How to Make Index Cards in Microsoft Word in 2026

Word can print index cards directly. You just need to set the right paper size or use a label/table layout so multiple cards fit on one sheet. Here are three ways to do it, starting with the simplest.

Method 1: Set a Custom Paper Size (One Card Per Page)

This is the cleanest method if your printer accepts index cards directly in the feed tray.

Step 1: Set the page size to match your index card

1. Open a blank document in Microsoft Word.
2. Click the Layout tab in the ribbon. (Older Word installs may show this as Page Layout.)
3. Click Size, then select More Paper Sizes at the bottom of the dropdown.

4. In the Page Setup dialog, open the Paper Size dropdown and select Custom Size.
5. Set the dimensions for your card: The larger number is always the width; the smaller is the height.
   • 3×5 card: Width 5″, Height 3″
   • 4×6 card: Width 6″, Height 4″

6. Click OK. Your document canvas will shrink to index-card size.

Step 2: Set narrow margins

The default 1″ margins eat up most of a 3×5 card. Switch to 0.5″ margins so you have usable space.

1. Click Layout > Margins.
2. Select Narrow (0.5″ on all sides).

Step 3: Type your content and add more cards

1. Type your content on the card. Each page in this document is one index card.
2. To add another card, click the Insert tab, then click Page Break. A new card-sized page appears.

Step 4: Print

1. Load index cards into your printer tray. Some printers accept a small stack; others require you to feed one at a time. Check your printer manual if you’re not sure.
2. Go to File > Print.
3. Make sure the paper size in the print dialog matches your card size. If it shows Letter, open the printer properties and change it to match your custom size.
4. Do a test print on regular paper first to confirm the layout before loading your card stock.

Method 2: Use the Labels Workflow (Multiple Cards Per Sheet)

If you want to print several cards on a single sheet of card stock and cut them out, the Labels method is faster than duplicating custom-sized pages manually.

1. Click the Mailings tab.
2. Click Labels.
3. In the dialog that opens, click Options.
4. Browse the label sizes or click New Label to define a custom card size (e.g., 3×5 or 4×6).
5. Click OK, then click New Document. Word generates a full sheet of card-sized boxes.
6. Type content into each cell, then print on card stock and cut.

Method 3: Use a Table Grid (Most Flexible Layout)

A table gives you full control over card size and lets you add borders, ruled lines, or different content in each cell, all on a standard Letter or A4 sheet.

1. Open a blank document. Leave the page size at Letter (8.5×11″).
2. Click Insert > Table and choose a grid that fits your card count. For 3×5 cards on a Letter sheet, a 2-column table works well.
3. Right-click a cell and select Table Properties.
4. Under the Row tab, set a fixed row height. Under the Column tab, set the column width to match your card dimensions.
5. Add borders or horizontal lines inside cells to simulate ruled index cards if needed.
6. Print on card stock, then cut along the cell borders.

Which Method Should You Use?

If Your Printer Won’t Feed Index Cards

Not every printer handles small media. If yours jams or refuses to feed index cards directly, use Method 2 or Method 3 to print on standard card stock (67 lb or 110 lb cover stock works well), then cut the cards with a paper trimmer. A rotary trimmer gives cleaner edges than scissors.

The custom page size method (Method 1) works for most people printing one card at a time. If you need a batch of cards fast, the table grid in Method 3 is the most flexible; you can add ruled lines, adjust spacing, and reuse the layout as a template. If your printer won’t accept index cards directly, print on card stock and cut. The result looks just as clean.