Since you have an even page section break, the default number will be 2. In print, Word adds a "filler" page, if necessary, so that the first page is a left (even-numbered page).

What you can do is create nested fields to recalculate page numbers as follows:

{ = { PAGE } - 1 }



Each pair of field delimiters, { }, must be inserted by pressing Ctrl+F9 on the keyboard. Press F9 to update fields in the selection. To show/hide field codes, press Alt+F9.

However, note that if you use page numbers in your table of contents, or (say) in an automatic cross-reference, Word will display the number represented by the PAGE field.

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional