to the Paragraph Click on the small arrow in the bottom left corner, as shown below.

Small Arrow

3. A new window will pop up with various settings, including general, indentation, and Spacing, as shown in the figure below.

Paragraph editing section

4. Click on the line spacing drop-down arrow

5. Select " Double " from the list

6. Check the " Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style ."

Setting double-spacing in MS Word

7. Press OK to execute the changes and save

The process is more or less the same for all Microsoft word processing versions. 

You can also adjust the line-spacing from the toolbar on your Microsoft word processor . This is probably the best way if you are one of those that want a page with double-spacing from the onset.

1. Under the Paragraph section of the Home Tab , locate the line-spacing button .

2. Click on the button to expand it as shown below.

Setting spacing for paragraph in a word document

3. Choose 2 . 0 for double-spacing , 1.5 for 1.5 line-spacing, and 1.0 for single spacing.

4. Click on OK to make the paper double-spaced.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: 9 Steps to Take

Suppose you are assigned to write a double-spacing essay and you are wondering how to proceed, here is a little cheat sheet to keep you going. We asked our top essay writers and here were their exact recommendations; they can help you craft a double-spaced essay or assignment.

1. Read the essay prompt

The first thing you should always do when assigned to write a double-spaced essay is to thoroughly read the assignment prompt. It helps you unpack the question, brainstorm on a good topic, and pick the best topic for your essay. additionally, you also get to understand the Spacing, font type and size, and length/wordcount of your essay. It is an integral step in writing an essay.

2. Select a good essay topic

After reading the instructions, you need to rewrite the question on your own terms, conduct some research, evaluate the viable topics, then choose a hot topic for your essay. depending on your area of study, select a topic that is neither too narrow nor too broad. Go with a topic that is easy to find resources and one that you have genuine interest in writing a paper. If you are left with the option of selecting a topic on your own, select a topic that is relevant to the subject of study.

3. Use appropriate evidence

We cannot insist less how much it is important to cite all the sources that you use in an essay. First, failure to cite sources used in an essay could amount to plagiarism, which is a punishable offense in higher education and even professional realms. Therefore, you need to manage your in-text citations and reference list to ensure that your paper has some scholarly rigor. Citing facts paraphrased, quoted, or summarized from a source bolsters the arguments in the paragraphs of your essay. It brings in a string of a scholarly streak that makes the paper flow, make sense, and support your thesis statement.

4. Present your facts well

When planning for your essay or writing an essay outline/structure, you ought to have thought of the scaffolding of your essay. An essay scaffold refers to the order in which you present your arguments, themes, or texts in an essay. Have some semblance of organization in your essay. As an essayist, ensure that you substantiate your claims using proper evidence.

Instead of casually presenting an idea because you do not believe in it, use the available empirical evidence to make the essay even more desirable. It is also appropriate not to jump into unwarranted or unsupported conclusions.

If you do so, let it be on grounds of the evidence presented to support your thesis statement. Equally, your essay must always address the readers, so focus on what would interest them. From the title to the reference page, ensure that your readers are well-entertained and hooked.

5. Have a good essay structure

Apart from determining the order of argument, ensure that your essay is also well-structured. A comprehensive essay with a definite structure intrigues the readers. It also simplifies the writing process because everything falls into its rightful place.

You will have a laser-sharp focus on a structured essay than an essay you write haphazardly. Such an essay (a poorly-planned essay) will probably miss a thing or two. But when you have an essay outline , your chances of intriguing your readers increased. In short, a well-structured essay is reader-friendly.

Instead of beginning with the introduction, like anyone else, why not begin with the body paragraphs. Because you have a preliminary thesis, your body paragraphs can be developed without the introduction.

You can then finalize the writing process by tweaking the thesis into a final thesis, based on the arguments on the body paragraphs, and then writing a catchy introduction.

When you have your introduction, you can now finalize the writing process by writing an equally catchy conclusion that leaves your readers yearning for more.

As long as you maintain the standard format of a three-paragraph or a five-paragraph essay, whichever order you use to write does not matter provided the quality of the essay is met.

Choose the essay scaffold depending on the type of essay you are writing. For instance, you can use Toulmin, classic argument method, or Rogerian approach when writing an argumentative essay . similarly, you can choose to use chronology or point-by-point contrast when writing a classification or compare and contrast essay .

6. Use simple vocabulary

When writing any essay, it is not the chance to measure who knows what vocabulary. Instead, it is a chance to present facts from research to reinforce your ideas and thoughts on a given topic. Resist the temptation of using tough words to impress your teacher. Simplicity always wins when it comes to essay writing. Write in plain and simple language.

Use the ordinary words that makes it easier for your instructor to read and flow with your ideas. They never have the time to peruse a thesaurus, and even if they do, you would probably irritate their appetite leading to poor grades.

Use simple common words to communicate with the audience. Most engaging and top-grade essays are written in simple language. Students who write simple papers end up scoring better, as long as the facts are presented, flowing, and well organized.

7. Use short and long sentences

Every piece of assignment you write is meant to impress your readers. Using short sentences and long sentences blended together makes an essay readable. Short sentences are brief, easy to understand, and allow for easier navigation.

Although sometimes it is tempting to use complex sentences, they are counted as run-on or ambiguous sentences. When writing, this should not trouble you. However, when editing the paper, shorten the long sentences that have empty but complex vocabularies. It narrows down to simplicity again.

All our writers are better because they have mastered the art of balancing short and long sentences. With such a craft, you can convince even the toughest professor on earth for the best grades.

Brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity comes from a mastery of how to use short sentences. So, try to practice often and use this approach for success in your essays.

8. Balance your paragraphs

To achieve a perfect paragraph in an essay is akin to getting an A+. It is not hard although it is something that most people struggle with.

Ensure that your topic sentences achieve cohesion and coherence. Cohesion means a good flow while coherence means achieving a sense of the whole. Your paragraphs should transition into one another.

Each paragraph should present a single idea linked to the order. Check out our guide on the PEEL paragraphing format . We also have a checklist for a good essay paragraph . A paragraph is an indispensable or irreplaceable node within a coherent sequence of logic. They are the building blocks of the essays. So, make them count.

Finally, your paragraphs need to be balanced in terms of number of words. Remember, by default the body paragraphs comprise 80% of the entire word count. This means that if you are writing a five-paragraph essay, the three body paragraphs should be spread to cover for the same.

9. Edit and format correctly

The writing process is no doubt the hardest part. Since it comes with researching, reading, and critical thinking, by the time you are done chances are that you are exhausted and probably fatigued. If you make the mistake of rushing directly to edit and format the paper, you'll probably make mistakes. It is the sole reason why it is good to plan an essay � allocate some good time for editing and polishing the essay or any assignment for that matter.

Now, when you're done with writing, take some much-deserved break. You can go for a walk, have a nap, watch your favorite show, activate your social media and plug back, or visit a friend, whatever will ease your mind.

After the rest, spend some quality time objectively reading, editing, and formatting your essay. focus on spelling, grammar, stylistic, and organization mistakes. You should also check the right Spacing, fonts, and font type. If you find the process consuming and tiresome, you can use our essay editing service. We have keen editors who can always help.

After everything is okay, check your paper for plagiarism, and submit it before the deadline.

Parting Shot!

To this end, you now understand what a double-spaced essay is, how to set double Spacing on your Computer, and how to make a double-spacing interesting enough to earn you a better grade.

Whether you are writing in MLA, Harvard, APA , or Chicago, the process remains the same. If you need tips on how to make an essay longer , check out our guide on the same. We also have various guides that can help you become a better essay writer.

Related: How to indent in an essay or paper.

Otherwise, if all you need is someone who can assist you with writing a well-researched, refined, and polished school essay, we have excellent and talented writers on the wait. Place an order through the form on our homepage and experience a perfect essay help you have never seen before.

what is double spaced in an essay example

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

paypal logo

How to Double Space Your Paper

Steve Debenport / Getty Images 

  • Homework Tips
  • Learning Styles & Skills
  • Study Methods
  • Time Management
  • Private School
  • College Admissions
  • College Life
  • Graduate School
  • Business School
  • Distance Learning
  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Double spacing refers to the amount of space that shows between the individual lines of your paper. When a paper is single-spaced, there is very little white space between the typed lines, which means there is no room for marks or comments. This is precisely why teachers ask you to double space. The white space between the lines leaves room for  editing marks  and comments.

Double spacing is the norm for essay assignments, so if you are in doubt about expectations, you should format your paper with double spacing. Only use a single space if the teacher asks explicitly for it. 

Don't worry if you've already typed your paper and you now realize that your spacing is wrong. You can change spacing and other types of formatting easily and at any time in the writing process. But the way to go about these changes will differ, depending on the word processing program you're using.

Microsoft Word

If you are working in Microsoft Word 2010, you should follow these steps to set up double-spacing.

  • Select (highlight) text if you have already typed some lines. If not, go to the next step.
  • Click on the Page Layout tab.
  • Go to the Paragraph section. You will see a small arrow in the bottom left corner.
  • Click on the arrow to bring up a new window.
  • Select the Indents and Spacing tab (it is probably already open).
  • Find the Line spacing menu and select double from the list. Then select OK .

Other versions of Microsoft Word will use a similar process and the same wording.

Pages (Mac)

 If you're using the Pages word processor on a mac, you can double-space your paper following these instructions: 

  • First highlight text, if you have already typed some lines
  • Click on  Inspector , which is a blue button on the top right of your window
  • When a new window opens, select the  Text  tab which is a large "T"
  • Find the section labeled  Spacing  and type  2  into the box to the right of the slide bar
  • Tips for Typing an Academic Paper on a Computer
  • Should an Application Essay Be Single-Spaced or Double-Spaced?
  • How to Remove Extra Spaces Between Paragraphs & Sentences
  • Lining Up Dots in a Table of Contents
  • Formatting Papers in Chicago Style
  • MLA Sample Pages
  • Creating a Table of Contents
  • Title Page Examples and Formats
  • What Is Pre-Formatted Text?
  • How to Outline and Organize an Essay
  • How to Type Spanish Accents, Characters, and Punctuation in Windows
  • What Is a Bibliography?
  • How to Set Justified Text With CSS
  • Write in HTML: Paragraphs and Spacing
  • How to Use HTML and CSS to Create Tabs and Spacing
  • Microsoft Word Shortcuts and Commands
  • Link to facebook
  • Link to linkedin
  • Link to twitter
  • Link to youtube
  • Writing Tips

MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

3-minute read

  • 7th November 2023

Double spacing in Microsoft Word is a formatting technique that can enhance the readability and presentation of your documents. Whether you’re a student working on an essay, a professional drafting a report, or a writer formatting a manuscript, understanding how to use double spacing effectively is essential.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what double spacing is, and how to apply it to your text. We’ll also share some handy keyboard shortcuts to help make the process even more efficient.

What Is Double Spacing?

Double spacing refers to the practice of inserting a blank line between each line of text in a document, effectively making it appear as though there’s an empty line between each line of text. This spacing style is particularly useful for a variety of document types and scenarios.

When Is Double Spacing Commonly Used?

Most academic institutions require essays, research papers, and dissertations to be double-spaced. This format makes it easier for professors to provide feedback and annotations. Additionally, many style guides (such as MLA ) use double spacing.

If you’re a writer or author, you’ll often find publishers and literary agents prefer double-spaced manuscripts. This format allows for easier editing and readability. Business documents, such as reports and proposals, and legal documents often benefit from double spacing as well.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

How to Apply Double Spacing in Microsoft Word

Let’s go through the steps to apply double spacing to your text in Microsoft Word.

Method 1: Using the Ribbon

  • Open your Microsoft Word document.
  • Highlight the text you want to double space or press Ctrl + A to select the entire document.
  • Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon.
  • In the Paragraph group, locate the Line Spacing option. It usually looks like three lines with an arrow next to it.
  • Click on the arrow to open the Line Spacing menu.
  • Select 2.0 from the menu, which represents double spacing. Alternatively, you can click on the arrow at the bottom right-hand corner of the Paragraph group and select 2.0 under Line Spacing .

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 2 to quickly apply double spacing.

Mastering the art of double spacing in Microsoft Word is a valuable skill for anyone who deals with Word documents regularly. Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, knowing when and how to use double spacing can greatly improve the readability and presentation of your work.

And once you’ve finished writing your document, be sure to send it to one of our expert editors! We’ll ensure your grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, referencing, and more are perfect. You can try out our proofreading service for free today.

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

How to insert a text box in a google doc.

Google Docs is a powerful collaborative tool, and mastering its features can significantly enhance your...

2-minute read

How to Cite the CDC in APA

If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...

5-minute read

Six Product Description Generator Tools for Your Product Copy

Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...

What Is a Content Editor?

Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...

4-minute read

The Benefits of Using an Online Proofreading Service

Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...

6 Online AI Presentation Maker Tools

Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...

Logo Harvard University

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Published by Boni on November 11, 2022 November 11, 2022

How to Write a Double Spaced Essay

What Does Double-Spaced Mean

In writing, formatting is essential to improving readability and successfully communicating ideas. Double spacing is a frequent formatting strategy. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or someone who interacts with written materials frequently, it is essential to comprehend double spacing. You should also assess how it might affect the display and readability of your work.

Elevate Your Writing with Our Free Writing Tools!

Did you know that we provide a free essay and speech generator, plagiarism checker, summarizer, paraphraser, and other writing tools for free?

Double spacing is simply adding an extra line of space between each line of text. This gives the page a more open appearance and simplifies reading and editing. You can modify the line spacing in word processing systems through settings. For instance, the “Line Spacing” option in a Word document allows users to choose between single, 1.5, and double line spacing. In the majority of word processing programs, double-spacing is usually the default setting.

There are several reasons why writers utilize double spacing. Long passages of text may become easier to read, and it aids in maintaining the reader’s attention on the key ideas. Double spacing can also be used to divide lengthy passages into smaller, easier-to-read portions. Most essays, reports, articles, letters, and more, use this formatting style.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is an essay where you separate the lines by one inch around the article with no extra space between the paragraphs. A double-spaced essay should be on a standard-sized (8.5”x 11”) paper with an inch margin around the document.

A double-spaced paper has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Here is a 2 paragraph double spaced essay example .

Double-Spaced Essay Format

It is essential to know how to format your document after writing. No matter the size of the paper, it is always possible to double space, but you should know how the program you have written your documents works. The most common programs students use are Word (Mac version) and Microsoft word.

For the Microsoft word

  • You need to highlight the text.
  • Open the page layout function at the top.
  • In the paragraph section, find a small black arrow on the lower left side
  • Click on the arrow to open a new window
  • Then open the “intervals and indents” function; if not opened.
  • Select the “line spacing,” which is on the double list section
  • Click “Ok” to effect and save the changes

For Word (Mac Version), the instructions are as follows:

  • Highlight all text or selected lines
  • Click the inspector on the upper right corner (blue button)
  • A new window will open
  • Find a section called “Text” (labeled with a big “T”)
  • Click on the interval section
  • Enter 2 for double spacing on the right side of the selection bar
  • Click “Ok” to save the changes

How to Set Double-Spacing on Your Computer

You can double-space all or part of a word document. Alternatively, some prefer to edit the document to spacing and format after writing, while others prefer keeping everything organized from the beginning, which means you write with double spacing from the start.

The following are double spacing steps on Word (Mac version) or MS Word Processor.

Documents on Mac Version

Use the following steps to double-space your document if you use the word mac version to process your pages.

  • To double-space a specific text, highlight the text.
  • Then click a blue button (inspector) on the right of your window.
  • Select the “T” or Text tab in the new window that pops up
  • Go to the section named spacing and write 2 into the box of the slide bar to the right.

On MS Word Processor

Follow the following space to double-space if you use a word document to write your essay.

1. Highlight the text you want to double space

2. Go to the paragraph section under the home tab, and on the bottom left corner, click the small arrow.

Step Two

3. There will pop up a new window with different settings, including; spacing, identification, and general .

Step Three

4. Click on the drop-down arrow on the line spacing

5. From the list, choose “double.”

6. Click on the box “ Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style .”

Step Six

7. Press OK to save and effect the changes.

All Microsoft word processing versions use more or less the same steps when double spacing.

If you want to use the double spacing from the beginning when writing, you can adjust the line spacing on your Microsoft word processor toolbar.

  • Go to the paragraph section on the home tab and find the line and paragraph spacing button.
  • Click on the button to find more options

Double spacing from the beginning

  • Select 2.0 for double spacing
  • Click OK to save the changes and double-space your document.

How to Write a Double-spaced Essay

You do not have to struggle when writing a double-spaced essay. The trick is to curate an interesting essay, just like you would for any other essay. Then, follow the right formatting style. By following the instructions below, you can ensure that your essay complies with the double-spacing standard and presents your thoughts concisely, readably, and expertly.

  • Read the essay prompt

When asked to write a double-spaced essay, you must always start by carefully reading the assignment prompt. It enables you to analyze the question, generate ideas for a healthy subject, and select the top subject for your essay. Furthermore, you learn your article’s spacing, font type, size, and word count. It is a crucial phase of essay writing.

