4 Ways To Make An Essay Appear Longer Than It Is - WikiHow

Home » How To Make A Paper Longer » 4 Ways To Make An Essay Appear Longer Than It Is - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make an Essay Appear Longer Than It Is PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Jake Adams

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Playing with the Font
    • |
  • Manipulating Spacing and Margins
    • |
  • Adjusting the Header and Footer
    • |
  • Expanding the Content
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams. Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 12 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,784,844 times.

You are writing a paper and the deadline is approaching, but you are nowhere near the page limit. Many students find themselves in this position. Luckily for you, you can lengthen your paper by using a few tricks. Increasing the font size, adding a lengthy header, and manipulating the spacing between lines are just a few strategies you can use to make your essay appear longer. However, be aware that breaking your teacher’s guidelines may result in a lower grade.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Playing with the Font

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Choose a slightly larger font. 1 Choose a slightly larger font. If your teacher is unclear about which fonts you can use, pick one of the larger fonts like Arial, Courier New, Bangla Sangam MN, Quicksand, Armen CT or Cambria. If your teacher limits the font to Times New Roman, try choosing a similar, but larger font like Bookman Old Style.[1]
    • Don’t pick a very large font like Arial Black or Lucida Handwriting. Your teacher will notice that you are trying to make your essay longer by choosing a larger font.
  2. Step 2 Adjust the font size. 2 Adjust the font size. Your teacher will most likely require that you use 12 pt. font. To make your essay appear longer, try increasing the font size to 12.1, 12.3, or 12.5. See which adjustment makes the biggest difference without being too noticeable.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Increase the size of periods and commas. 3 Increase the size of periods and commas. Hold down control+F on your keyboard. This is the find/replace function. Select all the 12 pt. periods and commas. Replace them with 14 pt. periods and commas.[3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Manipulating Spacing and Margins

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Increase the spacing between lines. 1 Increase the spacing between lines. If your teacher requires single or double spacing, try increasing the spacing by .1. Click “Format” then “Paragraph.” Under “Line Spacing” choose “Multiple.” Type 2.1 or 1.1 into the box under “At.”[4]
  2. Step 2 Increase the right margin by a quarter. 2 Increase the right margin by a quarter. If your teacher requires the margins to be 1 inch (2.5 cm), try increasing the right margin to 1.25 inches (3.2 cm). Click “Format” then “Document.” In the box next to “Right” type in 1.25. Adjusting the right margin by a quarter (or less) usually does not produce any visible changes.[5]
    • If the increase is too noticeable, then try 1.15 or 1.1 instead.
    • Because all documents are left justified, avoid increasing the left margin. Adjusting the left margin will produce a noticeable change that your teacher will detect.
  3. Step 3 Increase the bottom margin by a quarter. 3 Increase the bottom margin by a quarter. Click “Format” then “Document.” In the box next to “Bottom” type in 1.25. If this increase is too noticeable, then try 1.15 or 1.2 instead. Manipulating the bottom margin is a useful strategy in making your essay appear longer, without it being too obvious.[6]
  4. Step 4 Expand the character spacing. 4 Expand the character spacing. Increasing the distance between words is another way to increase the length of your paper. Select the text you want to expand. Click “Font” then “Advanced.” Next to “Spacing” choose “Expanded.” Then type 1.5 into the box next to “By.”[7]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Adjusting the Header and Footer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Lengthen your header. 1 Lengthen your header. Lengthen your header by including your name, the date, the course title and number, your teacher’s name, and your email or identification number. Including any more information than that will make the header too long. Also double-space the header.[8]
  2. Step 2 Place the title of the paper on a separate line below the header. 2 Place the title of the paper on a separate line below the header. Center the title and bold it. Also, increase the font size to 14. Make sure the space between the title and the header and the title and the first paragraph is double-spaced.[9]
  3. Step 3 Add a footer with page numbers. 3 Add a footer with page numbers. Click “Insert” then “Page Numbers.” Under “Position” select “Bottom of Page (Footer).” This will add a footer with page numbers to the bottom of your page, increasing the length of your essay.[10]
    4. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Expanding the Content

