How to Change Line Spacing in Google Docs

Line spacing controls the amount of vertical space between lines of text in Google Docs. Changing it can make a document easier to read or help you meet specific formatting requirements for an assignment, report, or other document.

Google Docs includes several ready-made spacing options, including single, 1.15, 1.5, and double spacing. You can also enter custom spacing when you need more control.

QUICK ANSWER

Go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing

Select the text you want to change, then open Format > Line & paragraph spacing. Choose Single, 1.15, 1.5, Double, or Custom spacing.

How to Change Line Spacing on a Computer

1

Select the text

Highlight the paragraph or paragraphs you want to change.

2

Open the spacing menu

Go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing, or use the spacing button in the toolbar.

3

Choose the spacing

Select Single, 1.15, 1.5, Double, or Custom spacing.

EGGLOVER TIP

If you want to change the entire document, use Ctrl+A on Windows or Command+A on Mac to select all the text before choosing the line spacing.

Single vs Double Spacing

Spacing	What It Does	Common Uses
Single	Keeps lines relatively close together	Notes, letters, compact documents
Double	Adds more vertical space between lines	Drafts, reviews, and documents with double-spacing requirements

How to Double Space in Google Docs

Double spacing is one of the built-in spacing options, so you do not need to manually press Enter between lines.

Double-spacing steps

1. Select the text.
2. Open Format > Line & paragraph spacing.
3. Click Double.

How to Use Custom Spacing

If the preset options do not give you the spacing you need, Google Docs also provides a Custom spacing option.

Select the paragraphs, open Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Custom spacing, enter the values you want, then click Apply.

If the preset options do not give you the spacing you need, Google Docs also provides a Custom spacing option.

Select the paragraphs, open Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Custom spacing, enter the values you want, then click Apply.

Line Spacing vs Paragraph Spacing

These two settings are easy to confuse.

These two settings are easy to confuse.

Line spacing

Changes the space between individual lines inside a paragraph.

Paragraph spacing

Changes the gap before or after separate paragraphs.

IMPORTANT

If the document still looks double-spaced after you choose Single, the extra gap may be paragraph spacing rather than line spacing. Check the options for space before or after the paragraph.

How to Change Line Spacing on Android

The Google Docs Android app also lets you adjust line spacing.

Android steps

1. Open the document and tap Edit.
2. Select the text you want to change.
3. Tap Format.
4. Find Line spacing.
5. Use the minus or plus controls to adjust the spacing.

How to Change Line Spacing on iPhone or iPad

The process is similar in the iPhone and iPad apps.

iPhone and iPad steps

1. Open the document and tap Edit.
2. Select the text.
3. Tap Format, then Paragraph.
4. Find Line spacing.
5. Use the arrows to adjust the spacing.

Why Does My Document Still Look Double-Spaced?

If changing the line spacing does not remove the large gaps, inspect the paragraph spacing.

On a computer, select the affected text and open Format > Line & paragraph spacing. Look for options such as removing space before or after a paragraph.

Related Google Docs Guides

How to Change Margins in Google Docs

Adjust the blank space around each page.

How to Remove a Blank Page in Google Docs

Fix blank pages caused by spacing and page breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I double space in Google Docs?

Select the text, go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing, and choose Double.

Can I use custom line spacing?

Yes. Choose Custom spacing from the Line & paragraph spacing menu and enter your preferred values.

Can I change line spacing on my phone?

Yes. Both Android and iPhone or iPad Google Docs apps provide line-spacing controls for selected text.

Why does Single spacing still look too wide?

The extra gap may be paragraph spacing. Check for additional space before or after the paragraph.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Choose the spacing that matches your document

Google Docs makes it easy to switch between single, 1.15, 1.5, double, and custom line spacing. If the spacing still looks wrong, check paragraph spacing before changing the line spacing again.

SOURCES AND LAST CHECKED

This guide is based on current Google Docs Editors Help documentation for paragraph formatting and line spacing on computer, Android, iPhone, and iPad. Google may change interface details over time. Last checked: September 2026.