  • Choose an essay topic

You must read the guidelines, then paraphrase the query in your own terms, do some research, assess the potential essay ideas, and select a good topic. Choose a good and narrow topic based on your field of study. Choose a subject where you can easily get resources and genuinely want to write a paper. Select a topic that is relevant to the study area if you are free to choose your own topic.

  • Use appropriate materials

In an essay, you must cite all of your sources. First, forgetting to cite evidences in an essay can be viewed as plagiarism, which is prohibited in learning institutions and employment. To achieve scholarly rigor, you must keep track of your reference list and in-citations. Facts from sources that have been rephrased, cited, or summarized make essay paragraphs stronger. It improves the paper’s logic, flow, and thesis statement support.

  • Present your facts well

You should have considered the scaffolding of your article when creating or composing an outline or framework. An essay scaffold arranges readings, arguments, and ideas. Put your essay in order. Writers should back up their claims.

Instead of putting up a theory you do not agree with, support your claim with empirical data. Only make snap judgments or conclusions with sufficient evidence. If so, provide proof to back up your claim. Focus on what fascinates them because your article must speak to the reader. Engage readers from the title through the bibliography.

  • Have a good essay outline and structure

In addition to choosing the sequence of your arguments, ensure your essay is appropriately organized. A thorough article with a clear framework captures the interest of the reader. The writing process is also made simpler because everything is properly located.

An essay that is well structured will allow you to focus more intently than one that is hastily written. Such an essay (with poor planning) will likely overlook a few things. However, your chances of captivating your audience enhance when you have an essay framework. Thus, a well-structured essay is easy to read.

Why not begin with the body sections instead of the introductory like everyone else does? Your body paragraphs can be produced without the introduction because you have a working thesis. The writing process can be finished by developing the initial thesis into a final thesis depending on the justifications in the body sections, and then writing a captivating introduction. Once you have written your introduction, you may finish your essay by constructing a compelling conclusion that will leave your audience wanting to read more about it.

  • Use simple vocabulary

Examining vocabulary is different from the purpose of essays. It is an opportunity to present evidence that backs up your viewpoints. To win your teacher over, use straightforward language. Simplicity is necessary for writing essays. Write clearly.

Make your instructor’s job easier by using clear language. They have no time to use a dictionary; and once they use one, you would annoy them and reduce their grades. Use simple language to communicate. The best writing is written in simple terms. Simple papers will do well when the proofs are given, organized, and flow smoothly.

  • Use short and long sentences

Your audience should be impressed by every assignment you write. An essay is more readable when it combines both short and large sentences. Simple, understandable, and concise sentences make it simpler to navigate.

Although it can be tempting to utilize complex sentences occasionally, they are run-on or unclear sentences and should be avoided. You should not be concerned about this when writing. However, cut long sentences with sparse yet intricate vocabulary when editing the document. Once more, it becomes straightforward.

Understanding how to employ short sentences effectively is the key to brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity. So, practice frequently and employ this strategy to succeed in your essays. With such skill, you may persuade even the most difficult professor to give you the finest grades.

  • Balance your paragraphs

A perfect paragraph in an essay is equivalent to receiving an A+. Although majority of individuals struggle with it, it is not difficult.

Verify the coherence and cohesiveness of your topic sentences. When something is coherent, it has a good flow and a sense of unity. The transitions between your paragraphs should be smooth. A single order-related idea should be discussed in every paragraph.

Finally, the word count in each paragraph needs to be balanced. Remember that 80% of the word count comprises body paragraphs. Accordingly, the three body paragraphs should be spaced out to cover the same material if you are writing an essay of six paragraphs.

  • Edit and format your essay correctly.

It is challenging to write. You could feel worn out once you are done because it demands reading, research, and critical thinking. If you format and revise the paper quickly, you will make mistakes. Planning an essay is crucial to allow time for editing and polishing.

Take a break, and then spend some time reading, editing, and formatting your essay objectively. Concentrate on punctuation, grammatical, stylistic, and organizational errors. Ensure that the fonts and font type are appropriate, as well as the spacing. Our essay editing service is available if you find the process time-consuming and exhausting. Once everything is in order, ensure your paper is original, and submit it before the due date.

Double spacing vs. Other Types of Spacing for Essays

You can space your school assignment using three types of spacing: single, 1.5, and double spacing. You should know the spacing type required when writing your school dissertation, research paper, annotated bibliography, report, or essay.

  • Double Spaced Document or Paper

It is the most common type of spacing which involves selecting 2.0 spaces between paragraph lines without any other spaces between paragraphs. Most college assignments, theses, and dissertations are double-spaced.

  • 1.5 Spaced Document or Essay

A 1.5-spaced paper has sentences or lines in a paragraph spaced from each other using 1.5 mm space and has no spaces between paragraphs.

  • Single Spaced Document

Single spacing is typing that does not leave lines blank. A single-spaced document has a space of 1.0 between the lines in a paragraph, which creates little room for feedback, remarks, and comments. You should use single spacing only when the requirement says so.

However, whether your essay is on Mac or a word document, you can change the spacing of your paper to different spacing styles any time you need.

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

Below is a table that compares the number of pages and words to different spacing styles.

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

500 Word Example of a Double-Spaced Essay

There are many samples of double-spaced essays on the internet that will enable you to understand these essay types. Most of these samples have picture evidence, a format that helps your understanding. The double-spacing form is used mainly by book authors when sending a text to the publisher to allow enough spacing for error correction by the editors. The extra space allows the editor to make comments or remarks.

Also, students can use double spacing when writing their draft essays as it gives spaces for supervisors or teachers to comment and make remarks before a student can draft the final copy. For example, a student can use a double-spacing format for scientific text, which gives extra space to highlight any grammatical errors or minor flaws that need to be corrected.

Get a quality plagiarism free 500 words essay by using our AI powered essay generator .

Benefits of Double Spacing in Essays

The following are the advantages of using double spaces in your thesis.

  • Creates space for crucial notes

Sometimes you may want to include important notes when taking an exam or writing an essay, but the notes cannot fit in your document body without making it look unprofessional. But with a double-spaced essay, there is enough space at the end of each paragraph where you can write end notes or footnotes without disturbing the flow of the reading.

  • It makes your essay easy to read

A double-spaced essay means there are few words in a line. This makes it easy to read since you will not have to often move your eyes from one end of the page to the other. There are no line breaks in double-spaced lines to distract you from the flow of ideas, and it is easy to skim through the sentences.

  • Help emphasize important points

It may be challenging to notice when you have repeated a phrase or word using single spacing, making the content look repetitive. However, double spacing creates more spaces between repeated texts and phrases such that they stand out more prominently.

  • Reduces typos

Double-spaced punction marks such as commas and full stops are more visible than when single-spaced. It lets the reader know where a sentence starts or ends without rereading previous phrases or sentences. It is more crucial, especially if the reader is learning English, as they will see where there are commas and where sentences end, and also easy for proofreaders.

  • It makes your writing look professional

Most readers want a document that is convenient and easy to read within a short period. Your writing skills should look professional and impress the reader at first glance. You can achieve this by double spacing, as it makes the document easy to read and creates an impression of professionalism.

Explore an example of a double spaced essay about how to tame a Wild Tongue – summary and response.

Need Help with Double-Spaced Essay Writing?

Students often face time constraints in balancing academic and life activities. If you are in this category, you can seek assistance from Gudwriter, and you will have your double-spaced essay written within the shortest time possible. We have a team of seasoned writers experienced in different subjects to craft your essay.

Your work quality is our top priority, and that’s why we have professionals with the necessary education to handle our client’s questions. Whether it is an admission essay term papers, scientific projects, or any double-sapced essay, we will craft your essay from the beginning to the end. Simply reach out to our admission essay service and submit your essay requirements and expect a quality paper.

Our expert writer will handle your projects as you focus on other vital things. We customize your essay and make any edits required until you are satisfied. Our prices are reasonable, and we never compromise on the quality and deadlines of your work.

Gudwriter Custom Papers

Special offer! Get 20% discount on your first order. Promo code: SAVE20

Related Posts

Free essay guides, how to write a graduation speech.

What is a Graduation Speech? A graduation speech is delivered at the graduation event to congratulate the graduates and provide them with advice and motivation. The speaker could be a student or professor. Your chance Read more…

Free TEAS Practice Test

Study and prepare for your TEAS exam with our free TEAS practice test. Free ATI TEAS practice tests are valuable resources for those hoping to do well on their TEAS exams. As we all know, Read more…

how to write a profile essay

How to Write a Profile Essay

To learn how to write a profile essay, you must first master where to begin. Given that this is a profile essay, it will be much simpler for students who have previously read autobiographical articles Read more…

  • Testimonials

Grade Markets

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Money-Back Guarantee
  • Affiliate Terms & Conditions
  • Custom Essay Writing
  • Term Paper Help
  • Case Study Help
  • Dissertation Writing
  • Research Paper Writing
  • Book/Movie Reviews
  • How it Works

How to Write a Double Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

  • Author Carly
  • Uncategorized
  • Comments Off on How to Write a Double Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

Double spacing is an editing method that refers to the space between the lines of your essay. The tutor will ask the student to double space to add the comments and editing marks.

Double spacing happens to be the norm in essay writing. The student can change the spacing depending on the word processing programs. They could be Microsoft word or the Mac’s Pages word-processing programs.

What is a Double Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is where the author formatted it using the double space between the lines and the paragraphs. Ideally, a double-spaced essay contains between 275 and 300 words per page depending on the font. The format becomes useful to the tutor as he will have a chance to make some corrections within what they provided in the space.

Double spaced essay example

A double-spaced essay can carry 275 words per page.

It all depends on the page margins where you are placing your text.

Suppose your page is of standard size, then the words will increase naturally.

When you are using an A4-sized page, then the same essay may contain fewer words.

Notably, the author can write as many words as he may desire. The only limit could be your ability. The shortest essay could range between 500 and 1000 words. However, any essayist could write thousands of words to expound on the provided topic.

The standard font for a double-spaced essay should be 12. Such empowers the writer to create at least 200 words for each page. When you are writing using this 12 point font, it makes the paragraphs to be understandable.

The college can penalize the student if he failed to stick to the instructions. As such, it is vital to work with 12 points when you are writing an essay.

When you are writing the essay, you can use any font type unless indicated in the instructions. If unsure, then you can select the Home tab as you click on the correct font icon.

Why Double Space?

We do double spacing to meet the requirements of the checker. Again double spacing is necessary to allow the teacher to comment on the feedback while evaluating the essay.

The essay should meet the desires of the reader and not the writer. You can read more about writing good essays on the guide about the contents and the structure.

Difference between Single and Double Spaced Essays

The double-spaced document involves creating additional space between the paragraphs. Such a format will feature two spaces where the writer will have to press the Enter button twice. The added space allows the teacher to make changes and other remarks.

A single-spaced paper is where there is little white space between the paragraphs. For this case, the tutor can also give instructions to students to use that format when writing a particular essay. The author only presses the Enter button once.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay

Whether writing a narrative report or an essay for your school, you should select a line for spacing your work. The double spacing design becomes great as it makes it easier for the author to get the flow of the text.

One can double-space the work by making the correct parameters for the selected text or the entire document. Several words processing documents exist to help you double space your work, as indicated in the following examples.

Double Spacing in MS Word

Begin by opening the document that you are working with. It could be either a blank document or having some needs text in it.

MS Word Double spacing

  • You can now create a default document to enable the whole document to stay double spaced by following the simple procedure as
  • Locate the toolbar and select the styles.
  • Right-click on the Normal on the Home tab
  • Click on modify on the pop-up menu.
  • Select the Formatting prompt and choose the Double spaced button.
  • Choose OK to activate the Double spacing design.
  • Create a space within your document where you desire to double space.
  • Highlight the text you desire to double space.
  • Click on Paragraph spacing and Line.
  • Chose option 2.0 to double space the highlighted space.

How to Spice up Double-Spacing your essay

One can make the essay remain engaging and interesting by double spacing it. Some of the things that could make it appealing are as follows:

a) Using Short Sentences

The purpose of essay writing is to impress the reader. As the research study indicates, you should use short sentences to make your essay more readable. The reason behind short sentences is that they are easy to understand.

It could be tempting if you settled on using large and complex vocabularies in your essay construction. In practice, complex sentences make it hard for the reader to enjoy the flow.

The secret is writing short and meaningful sentences and comes up with some charming lines. This is one of the recommended ways to become a better essay writer because you present your points in precise sentences.

b) Use Ordinary Words

The reader’s nature is that they appreciate small and ordinary words. Another thing is that the readers do not like to be exposed as having a vocabulary problem. You can make it more appealing by using simple common words.

The reader will be interested in the article if it carries the common words that they understand without any struggle. Such an engaging document will bring desirable outcomes.

c) Structure Your Essay Properly

A well-structured essay should arouse the interest of the reader. Precisely, a well-structured essay is ever reader-friendly. The author should make the content to be in the right structure. Follow simple steps to ensure that your essay remains in the proper structure.

Essay structure

For example, you should begin with the introduction but other content in the body and make your conclusion.

Such carries a standard format of organizing your work in an engaging manner.

Suppose your essay is talking about what history is all about, then you should write what comes up first.

End with what came last to ensure you are achieving proper structure.

d) Be Factual When Substantiating Your Claims

The most common mistake that the essayist make is writing what they only believe. The correct format is to substantiate those arguments with facts.

Never leave out empirical evidence because you do not believe in it. Such could make it easy to be undesirable. Also, avoid saturating the points facts that appear too odd.

The writer should also be keen never to jump to conclusions.  Let the author present the point backed by utmost research and weight.

The essay should address what the reader should find interesting. For that matter, make strong arguments for increasing your authority as a writer.

e) Keep Your Essay Relevant

Suppose your essay lacks relevancy, then it may fail to score better marks. An irrelevant essay means that it lacks sense in the common application. You can increase its relevancy by writing hot topics.

When you complete your essay, ensure you proofread it to fine-tune it from any deviations and errors. Become your first judge. Such tactics make you improve your writing as you move on.

You can retain your authority over the topic by sticking with the right facts. At that point, you will make any reader get glued to your piece.

f) Choose Hot Topics

The purpose of writing an essay is to engage the reader. The essay could fail to be interesting if you are writing on a boring old topic. The challenge lies in selecting the hot topic.

The writer should be careful in selecting the right topic. It calls for doing enough research to come up with the right topic of study. When unsure, then you can seek guidance from your faculty to know the correct topic to research and craft the essay about.

404 Not found

How-To Geek

How to double space in microsoft word.

Learn how to double space like a pro and ace that essay.

Quick Links

What is double-spacing, option 1: configure document to automatically double space, option 2: double space with a keyboard shortcut, option 3: double-space by editing the text properties.

If you need to add some line spacing to your Word document or write an APA style piece, double spacing is a useful feature. You can quickly double space your documents with just a few clicks or a keyboard shortcut.

Virtually every college student eventually has to double space a document in Microsoft Word. It provides plenty of margins to make notes or suggestions in a document. It's also a great way to make it easier to read---I can't read anything on a Kindle without changing the view to double-spaced, for instance---and can be more visually appealing for certain types of writing.

If you use Google's apps,  double spacing on Google Docs  is a common task as well. Fortunately, there are several ways to use double spacing in Microsoft Word. You can set your document up ahead of time with double-spaced formatting, or apply double spacing to the document after finishing it instead.

Related: How to Double-Space on Google Docs

If you don't have anything written yet, you can  use a cool trick  from the 2007 version of Microsoft Word (that still exists in the current version of the software) to create some random text to edit. Simply open up a new document, click anywhere in the field, and type

to create some fancy Lorem Ipsum text . Do this as many times as you like to create additional paragraphs.

Once you've generated your text or finished writing your document, it's time to set your line spacing.

Related: Undocumented Microsoft Word Feature: Insert Lorem Ipsum Text

If you want to configure your document to automatically double space as you write, there are two ways to do it.

The first method uses the "Line Spacing" icon under the "Home" tab. In the "Home" tab, navigate to the "Line Spacing" icon.

Select "2.0" from the drop-down menu. Your text will now be double spaced. You can do this to quickly double spacing at any point in the writing process, but it works best for setting up the document.

You can accomplish the same goal using the Design tab. Start by clicking the "Design" tab in the ribbon.

In the "Design" tab, navigate over to the "Paragraph Spacing" option. Select it to bring up a menu.

In the drop-down menu, select "Double :"

And that's it! Your document will now automatically set each line to double spaced as you write:

Another easy way to double space your documents is to use our old friend, the please note this method works as both a way to configure the document before writing and to double space while writing.

To double space with a keyboard shortcut, first highlight your desired text, or select everything using the Ctrl+A command.

With the desired text selected, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+2 to quickly apply double space formatting to your text.

A third method for double spacing your text is to edit the paragraph settings of specific passages. First, highlight the text you want or use Ctrl+A to select all:

Right-click your mouse to bring up a menu and select "Paragraph: "

In the "Paragraph" menu, select the drop-down menu located beneath "Line Spacing:"

Select "Double" and click "OK :"

Using these methods to quickly double space text in Microsoft Word will help you get past those formatting roadblocks with ease. Happy writing!

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay  

  • Post category: Nursing
  • Reading time: 15 mins read

How do you write a double-spaced essay? To write a double-spaced essay, first compose your essay in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Then, select your text and choose the ‘2.0’ option in the line spacing feature, which adds a full line of space after each line of text. This formatting makes your essay more readable and is often required in academic settings for clarity and ease of commenting.

This article will guide you through writing and formatting a double spaced essay, a skill essential for academic success.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is a piece of writing composed on standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) featuring one-inch margins. It is characterized by having double spaces between the lines within a paragraph while maintaining standard spacing between the paragraphs. 

A double-spaced essay typically contains about 275 to 300 words per page , depending on the font size and style. This spacing format is preferred because it allows tutors to easily read, correct, and understand the ideas presented in the essay.

The word count per page can also vary based on the page margins. For example, an essay on an A4-sized page might have fewer words than one on a standard page with one-inch margins, which generally holds around 275 words.

For shorter essays, which range from 250 to 1000 words, with 500 words being common in college, the length can vary based on the essay’s requirements, prompt, and topic.

Students are often advised to use a font size of 11 or 12, depending on the font type. Not adhering to the specified spacing and formatting guidelines can result in penalties, including grade reductions.

Significance of Double Spacing in Essays and Assignments

Double spacing is significant for several reasons:

  • Enhanced Readability: The additional space between lines prevents the text from appearing too dense, making it easier for readers to follow.
  • Room for Comments: Double spacing allows instructors to insert comments and feedback in academic settings.
  • Standardization: Many academic institutions and publications require double spacing to maintain a uniform appearance across all documents.
  • Error Detection and Editing Ease: The extra space makes it easier to spot and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, thereby improving the overall quality of the writing.
  • Professional Appearance: Double-spaced documents have a cleaner, more professional look, essential in academic and professional contexts where presentation is as important as content.

Double-Spacing vs. Other Styles of Spacing for Essays

Double-spacing is a common formatting style for essays, but it’s not the only option. Comparing it with other spacing styles can help understand their uses and benefits:

Double-Spacing: This style places a full blank line between each line of text. It’s preferred in academic settings for its readability and space for annotations. It’s ideal for longer essays where detailed feedback is expected. Here is an image showing what a double-spaced essay looks like:

double spaced essay

Single-Spacing: In this style, lines of text are directly below each other with no extra space in between. It’s more compact, allowing more words per page. Single-spacing is often used for business documents or in settings where space is limited. Here is an image showing what a single-spaced essay looks like:

single spaced essay

1.5 Spacing: This is a middle ground between single and double spacing. It makes text more readable than single spacing while saving space compared to double spacing. It’s suitable for shorter essays or documents where moderate readability is required. Here is an image showing what a 1.5-spaced essay looks like:

1.5 spaced essay

How to Set Double-Spacing on Your Computer

Setting double-spacing on your computer is a key skill for creating well-formatted documents, particularly for academic or professional writing. Below are simple steps to achieve double spacing in popular word processing programs like Microsoft Word and Pages on a Mac. By following these instructions, you can ensure your documents meet the necessary formatting standards for clarity and readability.

Pages on a Mac

To set double-spacing in your document using the Pages word processor on a Mac, follow these steps:

  • Start by highlighting the text in your document if you have already written something.
  • Click on the ‘Inspector’ button, identifiable by its blue icon located at the top right corner of your window.
  • A new window will open; here, select the ‘Text’ tab, represented by a large “T”.
  • In this tab, locate the ‘Spacing’ section and enter ‘2’ in the box next to the slider, setting your document to double-spaced formatting.

On Microsoft Word Processor

To double-space your assignment in a Word document, simply follow these steps:

  • If you’ve already typed some text in your Word document, begin by selecting (highlighting) it. If your document is still blank, you can skip this step. 

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay  

  • Next, click on the ‘Page Layout’ tab. 

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay  

  • In the ‘Paragraph’ section, you’ll notice a small arrow in the bottom left corner; click on this arrow to open a new window. 

How to Write a Double Spaced Essay  

  • The ‘Indents and Spacing’ tab will be open by default. Locate the ‘Line spacing’ dropdown menu and choose ‘Double’. 
  • Finally, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay in 9 Simple Steps

Writing a double-spaced essay involves several key steps to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper formatting. Here are nine simple steps to guide you through the process:

Read the Essay Prompt

Understanding the essay prompt requires an in-depth examination of the prompt to grasp its key themes, questions, or requirements. Identifying these elements is essential as they form the backbone of your essay. Themes guide the direction of your research and writing, helping you stay focused and relevant.

The specific questions in the prompt dictate the areas you need to cover, ensuring that your essay is comprehensive and addresses all necessary points. Additionally, understanding any specified requirements, such as word count or formatting, is vital to ensure your essay meets the expected standards. 

Select a Good Essay Topic

The key is to balance a topic that captivates your interest and one that aligns closely with the prompt’s requirements. It’s important to choose a subject you know or have a strong interest in, as this will reflect the depth and quality of your writing. At the same time, the topic should be sufficiently narrow or specific, allowing you to explore it in detail within the confines of your essay’s length.

This specificity ensures that you can delve deeply into the topic without exceeding word limits or skimming over important details. The right topic keeps you motivated throughout the writing process and ensures that your essay is focused, detailed, and relevant to the prompt.

Use Appropriate Evidence

Using appropriate evidence is a cornerstone of writing a strong, persuasive essay. It involves conducting thorough research to gather information from credible and authoritative sources. These sources can range from academic journals, which provide peer-reviewed and expert insights, to books authored by respected figures in the field and reputable websites known for their factual accuracy.

The key is to ensure that these sources are relevant to your essay’s topic and current, reflecting the latest research and developments. The evidence you select should directly support your thesis or main argument, providing solid backing for your claims. 

Present Your Facts Well

Presenting facts effectively in your essay involves structuring it to ensure a logical flow from one point to the next. Each paragraph should center around a clear main idea substantiated by the evidence you’ve gathered. Using transitional phrases to weave these paragraphs together is essential to maintaining coherence throughout your essay.

This approach strengthens the clarity of your argument and enhances the overall readability, guiding your reader through a well-reasoned, cohesive narrative.

Have a Good Essay Structure

A well-structured essay is pivotal for effective communication of your ideas. It typically comprises an introduction that introduces the thesis and outlines the main points, a body where these points are developed and supported with evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes the main arguments and restates the thesis, providing a cohesive end to your narrative.

This clear structure not only guides the reader through your argument but also reinforces the cohesiveness and persuasiveness of your essay.

Use Simple Vocabulary

Using simple vocabulary is crucial in essay writing. While demonstrating knowledge is important, avoiding overly complex or technical language that might confuse the reader is essential. The goal is to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. Opt for straightforward and accessible language, ensuring that your points are conveyed with clarity and precision.

This approach makes your essay more readable and ensures that your arguments are understood by a wider audience, regardless of their expertise in the subject matter.

Use Short and Long Sentences

Incorporating a mix of short and long sentences is an effective way to enhance the readability and impact of your essay. Short sentences are useful for making clear, impactful statements, while longer sentences allow for more detailed explanations and drawing connections between ideas.

This variety in sentence length adds rhythm and dynamism to your writing and helps maintain the reader’s interest, ensuring that complex ideas are conveyed with clarity and effectiveness.

Balance Your Paragraphs

Balancing your paragraphs is key to creating a well-structured and engaging essay. Aim for each paragraph to be of a length that allows a complete and coherent idea or argument to be fully developed without becoming overly lengthy or cumbersome. This balance ensures that each point is given adequate attention and explanation, enhancing the clarity and flow of your essay while also keeping it digestible and easy to follow for the reader.

Edit and Format Correctly

After completing your draft, revise and edit your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to the overall flow and clarity of your essay. Ensure that it is double-spaced per the required formatting standards, and check for any other specific formatting requirements, such as font size, margins, and citation style.

Should my College Essays be Double Spaced?

Yes, your college essays should generally be double-spaced. This formatting standard is widely adopted in academic writing because it enhances readability and allows instructors to make comments and suggestions. However, always check the specific guidelines your instructor or institution provides, as requirements can vary.

Conclusion on Writing a Double-Spaced Paper Format

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge of what a double-spaced essay entails, the steps to set double spacing on your computer, and strategies to enhance the quality of your double-spaced writing, thereby improving your chances of securing a better grade. These principles hold true regardless of the formatting style – be it MLA, Harvard, APA, or Chicago.  Following these guidelines, you can produce a well-crafted, double-spaced essay that effectively communicates your ideas and meets the required academic criteria.