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Spell out numbers less than ten. 1 Spell out numbers less than ten. For example, spell out one and two instead of using the numerals. This will not only make your essay longer, but it will also look more professional since it is a requirement in formal writing.[11]
  2. Step 2 Write out contractions. 2 Write out contractions. Write out contractions wherever possible to increase the length of your essay. For instance, instead of using “it’s,” write, “it is," or instead of using "can't," write, "cannot." It will also make your essay appear more formal.[12]
  3. Step 3 Minimize pronouns. 3 Minimize pronouns. Wherever possible, use specific names instead of pronouns. For example, instead of writing “they,” write, “Angela, Mark, and Tony.” However, use pronouns when writing out names becomes too wordy. Wordiness can detract from the readability and quality of your paper.[13]
  4. Step 4 Include supporting material. 4 Include supporting material. Adding quotations, anecdotes from personal experience, and paraphrasing research are strategies you can use to lengthen your essay. However, make sure the supporting material is relevant and strengthens the points you are trying to make.[14]
    • Additionally, if you are quoting or paraphrasing research or literature, make sure to cite it properly. Citations can add extra length to a paper as well.
  5. Step 5 Ensure that each paragraph has a topic and a concluding sentence. 5 Ensure that each paragraph has a topic and a concluding sentence. Introduce the paragraph with a topic sentence. This sentence should state your argument. Provide supporting evidence. Then conclude the paragraph by summarizing the points you just made, or by restating your opinion.[15]
    • Expand your introductory paragraph with an attention-getting statement to hook the reader in.[16]
  6. Step 6 Be as descriptive as possible. 6 Be as descriptive as possible. Instead of saying, "The painting was red,” say, "The magnificent piece of art was full of vibrant, warm colors such as red, brown and mahogany.” In addition to lengthening your essay, you may give off the impression that you're truly passionate about the topic.[17]
    • However, try to avoid being descriptive when it is unnecessary since this may cause your paper to appear embellished or sound verbose.
  7. Step 7 Draw out your conclusion. 7 Draw out your conclusion. Conclusions don't have to be limited to one paragraph. Start your conclusion with a paragraph that simply summarizes your paper. Add a second paragraph that makes a final point about your thesis and how it can be applied to contexts outside of your paper.[18]
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I increase the amount of words I use for a simple word? Can you give more examples? Community Answer Community Answer You could expand on a group of words. For example, instead of "Apples are important," you could write "Apples, which have several nutritious values, are important to society." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 92
  • Question How do I hand write a paper and make it appear longer? Cloudcrunch Cloudcrunch Community Answer Try to write as big as possible and add as much detail as possible. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 77
  • Question How does decreasing the right margin on an essay make it appear longer? Community Answer Community Answer There will be fewer words on a line, meaning that they will be moved to another line. This overall increases the line count and (if it's long enough) page count. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 43
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Copy and paste your paper into a new document. Make these changes to the new document. Then compare and contrast the document with the changes to the original document. Remove any adjustments that seem obvious. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Use a thesaurus to find longer synonyms to use in place of shorter ones. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Spell out abbreviations; for example, write out “United States" instead of using "US." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be aware that breaking your teacher’s guidelines may be considered cheating, which may result in a lower grade or even a zero. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
  • Don't be redundant. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Format an EssayHow toFormat an Essay Format a Word Document to Look ProfessionalEasy Steps to Make a Word Document Look Professional Format a ManuscriptHow toFormat a Manuscript Do MLA Format on Google DocsMLA Format in Google Docs: Easy Guide to Setting Up Your Paper Make a Font Smaller in Microsoft WordHow toMake a Font Smaller in Microsoft Word Format a Word DocumentEasily Format Word Docs from Scratch or Using Templates Write a Paper for School in MLA FormatHow toWrite a Paper for School in MLA Format Format a PoemHow toFormat a Poem Make a Title PageHow toMake a Title Page Change Your HandwritingHow toChange Your Handwriting Double Space in WordHow toDouble Space in Word Write an Office LetterHow toWrite an Office Letter Format a Block QuoteHow toFormat a Block Quote Write a Letter Asking for an ExtensionHow toWrite a Letter Asking for an Extension Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.paperhelp.org/blog/how-to-make-a-paper-longer.html
  2. ↑ https://www.paperhelp.org/blog/how-to-make-a-paper-longer.html
  3. ↑ https://www.paperhelp.org/blog/how-to-make-a-paper-longer.html
  4. ↑ https://www.paperhelp.org/blog/how-to-make-a-paper-longer.html
  5. ↑ https://www.jakebinstein.com/blog/how-to-make-an-essay-look-longer/
  6. ↑ https://www.jakebinstein.com/blog/how-to-make-an-essay-look-longer/
  7. ↑ https://studentshare.org/study-guides/how-to-make-your-essay-look-longer
  8. ↑ https://www.jakebinstein.com/blog/how-to-make-an-essay-look-longer/
  9. ↑ https://www.jakebinstein.com/blog/how-to-make-an-essay-look-longer/
More References (9)
  1. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/advice/a27491/tricks-you-try-to-make-your-school-paper-longer/
  2. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/advice/a27491/tricks-you-try-to-make-your-school-paper-longer/
  3. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-make-paper-longer-793288
  4. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/advice/a27491/tricks-you-try-to-make-your-school-paper-longer/
  5. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-make-paper-longer-793288
  6. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-make-paper-longer-793288
  7. ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/advice/a27491/tricks-you-try-to-make-your-school-paper-longer/
  9. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-make-paper-longer-793288

About This Article

Jake Adams Co-authored by: Jake Adams Academic Tutor This article was co-authored by Jake Adams. Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been viewed 1,784,844 times. 18 votes - 79% Co-authors: 121 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,784,844 Categories: Featured Articles | Essays Article SummaryX

To make an essay appear longer than it is, pick a font that's slightly larger than Times New Roman, like Arial, Courier New, or Cambria. If you're required to use 12-point font, try increase the font to 12.1 or 12.2 to gain some extra length without the font looking noticeably larger. Then, press on Control and the F key at the same time to activate the find and replace function, and replace all of the commas and periods with 14-point font. If the essay still isn't long enough, increase the line spacing by 0.1 or 0.2 and make the right margin 0.1-0.2 inches larger. For tips on adjusting the header and footer or adding more content to your essay, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian German Chinese French Indonesian Dutch Arabic Vietnamese Thai Korean
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,784,844 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Grace Baker

    Grace Baker

    Nov 19, 2018

    "By using all of these tips, I lengthened my paper a full page and a half. Please be careful of using the..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jake Adams Co-authored by: Jake Adams Academic Tutor 18 votes - 79% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 121 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,784,844 Grace Baker

Grace Baker

Nov 19, 2018

"By using all of these tips, I lengthened my paper a full page and a half. Please be careful of using the..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 7, 2017

"This article was very helpful! I had to write a one-page minimum response to an article I had to read, and I was..." more Lucan Wrigley

Lucan Wrigley

May 22, 2017

"I was super stressed when I saw my half page essay, compared to some kids who had 4 whole pages, front and back...." more Rated this article: Susan Smith

Susan Smith

Aug 10, 2016

"This article was very concise, and it helped a great deal. All the points were good and gave me lots of things I..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

May 27, 2017

"The fact that things are sorted neatly helped, and that it does point out that these may be cheating." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Impossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizGrammar TestGrammar TestTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizAm I Ready for College QuizAm I Ready for College QuizTake QuizCollege Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?College Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?Take Quiz

You Might Also Like

Format an EssayHow toFormat an EssayFormat a Word Document to Look ProfessionalEasy Steps to Make a Word Document Look ProfessionalFormat a ManuscriptHow toFormat a ManuscriptDo MLA Format on Google DocsMLA Format in Google Docs: Easy Guide to Setting Up Your Paper

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Am I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake QuizCollege Recommendation ToolCollege Recommendation ToolHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizCliché Writing Test: Check Your Short Story, Essay, Poem & MoreCliché Writing Test: Check Your Short Story, Essay, Poem & MoreAnalyzeAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizCognitive TestCognitive TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • College University and Postgraduate
  • Academic Writing
  • Essays
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --824

Tag » How To Make A Paper Longer