You Might Also Like

Emergency response planning, advanced pathophysiology, discussions week 1 answers.

what is double spaced in an essay example

Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > Single spacing vs. double spacing: When to use which

Single spacing vs. double spacing: When to use which

When writing an essay for school or a business document for work, you may be asked to have either single or double-spaced text. It helps to know when to use which type of line spacing, especially if you aren’t provided with instructions on how to space your document. Learn about single versus double spacing and how the sentences in your document should be spaced out.

A person typing on their laptop

When would you use single or double spacing?

Line spacing requirements can vary depending on the type of essay or business document you are writing. If you are just writing a journal entry or are freewriting on your own, you can use whatever type of line spacing you like. However, there are some cases when choosing a specific type of line spacing matters:

Writing style guides

Most academic papers must adhere to the spacing requirements of whatever style guide they need to be written in. Most style guides, like MLA and APA , use double spacing. When you are proofreading your essay, be sure to check what line spacing is the requirement for a given style guide. Using the wrong spacing may be an honest mistake, but some strict instructors may end up deducting points for doing so!

Making documents more readable

Having different line spacing options is helpful for enhancing readability. For instance, a double-spaced document may be easier to browse through, and a single-spaced document will appear shorter and less overwhelming. Double spacing also gives instructors room to leave comments or questions on a printed document to show students where they can improve.

Get the most out of your documents with Word Banner

Get the most out of your documents with Word

Elevate your writing and collaborate with others - anywhere, anytime

Business documents

Most work-related documents like business letters are single-spaced. Some longer work documents can be written in double space to make them easier to skim through. Cover letters for job applications should also be written in single space.

Are there other types of line spacing besides single and double?

Some people prefer to use 1.15 and 1.5, which are the two spacing options in between single space (1.0) and double space (2.0). 1.15 is a good option for adding a little more space than single space, and 1.5 is ideal for spacing out documents without making them as large as double space. Some word processing tools like Microsoft Word also offer larger line spacing options like 2.5 and 3.0.

How to adjust your line spacing in Microsoft Word

If you want to change the line spacing of your Microsoft Word document:

  • Highlight all of the text in your document.
  • Navigate to the Home button.
  • Select the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon.
  • Under the drop-down menu, choose your desired line spacing.

Learn how to properly format your documents

Knowing which line spacing option to use is one of the many things you must know when formatting a document for work or school. Page indents, adding the correct amount of spaces after a period , and using the right fonts are a few examples of some ways to properly format a document and make it look more visually appealing. Find more writing tips to improve your spelling, punctuation, and formatting for your next paper or work project.

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

More articles like this one.

what is double spaced in an essay example

What is independent publishing?

Avoid the hassle of shopping your book around to publishing houses. Publish your book independently and understand the benefits it provides for your as an author.

what is double spaced in an essay example

What are literary tropes?

Engage your audience with literary tropes. Learn about different types of literary tropes, like metaphors and oxymorons, to elevate your writing.

what is double spaced in an essay example

What are genre tropes?

Your favorite genres are filled with unifying tropes that can define them or are meant to be subverted.

what is double spaced in an essay example

What is literary fiction?

Define literary fiction and learn what sets it apart from genre fiction.

Microsoft 365 Logo

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

LinkedIn Logo

Explore Other Categories

what is double spaced in an essay example

  • Master Your Homework
  • Do My Homework

Double Spacing for Research Papers: A Guide

For students who are preparing to write research papers, double-spacing can be an important element of formatting. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the practice of double-spacing for research papers, addressing topics such as history and purpose, considerations when using it in academic writing, and potential issues or drawbacks associated with its use. Additionally, guidelines will be provided that detail how best to go about implementing this style in any given paper or manuscript. It is our hope that this resourceful guide serves to educate readers on the importance of utilizing proper spacing techniques when composing their scholarly works.

I. Introduction to Double Spacing for Research Papers

Ii. advantages of double spacing in academic writing, iii. steps to enable double spacing in word processing programs, iv. the role of line and paragraph spacing settings, v. tips for maintaining consistent formatting during the writing process, vi. strategies for adjusting page lengths when working with a set number of pages or words vii. conclusion: examining the benefits of effective use of space within text-based documents.

The proper formatting for a research paper is essential to the success of your work. This section will guide you through all that you need to know about constructing, organizing and writing an effective double-spaced research paper.

  • Formatting To ensure readability and accuracy, make sure that your fonts are standard (Times New Roman or Arial), font size is set at 12 point and all text has one-inch margins.

Using the Right Line Spacing Research papers are some of the most challenging documents to craft as a student, professor or researcher. One aspect that makes them unique is their formatting requirements: specifically, line spacing. Double-spacing your research paper gives it an extra level of polish and professionalism that can make all the difference when it comes to readers’ experience.

It’s important for writers to understand how double-spacing works within their document — and why they should use this format in research papers. Here are just a few benefits:

  • Makes text easier on the eyes;
  • Increases readability;
  • Improves overall aesthetics.

. Double spacing throughout an entire paper also helps maintain consistency from page to page which is necessary for academic writing standards – yes, research papers ARE double spaced! . It allows authors greater flexibility when making additions or editing certain sections down the road without having to overhaul existing paragraphs with new line spacings every time changes occur.

Double spacing is one of the most effective strategies to improve the readability and presentation of an academic paper. It allows for ample line-height, thereby reducing eyestrain when reading large blocks of text. Additionally, double-spacing makes it easier to make annotations or corrections directly on a hardcopy document.

  • Are Research Papers Double Spaced?

Yes! The majority of research papers should be double spaced. Not only does this provide plenty of space for readers to review your content, but also helps ensure that all formatting remains consistent throughout the document – from font size and style choices through titles and headings down to margin sizes and page numbers. By allowing two lines between each sentence in your work, you can easily spot any errors related to grammar or spelling while still adhering closely enought othe original structure as specified by citation styles such as MLA or APA guidelines.

Making Double-Spacing Easier

As modern technology advances, the process of double spacing a document has become simpler and more straightforward. The steps required vary slightly depending on what type of word processing program you are using. However, most follow the same basic structure.

For Microsoft Word users, double-spacing is easy to enable with just a few clicks or keyboard shortcuts:

  • On your Home tab select Line Spacing.
  • Then choose 2.0 from the dropdown menu that appears.

. For Mac users working in Pages, go to Format > Document > Layout and then click ‘Line Spacing’. Here you can adjust it until it reads ‘2’ at which point it will be twice as long as single spacing. When writing research papers for school or college courses, double spacing should always be used. Doing this makes sure your paper meets formatting requirements set by professors while also making text easier to read for those grading your work!

Line and paragraph spacing settings play an essential role in formatting a written document. Spacing between lines of text, often referred to as line spacing or leading, helps to define the overall look of a paper; likewise, adjusting the amount of space given between paragraphs can help establish better readability for readers.

For academic writing purposes such as essays and research papers, standard conventions dictate that double-spaced lines should be used throughout with no additional spaces inserted before or after each paragraph. This is largely due to considerations around uniformity: it provides both writers and readers with clear margins from which they may work without confusion regarding where one thought ends and another begins.

Maintaining Consistent Formatting:

The writing process can be made easier by ensuring a consistent formatting throughout the document. Here are some tips to help ensure your project remains neat and organized as you write it.

• Familiarize yourself with the most common styles of formatting used in academic settings, such as MLA or APA.

  • Research papers typically require double-spacing between lines.
  • Quotations may need special indentation to set them apart from other text.

• Use templates when available. If your school provides examples for research paper formats, use those instead of starting from scratch. Templates will often provide guidelines on how best to format various elements within a written assignment.

Making the Most of Document Space

Creating documents that effectively utilize space within their pages can be a daunting task for many. Yet it is possible to make adjustments and optimize page lengths even when working with limited numbers of words or pages. Here are some strategies one can use:

  • Eliminate unnecessary information – If there are facts, figures, images, data points, etc., which don’t contribute meaningfully to your document’s main argument then they should be eliminated.
  • Reword long passages into shorter ones – Rewriting longer sentences into more concise language will reduce word count and still convey the same message.

In conclusion examining effective uses of space allows writers to adjust their page lengths whilst not compromising quality nor substance within their work pieces. Furthermore these methods provide tangible benefits such as improved focus and clarity in texts for both authors & readers alike!

The present guide provided a comprehensive overview of the use of double spacing for research papers. It discussed its advantages and disadvantages, as well as recommended typeset settings which can be used to ensure accuracy in manuscript formatting. We hope that this detailed guide has been able to provide readers with an understanding of how best they can adjust their writing environment for maximum productivity when working on research paper projects.

  • Have your assignments done by seasoned writers. 24/7
  • Contact us:
  • +1 (213) 221-0069
  • [email protected]

Grade Bees Logo

Should You Double Space an Essay: When and When Not To

Double Space an Essay

Double Space an Essay

What is Double Spacing?

Double spacing can be regarded as the formatting style in which a full blank line is purposefully left between every line within an essay. But when should you double space an essay?

Because of this, it doubles the number of vertical spaces between lines, hence resulting in more spaces between them. 

Double spacing is mostly utilized in academic writing such as essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations. 

what is double spaced in an essay example

Purpose of the Article 

The purpose of this article is to further explore the issue of double spacing in your essays in terms of when it should be done and when it should not, and the pros and cons of it. 

People Also Read : How Long is an Essay: Length and Pages for Different Essays

When to Double Space an Essay

1. academic institutions that require double spacing.

You should double-space your essay if your academic institution requires the summited work to be double-spaced. 

Use double space

Some educational institutions have set writing standards that should be utilized by every student pursuing education in them.

This standardizes the essay formats to make it easier for grading.

If you are in such an institution and it requires the submitted essays to be double-spaced, ensure that you adhere to the specified formatting to avoid losing marks. 

2. Writing Styles that Recommend Double Spacing

Some writing styles recommend double spacing. In most academic essays, the instructions specify the writing style you are required to present your paper.

The most popular or preferred writing styles for academic writing include American Psychological Association (APA) and Modern Language Association (MLA). 

The two writing styles are formatted in double spacing. If your professor instructs you to write an essay in MLA or APA style without specifying the level of spacing, you should write it in double space.

However, always be keen on following the instructions because you may be told to use the aforementioned formats but with different levels of spacing. 

3. Situations where it is Necessary

As noted, the prevailing academic conventions recommend the use of double spacing when writing your essays. 

As such, if you have been given an assignment on a particular topic and you have been told to write about it, you may decide to use double spacing because it is the most acceptable format within the academic context.

Additionally, you may need to create an essay that has high readability. This may be because you want your readers to follow your thought process without confusion. 

In the case of enhancing readability, it may be necessary to use double spacing because the paper will have more white (blank) spaces between lines. 

Further, longer documents like lengthy essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations will require double spacing instead of single spacing. 

This is because such documents have a lot of content and squeezing the lines and paragraphs together will make them appear dense and overwhelming. 

When Not to Double Space an Essay

1. shorter essays with strict word count limits.

In cases where you have been assigned a short essay with strict word count limits, you should avoid using double spacing. 

This is because shorter essays have lesser content and using more spaces between lines and paragraphs makes the content clattered or appear too far apart. The essay will look unprofessionally written. 

2. Writing Styles that Do Not Require Double Spacing

As noted, some styles dictate the type of spacing you will apply throughout your document.

essay writing

Some writing styles do not require double spacing and instead may need you to use single space (1.0), or one and a half space (1.5). Such styles especially apply to official letters.

3. Situations Where It’s Not Necessary

There are other situations where it is not necessary to use double space in your document. Such situations can occur when you are required to write an official letter as part of an assignment.

Other situations occur when the essay is short or when you feel that your document will appear more aesthetically pleasing when you use other types of spacing. 

People Also Read : How Many Words are 6 Pages of work? Get Optimized Essay Length

Pros and Cons of Double Spacing

Advantages of double spacing , easier to read.

One advantage of double spacing is that it makes the essay easier to read. The lines and paragraphs will be adequately spaced in relation to each other hence the reader will have no problem following the content. 

Provides Space for Annotations and Comments

Double spaces also leave adequate room for annotations and comments. Since there is enough space between the lines, you can annotate your references and make comments within them.

Additionally, double spacing allows editors or instructors to make corrections and give feedback on your work. 

Disadvantages of Double Spacing

Makes an essay appear longer than it actually is.

A major disadvantage of double spacing is that it makes the essay appear longer than it actually is. This is because double spacing increases the blank spaces between lines and paragraphs making lesser text occupy a page.

For example, 550 words can easily fit into a single-spaced page. However, if the page was double-spaced, only half of those words would fit into it. 

Can Be a Waste of Paper and Ink

By using double spacing in your essay, you will end up having a lot of white spaces (blank) between lines that contain no written text.

This means that you will end up wasting your paper because lesser words will fit into it. Additionally, you will end up printing more papers in a double-spaced essay hence wasting ink.

People Also Read : 9 Ways How to Make an Essay Longer and meet the Word Count

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Double Space an Essay

double spacing on Google doc

  • Open your document in a word-processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
  • Select (highlight) the entire text of your essay. You can use your computer’s cursor to manually highlight the entire text and then select it. You simply click and drag the cursor over the text and select it. 

To automatically select the entire text on computers running Windows Operating System (OS), you click “Ctrl + A”. For Apple’s Mac OS, you should click “Command + A”. 

  • After selecting the text, go to the formatting options. Those options are mostly found in the toolbar located at the top of the screen. They are labeled as “Line spacing” or “Paragraph”. 
  • You should click on the line spacing option where you will find a dropdown menu with pre-set spacing options.
  • Select the “2.0” or “Double” option for the dropdown menu. This will automatically adjust your essay’s line spacing to double.
  • Apply the changes so that the essay will become double-spaced. You should review the essay to ensure that the changes have taken full effect. 

In conclusion, the advantages of double spacing are that it makes the essay easier to read and it provides adequate space for comments and annotations. 

Additionally, double spacing is the most widely used spacing requirement for academic essays hence it can be widely applicable. 

However, the disadvantages of double spacing are that it is a waste of paper and ink because of the unnecessary spaces and it makes an essay appear longer than it is supposed to. 

The final thought on whether an essay should be double-spaced is that it all depends on the instructions or essay requirements. Always adhere to instructions to avoid academic penalties. 

People Also Read : What is a 3-4 Page Paper: How Long and how Many Paragraphs

What is the standard font size for double-spaced essays?

The standard font size used for double-spaced essays depends on the type of font. However, if you are using Times New Roman or Arial, the size will be 12. 

How much longer does double spacing make an essay appear?

Double spacing makes an essay appear two times longer than a single-spaced essay. This is because it creates double the space between lines hence doubling the length of the entire essay. 

Does double spacing apply to footnotes and references?

Double spacing does not apply to footnotes because the footnotes will end up taking a lot of spacing within the paper hence displacing the actual text (content) of the essay. 

However, references should be double-spaced if the rest of the essay (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion) is double-spaced. There should be consistency. 

Can you mix double spacing and single spacing in the same essay?

Mixing double spacing and single spacing is not acceptable in the same essay. 

However, it can occur if you are writing a double-spaced essay and you need to include a long quote from other sources. The long quote should be treated as an individual single-spaced paragraph. 

Does double spacing affect the readability of an essay?

Double spacing does not affect the reliability of an essay because it is the most utilized spacing option in academic writing.

However, if you have been instructed to use other forms of spacing such as single spacing and you use double spacing, it will make your essay unreliable. This is because you have gone against the instructions. 

Additionally, you will appear like a lazy student who wants to make your essay appear longer. This is because single-spaced essays appear shorter than double-spaced. 

Josh Jasen working

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

Related posts

Overcoming the feeling and fear of writing essays

Overcoming the feeling and fear of writing essays

Overcoming the Feeling and Fear of Writing Essays

Spaces between Paragraphs in an Essay

Spaces between Paragraphs in an Essay

How Many Spaces between Paragraphs in an Essay

Blackboard Detect Chat GPT

Blackboard Detect Chat GPT

Can Blackboard Detect Chat GPT and Other AI-Generated Text?

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, college essays—should they be double spaced.

Hi! I'm starting to work on my college application essays and I'm a little confused about formatting. Should college essays be double spaced or is it okay to keep it single spaced? Just want to make sure I'm doing it right. Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're paying attention to details like formatting for your college application essays. Most college application essays don't have specific formatting requirements, but generally speaking, it's a good idea to double-space your essay. Double spacing can make the essay easier to read and gives it a more polished appearance.

However, it's essential to check the requirements of each college you're applying to, as they may have specific formatting guidelines you should follow. When submitting essays through platforms like the Common Application or Coalition Application, the formatting is automatically set and doesn't usually require you to adjust spacing.

If you're sending your essay via email or uploading it as a separate document, it's best to use a standard format: 12-point font, Times New Roman or Arial, and double-spaced. Remember to include your name and the essay prompt you're responding to at the top of the page.

Best of luck with your college application essays!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Basic Computer Skills

How to Double Space

Last Updated: April 17, 2024

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 176,924 times. Learn more...

Whether you are writing an essay for school or a narrative report for work, you have to choose line spacing for any written work. Most people prefer to write with a double space between lines, because it makes it easier for the reader to follow the flow of the text. How you format your spacing depends on the word processing program you are using. Double space your work by setting up the right parameters for either an entire document or a selected amount of text.

Double Spacing in Microsoft Word

Step 1 Open up the document you are working on.

  • Look in the Styles group on the toolbar. On the home tab, right-click on Normal. Once a menu pops up, click on Modify.
  • Look for the Formatting prompt and click the Double Space button.
  • Click OK. This will set your entire document in a double space format.

Step 3 Create an area within your document where you want double spacing.

  • Highlight the text you want to double space.
  • Click on Line and Paragraph Spacing, which can be found in the Paragraph group of the Home tab.
  • Click on the 2.0 option. This will double space the area of the document you have highlighted.

Double Spacing in WordPerfect Programs

Step 1 Use the Line...

  • Place your cursor on the very top of the page if you want the entire document to be double spaced. Everything will be double spaced until you reset it to something else, such as 1.0 for single spacing.

Double Spacing in Google Docs

Step 1 Open up Google Docs in your web browser.

  • Click on Create New if you are starting a new document and you want to use double spacing.

Step 3 Select the area of text you want to double space by highlighting it.

  • Choose the last option, or 2.0. This is the value for double spacing.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Read instructions on double spacing for other word processing programs that are not in the Word, Wordperfect or Google families. Searching within the Help menu of most programs will provide instructions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

what is double spaced in an essay example

You Might Also Like

Format a Block Quote

  • http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/double-space-the-lines-in-a-document-HP010016550.aspx
  • http://wptoolbox.com/tips/DoubleSpacing.html

About This Article

  • Send fan mail to authors

Is this article up to date?

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Relive the 1970s (for Kids)

Trending Articles

How to Celebrate Passover: Rules, Rituals, Foods, & More

Watch Articles

Fold Boxer Briefs

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

IMAGES

  1. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    what is double spaced in an essay example

  2. How to Double Space Your Paper

    what is double spaced in an essay example

  3. What Should A Double Spaced Paper Look Like: Formatting Tips

    what is double spaced in an essay example

  4. Term paper double spaced. Paper-writing tips for history students at

    what is double spaced in an essay example

  5. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    what is double spaced in an essay example

  6. 3 Ways to Double Space

    what is double spaced in an essay example

VIDEO

  1. I was double spaced shamed and I find this behavior very wrong. My thumbs are just too quick

  2. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #06

  3. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #19

  4. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #13

  5. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #11

  6. Lit Analysis Essay From Scratch: Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" #02

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    Double spacing is an editing method that refers to the space between the lines of your essay. The tutor will ask the student to double-space to add the comments and editing marks. Double spacing happens to be the norm in essay writing. The student can change the spacing depending on the word processing programs.

  2. 18 Double Spaced Essay: How to Write It and Achieve a Top Grade

    Double-spacing is a typical requirement for college assignments, including dissertations and theses. A 1.5-spaced essay indicates that the sentences in a paragraph are separated by a distance of 1.5 mm, with no gaps between paragraphs. Finally, a single-spaced document contains small gaps between the lines, with a spacing of 1.0.

  3. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    What is a Double-Spaced Essay? In a double-spaced essay, the lines are separated by one inch around the paper, with no extra space between paragraphs. The essay should be on standard-sized (8.5″ x 11″) paper, with an inch margin around the paper. A double-spaced essay has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface.

  4. Double Spaced Essay: Guide, Examples, Steps, Tips, and Tricks

    A double-spaced paper or document, which is the most common, entails creating 2.0 spaces between lines in a paragraph without spaces between paragraphs. Double-spacing is a norm of most college assignments; even dissertations and theses are mostly double-spaced. A 1.5 spaced essay or document means that the lines or sentences in a paragraph are ...

  5. How to Double Space Your Paper

    Click on Inspector, which is a blue button on the top right of your window. When a new window opens, select the Text tab which is a large "T". Find the section labeled Spacing and type 2 into the box to the right of the slide bar. Cite this Article. Double spacing refers to the amount of space that shows between the individual lines of your paper.

  6. MS Word Tips: How to Use Double Spacing

    Method 1: Using the Ribbon. Open your Microsoft Word document. Highlight the text you want to double space or press Ctrl + A to select the entire document. Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon. In the Paragraph group, locate the Line Spacing option. It usually looks like three lines with an arrow next to it. Click on the arrow to open the Line ...

  7. Double Spaced Essay: Guide, Steps, Tips, and Tricks

    A double-spaced essay should be on a standard-sized (8.5"x 11") paper with an inch margin around the document. A double-spaced paper has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Here is a 2 paragraph double spaced essay example. Double-Spaced Essay Format. It is essential to know how to format your document after writing.

  8. How to Write a Double Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    Double spacing is an editing method that refers to the space between the lines of your essay. The tutor will ask the student to double space to add the comments and editing marks. Double spacing happens to be the norm in essay writing. The student can change the spacing depending on the word processing programs. […]

  9. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Tour with Examples

    Download an example formted paper to use every time you necessity to create an APA research paper. Order Now. What be a Double Spaced Essay? A double-spaced essay is in essay where the author formatted the space between the lines and the paragraphs using duplex spacing selection. Ideally, a double-spaced essay contains between 275 and 300 words ...

  10. How in Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

    Double spacing is an editing method that mention to one space between the lines a your topic. The tutor will demand the student to double-space to add the comments and editing marks. Double spacing happens up been this norm in essay writing. The student can replace the spacing depending over the word processing software.

  11. How to Double Space In Microsoft Word

    The first method uses the "Line Spacing" icon under the "Home" tab. In the "Home" tab, navigate to the "Line Spacing" icon. Select "2.0" from the drop-down menu. Your text will now be double spaced. You can do this to quickly double spacing at any point in the writing process, but it works best for setting up the document.

  12. Line spacing

    Exceptions to double line spacing are as follows: title page: Insert a double-spaced blank line between the title and the byline on the title page. For professional papers, also include at least one double-spaced blank line above the author note (student papers do not include author notes). Double-space the rest of the title page.

  13. How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay

    To write a double-spaced essay, first compose your essay in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Then, select your text and choose the '2.0' option in the line spacing feature, which adds a full line of space after each line of text. This formatting makes your essay more readable and is often required in academic settings ...

  14. A step-by-step guide for creating and formatting APA Style student papers

    Double-space the whole title page. Place the paper title three or four lines down from the top of the page. Add an extra double-spaced blank like between the paper title and the byline. Then, list the other title page elements on separate lines, without extra lines in between.

  15. Single spacing vs. double spacing

    Having different line spacing options is helpful for enhancing readability. For instance, a double-spaced document may be easier to browse through, and a single-spaced document will appear shorter and less overwhelming. Double spacing also gives instructors room to leave comments or questions on a printed document to show students where they ...

  16. Double-Spacing Demystified: The Research Paper Format

    The most common example of this is the standard for student essays, which are often written with a double line space. Benefits: Double-spacing makes text easier to read; it increases the physical space between words, providing enough separation so readers can easily distinguish one word from another.

  17. Double Spacing for Research Papers: A Guide

    Double spacing is one of the most effective strategies to improve the readability and presentation of an academic paper. It allows for ample line-height, thereby reducing eyestrain when reading large blocks of text. Additionally, double-spacing makes it easier to make annotations or corrections directly on a hardcopy document.

  18. Should You Double Space an Essay: When and When Not To

    For example, 550 words can easily fit into a single-spaced page. However, if the page was double-spaced, only half of those words would fit into it. Can Be a Waste of Paper and Ink. By using double spacing in your essay, you will end up having a lot of white spaces (blank) between lines that contain no written text. ...

  19. PDF Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition

    • Line spacing: Use double-spacing for the entire paper (including block quotations and the reference list). Do not add blank lines before or after headings. Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs. • Paragraph alignment and indentation:Align paragraphs of text to the left margin. Leave the right margin ragged. Do not use full ...

  20. College essays—should they be double spaced?

    Double spacing can make the essay easier to read and gives it a more polished appearance. However, it's essential to check the requirements of each college you're applying to, as they may have specific formatting guidelines you should follow. When submitting essays through platforms like the Common Application or Coalition Application, the ...

  21. 3 Ways to Double Space

    Download Article. 1. Use the Line Spacing or Leading feature in Wordperfect to create a double space between lines in the entire document or just a section. 2. Click on Format. You will see a menu that offers Line. Click on Line and then on Line Spacing. 3. Type 2.0 in the Spacing box that pops up.

  22. How to Use Double vs. Triple Spacing

    Double Spacing Examples. In Microsoft Word: For double-spaced lines, under the Paragraph setting, set your Line Spacing to 2.0 (or "Double") and set the spacing before and after to 0 points. Triple Spacing Examples. In Microsoft Work: If you need to add a triple space somewhere, click a line above or below and adjust the Paragraph setting. ...